State Budget Committee OKs funding for Hulman Center project

[SycamoreStateofMind]

So what exactly is the issue with the high schools? I keep seeing petitions on social media to get Tanoos out but I'm too far removed to know what is actually going on? Is it just operational costs of having two schools?

I'd imagine if you were to merge into one mega school, you'd probably need to build a new facility somewhere in between. Is there any central land available that could serve that purpose? I imagine the far outliers would probably have a significant commute so would bus transportation eat up any saved costs? This also sounds like another issue with those property tax caps. We voted here in Fishers last year to raise our property taxes to go to the schools. Even though my second spawn is almost done, we still voted yes on the measure.

Ha. Where to begin.

Danny being removed may well take care of its self. I think regardless of petitions or investigations he is nearing retirement age. I would say he is a year or two (max) away from retirement. I think he'd like to get something settled with the high schools before he walks away and good on him for that. Most of the people wanting him out are people still upset about the FBI investigation (rightfully so).

All 3 high schools have high maintenance costs. They are out dated, undersized among several other things. My guess is they will just renovate the two faculties. Danny and the community seem to be in agreence that one mega school is not a good idea. We could toss out many reasons why this is or isn't a good idea - I'm really not too worried about it one way or another. They defiantly need to get something done sooner rather than later as those 3 schools are in poor condition.

 

[niklz62]

I gotta think that having an existing structure for both schools renovated has to be cheaper than building 1 new building for both.

 

[Westbadenboy]

Just a couple comments from afar:

Terre Haute is notorious for incredible ...awful government. Nothing new there. Remember Tucker and Larrison -- most of you don't but the snow does still go away when it melts and those coeds are still giving "it" away for free.

That said, I never really understand these ideas for a "convention center" for towns the size of Terre Haute -- what "conventions" are coming to Terre Haute ? ? ? In my opinion, that was simply an attempt to get the city/county to chip in on the project.

Most importantly, while I appreciate what Bradley has done and Clink is doing, I'm still baffled by the lack of attempts to get money from alumni and supporters. My God, we are months into this athletic fundraiser "Elevate" -- I'm a Varsity club member -- and still not one ....not one communication from the athletic dept about a contribution ! And we are just a over a week away from football opening night and nothing about rejoining the Varsity Club !
Are you kidding me ? ? ?

Now I know my lousy few bucks were not going to fund the HC project. But is the above an example of the effort ISU has made ?

And what about naming rights ..... how can stadiums and arenas across the nation be getting built with all kinds of businesses names attached to them and ISU can't find one for this ? ? ?

And what about the Hulmans -- after all these years they still get their name attached, spend millions on the Speedway every year, and can't chip in a few million for something with great historic significance for their family and where they first made their fortune.

In my opinion ISU should have recognized the burden was going to fall on them and there should be construction crews at HC right now.

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Most importantly, while I appreciate what Bradley has done and Clink is doing, I'm still baffled by the lack of attempts to get money from alumni and supporters. My God, we are months into this athletic fundraiser "Elevate" -- I'm a Varsity club member -- and still not one ....not one communication from the athletic dept about a contribution ! And we are just a over a week away from football opening night and nothing about rejoining the Varsity Club !

Are you kidding me ? ? ?

Now I know my lousy few bucks were not going to fund the HC project. But is the above an example of the effort ISU has made ?

As I stated in the other thread on this, communications were sent via email. If you didn't receive it, its on YOU to contact the Alumni office and make sure they have a good working email address on file. It was sent out both in the general ISU newsletter as well as the SAF newsletter. I received them both.

Further, I announced Elevate here before it went public. It said you read the thread so you knew about it. You could have clicked on the GoSycamores site and made a contribution if you were really interested in doing so.

Original Elevate thread: http://www.sycamorepride.com/showthread.php?38300

 

[Jason Svoboda]

In my opinion ISU should have recognized the burden was going to fall on them and there should be construction crews at HC right now.

I'd say that is what they're doing at this point. The original project was announced over 30 months ago.

The timing of ISU's press release in relation to the other TribStar piece on city finances not getting better isn't coincidence. Odds are there were some State legislature timelines on that money so they're simply reversing course so they can still get something done.

 

[BankShot]

Updated article in today's (Wed) Trib-Star, reflecting the political problems surrounding the City, Council and CVB:

http://www.tribstar.com/news/local_...cle_072a84bb-bdec-5a2b-9442-b6c226f8bdaf.html

Area politicians ALL trying to cover their asses this morning...

I'll say this, Pres. Bradley was NEVER happy with this structure. Frankly, the inability of the "localz" to put aside their "pay to play" dreams associated with the contracting (i.e. Judy Anderson - catering concessions) infuriated Pres. Bradley, who's a "let's get this shit done" type-of guy. The University was NOT the cause for this, regardless of what some MIGHT believe. Now the big question...will the State of Indiana hold steady w/ the $37.5m, which NO LONGER holds the economic development "envy" that it once had?

We'll now see how much state-wide CLOUT the local "legislative delegation" truly has, won't we? Bottom line - is the State of Indiana in the business of constructing basketball palaces?

 

[sdjessie]

Totally unacceptable. Did you raise your concern to the SAF? I assume that is who you gave the money to, no?

What concern .... too late to do anything but for the first time in 30+ years I will not be getting WBB tickets ... If I give you money and you say you will be giving me something I would think that the next move is yours to complete the details ... even if it just a few dollars I wonder how many have given to WBB faithfully for a number of years ,,, first joined when they played in the Arena and the few additional dollars gave you seats on risers as we were a booster club ... I think Andi Myers was the coach then. Some have brought up fan loyalty but loyalty is a 2 way street.

 

[Bally #50]

Even with those pressing needs the city, county and THCVB had committed to a figure north of $20 million toward this project leaving somewhere in the neighborhood of a $10 to $20 million dollar deficit. I heard nothing of an athletic campaign, an attempt at naming rights, reaching out to donors etc. etc. Just that the city and county have too many other needs and shame on them. BS! Read that article today and read the quotes from individuals involved. If you don't think ISU holds blame in this then your kidding yourself.

The article in the TRIB yesterday, stated that it was between the city, the county, and the THCVB to raise the additional money. If that is correct, then ISU chose not to assist on their own, likely because it was apparent from the get-go that their $20mil was weak at best and that it was never going to fly. I had heard this exact thought for some time and the way I looked at after yesterday's "collapse" -- was that it FINALLY time to get it done on their own. I have no guarantees I am right, please understand, I don't have the clout I did at one time, but that's my gut feeling. We'll see. Note: although I thru in Gibson's name as a silly gesture in the naming rights for HC, he's done more than enough for ISU and I wasn't suggesting it or inferring he was the solution.

....and your three comments above are right on point.

 

[Jason Svoboda]

What concern .... too late to do anything but for the first time in 30+ years I will not be getting WBB tickets ... If I give you money and you say you will be giving me something I would think that the next move is yours to complete the details ... even if it just a few dollars I wonder how many have given to WBB faithfully for a number of years ,,, first joined when they played in the Arena and the few additional dollars gave you seats on risers as we were a booster club ... I think Andi Myers was the coach then. Some have brought up fan loyalty but loyalty is a 2 way street.

About not getting what you paid for.

It's totally inexcusable and I don't want to make excuses for whichever organization took your cash, but the use of student workers combined with the turnover in the Foundation could have led to it slipping through the cracks. When I was serving as alumnus adviser for my fraternity, I had quite a few messages disappear Maxwell Smart style when I left them with student workers. That said, I hope someone from the school browses this thread, sees your posts and remedies the situation now. I know that won't give you the warm and fuzzies way after the fact, but I consider you a diehard Sycamore so I hope they get it taken care of.

 

[Jason Svoboda]

We'll now see how much state-wide CLOUT the local "legislative delegation" truly has, won't we? Bottom line - is the State of Indiana in the business of constructing basketball palaces?

But that is a true multi-use facility. It holds pretty much every concert or large event held in Terre Haute, all the high school and State's graduations and other events. I even went to a career fair there back in the day when I was still on campus. Not sure I'd call it just a basketball palace.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Updated article in today's (Wed) Trib-Star, reflecting the political problems surrounding the City, Council and CVB:

http://www.tribstar.com/news/local_...cle_072a84bb-bdec-5a2b-9442-b6c226f8bdaf.html

Area politicians ALL trying to cover their asses this morning...

I'll say this, Pres. Bradley was NEVER happy with this structure. Frankly, the inability of the "localz" to put aside their "pay to play" dreams associated with the contracting (i.e. Judy Anderson - catering concessions) infuriated Pres. Bradley, who's a "let's get this shit done" type-of guy. The University was NOT the cause for this, regardless of what some MIGHT believe. Now the big question...will the State of Indiana hold steady w/ the $37.5m, which NO LONGER holds the economic development "envy" that it once had?

We'll now see how much state-wide CLOUT the local "legislative delegation" truly has, won't we? Bottom line - is the State of Indiana in the business of constructing basketball palaces?

Nothing you said is wrong - in fact a very good post! But what you've failed to do is read this thread carefully - as usual you read what you want to read and you don't pay attention to anything else.

This is NOT an ISU problem alone - but ISU is in fact part of the problem in not getting this done. That is all that has been said.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

The article in the TRIB yesterday, stated that it was between the city, the county, and the THCVB to raise the additional money. If that is correct, then ISU chose not to assist on their own, likely because it was apparent from the get-go that their $20mil was weak at best and that it was never going to fly. I had heard this exact thought for some time and the way I looked at after yesterday's "collapse" -- was that it FINALLY time to get it done on their own. I have no guarantees I am right, please understand, I don't have the clout I did at one time, but that's my gut feeling. We'll see. Note: although I thru in Gibson's name as a silly gesture in the naming rights for HC, he's done more than enough for ISU and I wasn't suggesting it or inferring he was the solution.

....and your three comments above are right on point.

Do I think that ISU was backed into a corner by the other players? Absolutely. Did the financial needs of those other players have anything to do with ISU going at this alone? Absolutely. I have no denied any of those points. The fact of the matter is Dan Bradley laid this at the feet of the city, county and THCVB. What I (and many others) have been saying for some time now is that Indiana State needs to take a good hard look at themselves. They are the ones who can ask for corporate gifts, alumni gifts and other creative ways to get this project done. They failed to do that and they should take accountability for that.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

But that is a true multi-use facility. It holds pretty much every concert or large event held in Terre Haute, all the high school and State's graduations and other events. I even went to a career fair there back in the day when I was still on campus. Not sure I'd call it just a basketball palace.

That case can be made no doubt. The point is the funding was originally granted with the intent of it having a convention center - so it makes you wonder if the state hasn't already given them some sort of assurance that they will still honor the dollars.

 

[Fiji Bill 72]

I applaud the president for what he did if it means we can a least get the arena renovated. One can't look a gift horse in the mouth. Why give up the $37.5 million if the city and county don't want to do their share. I remember when I was a student then mayor, Leland Larrison I think was his name, had the famous quote about snow removal on campus. It went something like why should the citizens of Terre Haute pay to have snow removed when students not from the town drove on the streets. That told me then that the city did not appreciate what the university has done for it.

 

[Bally #50]

Do I think that ISU was backed into a corner by the other players? Absolutely. Did the financial needs of those other players have anything to do with ISU going at this alone? Absolutely. I have no denied any of those points. The fact of the matter is Dan Bradley laid this at the feet of the city, county and THCVB. What I (and many others) have been saying for some time now is that Indiana State needs to take a good hard look at themselves. They are the ones who can ask for corporate gifts, alumni gifts and other creative ways to get this project done. They failed to do that and they should take accountability for that.

Do you think that some of the big hitters in the original $20mil won't jump in with the NEW 37.5mil? I do and it sounds like a no-brainer to me. Many of you have trashed the Hulman Center bunch for decades. And now all of a sudden, you think they were the ones to run the facility and do it right? REALLY?. This brings it back to ISU in one form or another. I agree with you, SSOM, that kicking a dead dog is getting old. I think I have said enough, and my guess is that there are people that are happy about what went down yesterday. As I often say, time will tell.

 

[Chief_Quabachi]

Disgraceful way to go out Dan... Not good. Blame everyone else for not getting the job done and say good riddance in the process. Nicely played.

What a chicken-shit statement!!

 

[treeman]

People that are close to the situation or that live in Terre Haute, can you please tell me if there is something bigger going that I'm not aware of with the university or city?

Only a few years ago it seemed that the university and city had one of the best 5-year spans in school history. Sports were consistently winning across the board, attendance was up, enrollment were record numbers, new developments in both the university and city were popping up everywhere. It just seemed that ISU and Terre Haute had turned the corner and were both on the up-and-up.

Now almost every narrative I read about ISU and Terre Haute is negative and they seem to be bigger issues than meets the eye. Were we just blinded by Jake Odum and Shakir Bell and couldn't see the underlying issues? Or are these issues just now surfacing and all the momentum we had has been lost? These are serious questions that i'm really curious about. And i know ISU has always had bad attendance and alumni involvement, but it appeared that we have lost everything that was gained during the 2010-2015 years. And the "tone" on this board has reached an all-time low since i've been on here.

 

[Southgrad07]

Do you think that some of the big hitters in the original $20mil won't jump in with the NEW 37.5mil? I do and it sounds like a no-brainer to me. Many of you have trashed the Hulman Center bunch for decades. And now all of a sudden, you think they were the ones to run the facility and do it right? REALLY?. This brings it back to ISU in one form or another. I agree with you, SSOM, that kicking a dead dog is getting old. I think I have said enough, and my guess is that there are people that are happy about what went down yesterday. As I often say, time will tell.

I don't think I'd be "happy" because I think the city could of used a convention center too...But IF and only if they actually still get the 37.5 mil from the state and do a real fundraiser to get it north of 43-45 mil will I be "satisfied"..They better be damn confident that they can secure all 37.5 mil from the state going forward....Because if they don't and it was scrapped because ISU wouldn't budge off of the city/county coming up with the remaining 37.5 mil in full?... Then that is disgraceful and shame on ISU.

The county/city had pledged 20 mil and im told would of gotten it to 25 or 26 to get it done....That means ISU needed some way to come up with 12 million through some series of revenues...I think SSOM and others think that ISU did not do enough to explore ways to close that gap. And like you i've said my peace on this topic. The city put us in a tough spot but ISU is not some white knight as some portray...If we end up with a 45mil or so funded HC in 2-3 yrs much will be forgotten....IF it totally falls through nobody will come out smelling like a rose

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

What a chicken-shit statement!!

Maybe? But think what you want.

The day ISU, Terre Haute and Vigo County get on the same page it will be better for everyone involved. Until then I will continue to call it the way I see it. Sorry you disagreed.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Do you think that some of the big hitters in the original $20mil won't jump in with the NEW 37.5mil? I do and it sounds like a no-brainer to me. Many of you have trashed the Hulman Center bunch for decades. And now all of a sudden, you think they were the ones to run the facility and do it right? REALLY?. This brings it back to ISU in one form or another. I agree with you, SSOM, that kicking a dead dog is getting old. I think I have said enough, and my guess is that there are people that are happy about what went down yesterday. As I often say, time will tell.

The way I see it you got three groups of people.

One group is fine with the renovation so long as no local tax hike helps pay for it.

Another group is just happy to see something done and given the state of the local economy something is better than nothing.

The last group (where I sit) that views it as another failed attempt to do something the right way the first time. This is probably the smallest group of three but this group isn't surprised to see it fall short of what was originally discussed.