tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449686582623626838.post1129767174404775638..comments2023-12-31T17:33:55.336-08:00Comments on Gangs and the Media: Spectacle, Desperation, and JusticeJohn Hagedornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17468017373407363887noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3449686582623626838.post-71301087698049939152015-06-10T09:39:57.304-07:002015-06-10T09:39:57.304-07:00I agree with your sentiment to a certain extent ab...I agree with your sentiment to a certain extent about an entertainment district in downtown Milwaukee concentrating amenities for the middle and wealthy class. It makes little sense in this fear-based economy/society we live in to address the needs of the desperate in close proximity to the proposed arena. <br /><br />What this project needs is a strong, dedicated voice connected to a large collective of people to ensure there is a fair balance of middle and wealthy class amenities from this development. That includes locally sourced construction with high wages and minority set asides. Focusing on specific downtown development that revenue from the arena will spur is not enough. Complete strategic planning for this arena will assure a fair percentage of generated revenue is allocated toward some of our city's most glaring issues such as low income housing, youth activities and programming, job training and development, and homelessness. A fancy downtown with successful upper class amenities does not hide the fact that there are little to no resources for young people, gun violence is an ever-escalating epidemic, and black unemployment is above 50% in certain areas.<br /><br />I appreciate this post because I love and care for the future of my city. I understand that private dollars are going to get this deal underway but the public investment and partnership element is key to creating a cultural amenity that everyone in Milwaukee can enjoy, appreciate and respect. I am also biased because the basketball fan in me wants to see Jabari and Giannis carry the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship, not the Las Vegas Bucks. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10835363621839379098noreply@blogger.com