I know, from watching my Google alerts for Concord NC, that the story of Bruton Smith and Lowe's Motor Speedway and Concord and the battles therein has swept the nation. (Granted, you might have ignored it if you don't follow NASCAR.)
Bruton, he of the multi-bazillion dollars, finally announced that he'll leave the Speedway in Concord. AFTER squeezing $80 million in concessions out of Concord.
Yes, I too believe that this should come directly out of the pockets of the city officials who were stupid enough to tell Bruton what he can and can't do with his Speedway land. But that's neither here nor there.
The fact of the matter is that every single person in Cabarrus County, whether a resident or a traveller en route, will benefit from these promises and concessions. We're going to get many much-needed road improvements. The Speedway will be improved to the tune of $100 million, which will increase its draw as an event magnet. Most importantly, we keep the Speedway and the tourism revenue that it generates (estimated at $169 million annually).
I admit that I liked the idea espoused in yesterday's Charlotte Observer, that Bruton should be handling all negotiations with the state, since he knows how to bend these legislators to his will. There are many more improvements that the Charlotte region could use, to handle the growth which isn't slacking off at all, so let's put Bruton in charge.
And seriously, everyone quit whining about what Bruton's getting in the way of concessions. Look at the positives, please?
And if you weren't following the saga, here's the old news:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/225274/Concord-PLEASE-Don-t
http://activerain.com/blogsview/251365/An-Idea-for-Concord
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