I don't think we should have an ice arena. I would much rather go to a skating arena than an ice one.

When I sat on the City Council, a vote was taken to place the ice arena at it's present location. I voted against the vote since I was of the opinion that should an ice arena be built, it should be built where traffic from the I-90 could view a large sign and support the arena. I also suggested that a coliseum be built in the same location just South of the "I" system in Palmer Park. This would still be a good location for the arena.

how about janesville spend less money on the ice arena and do something about the stink? Seriously.

Ice Arena? We don need no stinkin ice arena

When will the ice arena saga come to an end? It appears that the majority of citizens don't support it!

sugarbear1.....Great suggestion...check other articles....he's blogged so much.....out there in the GREAT BLOGGOSPHERE..................

Maybe Hank needs to get a life and a job and quit blogging so much on here.

Yes Kai but no new poll and no poll at all on the right. Usually we get a new poll when the old one is done and it is weekly.

If you click "Opinion" near the top, the poll is still listed on the opinion page :-p.

Seems it is NO poll now.

Hank reminds me of the kind of person I'd expect to see shouting random crazy-person banter on a street in New York City.

I see a great deal of savings coming from recycled use of GM materials and the transfer of many resources re-ground/pulverized cement,steel beams,etc.With GM's help to identify the older,non-maintainable portions of the plant. We might possibly reduce the monster to something more promotional for future users,and transfer unseen assets to our new southside rink.

How bout a new poll?

NO ICE ARENA! IF MADISON COULD NOT KEEP A TEAM AFLOAT, HOW DO YOU THINK JANESVILLE WILL. A BIG WASTE OF MONEY! FIRST THE CITY WILL PUSH THE ARENA THEN WHEN THAT IS BUILT, WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR TRASH PICK UP! BECAUSE WE WILL NOT HAVE ANY MONEY LEFT!

I have lost all respect for city council members that voted for the WHITE ELEPHANT Ice Arena. The citizens of Janesville should be voting on this. The economy is not good and many people are out of work. Our taxes will jump quite a bit from this project and don't believe any of the smooth talkers that say they won"t. This is a lame idea that only a small nuymber want in this city and the city council has caved in to their demands....dumb and dumber!

How come the cry babies on the east side want everything on their side of town. We need businesses on the South Side and the West. Build the new ice arena on the southwest of town.

Hank...I'm pretty sure this is an opinion poll..(you are certainly entitled to state your opinion)....not a request for you to once again dominate the space with your inaccurate and one sided documentaries...
I think the ice arena should be built at the Youth Sports Complex...Familiarity for out-of- towners....near more businesses...better highway access...more revenue for Janesville taxpayers
Hank, that's what a typical opinion poll response should cover....JMO

Superdave-Here is my survey.
Did you drive to work today or did you pack your lunch?

It sure is hot out I better get out my sunglasses!

Hank-PLEASE stop.

For f sake. Are we going to get a new survey or are you going to drag this out for another week. Not only do most of us agree this is a waste of money, I for one am tired of hearing about it. Please don't ask a GM question either!

It's all in how the question is asked. Just like the old..."have you stopped beating your wife?"....There is no good answer, the question pre-supposes certain things as fact.
Here's my humble suggestion - the question should be -
SHOULD JANESVILLE TAXPAYERS BE FORCED TO PAY FOR A NEW ICE ARENA?

My vote was OTHER. They shouldn't build an ice areana.

Bah, an ice arena... They need to start using their heads is all I have to say.

Seems like a majority of negative(people not happy about a new arena) comments. This poll fails to ask if they should even build a new arena. Just asks where? Way to try to trick the public and make it seem like a good idea. It's not.

Trumans bid to pay off $2 million and get out of the ice rink business is the smartest thing I've heard on the issue in a long time; short of giving the ice rink site to the JFD. The city needs to cut its losses with this and move on. Privatize the ice rink and absolve COJ of any further headaches and fiscal responsibility with the building.

For those of you that dont know:
1. The rink is busy every weekend and week day night.
2. Kids of all ages are skating and playing and not camped out in front of the TV. Adults too.
3. It costs money to play there and the club buys the ice from the city (at least that is they way it works at every other rink)
4. If it was private, like some of those rinks in Chicago it would cost $3K to $6K per kid per year to be on the club. That is probably fine for may of you but you just put up a huge barrier between the haves and have nots. If the city wants to buy ice for open skate or whtever fine, but it will cost them.

Solution is to combine the assets of the Beloit and janesville clubs, build a rink 1/2 way in between, run it as a private entity and if each city and school district wants ice time for HS games and practices, open skate, learn to skate, park district funtions etc, the rink owners can charge accordingly. The two clubs can remain seperate, just share a 3 sheet facility. It would be easy to host a 32 or 64 team tournament, and the ownweship group could demand a cut from the hotel revenue, resturant revenue etc in the local area through advertising at the rink.

Everyone is happy.

If the Jets want to play here, Let them Build here, with THEIR money.
We do NOT have the money to waste on recreation,when there are more important things to be done (Like trying to attract jobs to town)

To the city Council:
Why is the ice rink idea not put on a referendum?
Probably because it would fail.
(and they don't want to hear what we have to say anyway)
Not here
Not NOW!
Too many other things have to come FIRST!

To The Gazette:
New Poll:
Do we want the ice arena in Janesville?
Yes
NO
Don't care

40% have voted - "OTHER" wonder how many of those feel like I do - don"t build the WHITE ELEPHANT ARENA! This is bad decision with the economy like it is, unemployment, etc that will cause a taxpayer burden. Is Rock Co. the leader in unemployment in the state? Many of us and probably a majority (if it went to a city vote) do not want the new ice areana. If you are going to charge taxpayers an extra $1.50 per garbage bag then you have your prioities wrong. We need to take care of the basic necessities before we spend millions on a luxury item. I don't care how much a private group will raise in money - the city has no business matching it! There are TOOOO MANY hidden costs that will be part of the future of this project and it will cost the taxpayer big time. Wake up City Council - this is wrong!

so if they can't come up with there share by the deadline , this should be a dead deal (sarcasm) the city (taxpayers) will cough up more and more and more and more.........they will cry about the location

It should be at Traxler Park. They could skate on the lagoon and use the pavillion for a warming house. There is plenty of space along the shore for those that want to watch.

Hank...that's your problem in a nutshell (pun),
YOU write what You believe....not the FACTS...and as a matter of fact your spelling, grammar and memory seem to be missing in your blogs...

Village Council, QUIT WASTING MY TAX DOLLARS ON THINGS THE MAJORITY OF TAXPAYERS DON'T WANT!

Hank- Your way of thinking means that if your not from Janesville you can't come to Janesville to use the pools or parks. You should run for the city council.

Hank- So you are saying that the close to 200 kids in janesville youth hockey only 30 live in janesville. You really have no clue. We are not all $$RICH$$ as you keep saying. I am layed off from GM. But have a job. Your google search shows nothing of were the kids are from.
You really need to get the facts befor you spout non-truth. $11 million is your number you came up with. Get the facts

Hank...maybe you should move to a town of your own...one where you could rule and everyone would have to agree with you and you could make up all the millions of dollars that things cost and all the numbers of out of town youth hockey players and blah blah blah...the people who ARE involved in "the dreaded ice arena caper" know the facts...so who do you think you are fooling?

right where it's at

I say put it in Bill McCoshen's back yard. Oh how dumb of me, I forgot Bill McCoshen is a bought and paid for lobbyist. Bill convinced the Council to put it in your backyard and that you should pay for it.

Hank you are so against change and I do not think that I need to take on your tax liability for you. I think this idea that you have that nothing should be built in this city is a little ridiculous. What are your big ideas for this town, to stay this way forever. If we are going to continue to keep from turning into Detroit we need to expand on things. If it costs money that is just the way the world works. I support any good ideas in which brings attention to this city and has the potential to keep kids off streets and the businesses alive. Who knows might draw in more business too. If we all were closed minded to new ideas we would not have a city to enjoy.

Hank - I also heard that Eric Levitt is working with the boogie man to really put a scare in the residents of Janesville. I don't plan on spending another day in this town.

Hank I have seen the plans and how they intend to come up with money for the project. In all it is going to take more effort on the side of the group(then the taxpayers) to raise their part and accomplish certian things. I am willing to pay a little more tax or volunteer to help if it means that kids will have something to enjoy. Right now the current ice rink has so little time available for all the things that are going on and the fact that it is outdated. It will benefit the city over time but may take a little while to start regaining on the investment. I support an ice arena being built not happy with their idea of location though.

Hank, just pay your less than $5 extra on your property taxes each year and stop wasting your time with this. You are going to have a stroke and cost all of our health insurance premiums to rise.

When this areas unemployment rate gets below 6%,then maybe we could consider ice arenas or bike tunnels or any other crazy ideas that the rich folks of Janesville want the the over taxed residents to pay for.

Here is an article talking costs on the ice arena Hank read make yourself a little more knowledgeable on the subject before making a comment that is not true.

http://gazettextra.com/news/2009/oct/27/...

Just like Hanks other comments falsifying information to benefit his opinion. Where do you come up with 11 million thats way over the actual by 6 million for the rink with everything included it is only costing taxpayers around 2.5 million with private group coming up with other half. This is way less then that 11 million dollars Hank exaggerates about. I think people who exaggerate and tell half truths when they seem to think they know it all should be giving truthful information or just not post at all.

Thanks Hank for the false info again.

It's kind of ironic... just like this poll, the people of Janesville don't have the option to vote on whether or not to build a new facility.

How about we do like everything else in janesville, build it on the east side and make the south side pay for it by falsely increasing their assessed property values.

Hank - you were dead wrong with your contact information for the youth hockey club and thank you Gazette for removing it!

IF these minority groups want something new, let them go to "Private" fund raising, & private donors. I'm irritated because this wouldn't even be coming up, if not for the fact that theses some of these skaters parents are in some strategically located spots in City Government, "Or" high on the totem pole of Janesville's Elite Citizens lists. If these were Poor, to middle class families (yes! I know some are low & middle class, but Like I said, the few, "More Important" citizens) They wouldn't get the attention the few get. Can we say, Its exactly like the Special Interest problem we have in Washington. "Its not what you know, its how much you pay in taxes..."

Bottom line, if it were put to a referendum, my guess says the majority would say, "No" Not in this economic crisis time. Its what people I talk to say. But then again, that's probably why we citizens aren't going to vote on it. Ya Think?!

Move the fair grounds to Beloit Ave/Avalon and put new Ice Arena at current fair ground location. Fair is part of the county and would be appropriate out of city limits: animals, noise, and parking.

Did you all know that the Ice Arena has private funding. Look what the City did to the Old Ice Arena when they took it over. Putting other liabilities on it. So it took a bigger loss then they actually did. If we want to keep the JETS and Jobs here. We need a new one. Its time for Janesville to step up. You all are still dreaming of GM coming Back too. Lets move on!!! Jets Games have a super crowd and backing. Same with the Bluebirds. Make Janesville Proud...

SEEMS THE CITY ADMINSTRATION CONTINUES WITH A SERIOUS PLAN TO GO AHEAD WITH THE NEW ICE ARENA AND THE TAX PAYER IS COMPLETLY OUT OF PICTURE........THIS IS VERY WRONG.........WHY ARE WE COMPLETELY IGNORED.........................STOP THIS CITY OF JANESVILLE ''CONTROLLERS''

spark: Perhaps, people are using those little plastic cards (credit cards) to overspend their budgets.

Hank - you can't go posting someone's name and contact information (incorrect as it is - email contact you offered is not Mr. Brady's and it is also for a person not with Janesville Youth Hockey)without their permission. Mr. Brady may now be inundated with calls and that email address is sure to get responses and neither one of them is with the youth hockey club. You must be looking at something that is over 4 years old to be getting any of your information at all. I have suggested your comment be removed as it contains false information and those people don't deserve to be bothered with responses from bloggers such as yourself.

Hank- Scott has nothing to do with the hockey club any more. His kid plays for the high school team. He is not on the board so he has NO IDEA were all the kids come from. So if kids from Edgerton, Milton and so on cant skate here, all people not from Janesville should not come and spend money?

spark: We're off I-90 on the way to Chicago or the Dells. We're also surrounded by small towns. No big surprise that restaurants and retail establishments are busy. However, all these establishments have a common theme, which is minimum wage jobs. I wouldn't use these as an indicator of economic viability alone. It doesn't hurt, but it's not enough.

How about they leave it where it is with plans for renovations, and do it as the money is raised, from the PRIVATE sector.

Go to businesses all over the County and get donations for Labor, Materials, monies, etc.. In exchange those businesses will get advertising in return as being supporters of the hockey league/thing/semi-pro whatever the for-profit establishment will become. Grow it on your own, with your own "hockey minded" initiatives, and NOT MY TAX DOLLARS!

I am not one to "get used to it". I am one to oppose it. There are alot of things I would like to see and be able to enjoy also. But like I said before, I would not put the burden of my wants on other tax-payers.

If it was only that simple. I have a lot of things I'd prefer my taxes didn't go to. Bailouts and other fine things our great new Government has in store. Get used to it.

And I am not talking about the ice arena only. I mean everything that is not a necessity should be put to a vote. It has been said time and time again how people are spending beyond their means. It seems like a double standard when our government seems to think that they can spend our money beyond our means.

Exactly! Maybe it should be voted by the people, since it is our tax money that is being used.

One other thing I would like to say about the economy and Janesville and the constant comments that Janesville can't take care of what they have etc. I hear this all the time, yet I drive around and look at the dept. stores. I look at the restaurants. I look at the bars, on and on and on. I see one common thing. A whole lot of people still spending money and visiting all these places frequently.

dkush21 - That's because there is no vote for those things, just like there isn't for this. There's no difference.

Janesville cannot even take care of what they have now. Very bad management and, OOPS!, should I say not enough funds.

Be careful Hank, there are rules that go along with blogging on this site. You are free to express your views as you see fit, I too will do so and hope you don't take things personally. I too have access to information that I know is fact, not the fiction that you post here regularly. For example. I have seen not only the names of the kids playing on JYH travel teams, but also their address. I've seen the demographic break down of where these players come from, so I know that your claims are false. Not to mention that WAHA Region 4 governs our area, and they clearly delineate where kids can play hockey in regards to their location home vs. nearest rink. I wish you only the best in your continued quest for the truth behind this conspiracy of the 11 million dollar rink. My offer to join us for an open skate still stands my friend. I hope you will try it, skating is great exercise, and quite fun!!

Hank give it up. You do not know anything about were the kids live that play youth hockey. You can not tell by looking at the rosters.My oldest kid has one player that lives outside of janesville. There are 12 on his team.

spark: I never voted in other things that were not a necessity. I, unfortunately, don't have the funds to spend ridiculously. And I would never put the burden on other taxpayers for my own selfish purpose.

Again, if that is the case, what about all the other public facilities that we all pay for now? That's what cracks me up. Those of you against it never have a solid response or answer for that. You simply say the ice arena is only for certain peoples needs. Guess what? So is all the other things. Not everyone uses those other things.

snazzyj197: Yes, it was Lear corp. He is in his 50's and went back to school to learn a trade. And what does that have to do with anything??? He is a very hard working man and I give him alot of credit to going back to school at his age. Paying extra in taxes for some people's wants has nothing to do with GM or it's affiliates. People are sick and tired of being nickled and dimed to death. Spending tax payer money on anything but the necessities, especially with the economy being bad now, is not an option. This should be privatized, not thrown on the tax-payers.

snazzyj1977 - Applause.

Hank my friend, you are cracking me up today!! I look forward to reading the fiction you continue to write, especially like the part where you read the "roasters" of Janesville Youth Hockey", and determined 7/8th's live outside the city. Interesting that you can gleen that info from just a name???? Continue your crusade my friend, but know that you will be welcome to join us on the ice at the new rink anytime. I'll even pay for your entry fee and skate rental.

Hank- you do seem a bit off the wall to me. I agree we shouldn't spend the money on new and fix old but saying things like "only others" are on the team......... We need TOURIST money too you know. I DO understand that. It wont be JUST Janesville that will go to this and thank God or we are really screwed!

Hank- you really do not know what you are talking about. Only 1/8 youth hockey players are from janesville. NO.
Not even close."Federal civil rights" what does that have anything to do with this. I have to agree with doseman95. You do give a lot of people a good laugh with you blogs. I also would like to know were you get your facts because they are so far off from the truth

I forgot to add amateur athletic clubs as well. Cities with AAU teams bring in players from all over the state to play in their city.

So Hank, how many players for the Beloit Snappers are Beloit residents? How many members of the management live in or pay taxes in Beloit? Do you realize that with any semi-professional or professional sports organization, a large number of the participants are going to be from out of town? God forbid Janesville does something to attract people from out of town, people who will fill the seats at the ice rink, buy gas in Janesville, likely eat in Janesville before or after the game, and use Janesville hotels during tournaments.

Hank- What should we do about all the people who get paid with your tax-dollars, yet they don't pay city taxes? See how many of the Janesville Police and Fire Department employees live outside the city limits. They come into your town and reap the benefits and pay no taxes. How do you suggest to handle that dilema?

Hank, Your ramblings get funnier everytime I check this blog out!!! Hate to break it to you, but there already is a figure skating club in Janesville. You should check out their anual Spice on Ice show. Those young girls do an excellent job.

Here is one option that has not been discussed: Give the present arena to the want-a-new-rink crowd to do whatever they want with it and then exit the entire issue. This "donation" to the hockey group would be in lieu of the city funding a new facility. One stipulation is that the city can and will not purchase the land for a new fire department. Instead, build the new fire department at the Racine/Main streets intersection.

Hank, Where are you getting these numbers?

dkush- I am with you! If I HAD the extra money maybe I would go but since I have to eat and pay bills those come first unlike some people. Fun first and bills don't get paid. This is a problem in case you didn't know. I know a person who had their car repossessed. If they quit smoking they could have kept the car. Pretty sure they go to the bar still too!

snazzy- it isn't like there ISN"T a rink right now. It isn't being taken away CORRECT. We are just saying to fix what you have. Add on Whatever but don't waste this much taxpayer money on this. WHY aren't private people paying for this is my big question and some others questions as well. WHY? Bad investment?

yourewelcome - Actually, no there isn't a difference. Regardless of whether those things are already here. The point is, most people are complaining about it being funded by the public and their tax dollars being used. All those other things listed, my tax dollars are being spent on. Regardless of whether I use them. Hence the hypocrite comment.

I wondered the same thing dkush.

Spark, theres a BIG difference. Those things you listed are ALREADY in existence and not asking for 2.5 million dollars of tax payer money. You call others a "hypocrite"? What are you? Youre on here doing the SAME thing as everyone else!

snazzyj1977: I do sit home alot lately since my husband lost his job along with numerous other people. And if I did have the money, I wouldn't want it wasted on Hockey. You seem to have funds, why don't you and all others who are gungho on this pet project put your money together and build this ice arena.

Snazzy, you must exagerate a little huh? According to the NAHL website the Jets are averaging 693 fans in attendance per game. The Janesville ice arena sits around 1200. Seems its barely half full.

wahoo_35: The rink supporters did speak with Beloit's hockey folks and the Beloiters want nothing to do with the push for the rink. The Beloiters did say they might make use of a new Janesville rink in warm weather (when Beloit's rink can't make ice), but they did not commit to anything.

snazzyj1977.......Good for you.....a new arena will be built because of people like you who know what's REALLY happening...thank you

I would like the pools, parks, bike path and golf courses and everything else public to please go away then too. You bunch of hypocrites!!!!! Build the damn thing. It's a great idea. Recession 101: It's a test...not a final. Get on with it. Sitting at home bit*&ing is really doing a lot for you isn't it.

With the way the economy is in Janesville, I feel this does not need to be built at this point in time. The only way I think it should be built is with private money. It's private money that got the Jets team here and changed the rules just so they could serve beer during the games at the ice arena.

The ice rink mob should try Beloit.

outdoors- it is called ROADS. They get on one and do a loopty loop by center way and WALLA. Restaurants. They could also eat on the south side. Mostly fast food and Chinese but it is food pretty sure. Hotel WOW careful on the gas. They just drove hundreds of miles to get here they can drive 5 more to get to a hotel.
You can also hop on the I90 and get to the other(your?) side of town to do all this stuff you think people are going to do here.

Council listen- ahhahahahahahahahahaha RIGHT!
My dad told me once I didn't listen well as a kid. IN one ear and out the next. Have you ever heard of the disorder that adults have that kids have too! It is either that or they only care what they care about vs what the city cares about. If they cared a referendum would be in place and we would VOTE. Then we would see the truth.

I feel that the post made on Jan. 24, 2010 @ 2:01 pm should be clarified. That post is copied from http://yurirashkin.blogspot.com (Yuri Rashkin is a Janesville City Councilman who lived in Russia until he was 13.) Our City Manager did not live in Russia, as the post seems to imply. (I fail to see the relevance of Russia and Janesville's Ice Arena debate at all.) The post was NOT copied from the City Manager's web site, as stated. Also, the copied materials are from a post on Mr. Rashkin's site on January 15th of LAST year, 2009. If interested, you can view the post in its entirety at the website listed above.

No ice arena with taxpayers money! If it is such a good thing, than they should be willing to put THIER MONEY in it to reap the rewards.

Even though I like the Blackbridge site, I wish the council would listen to what people are saying.

I don't understand the thought process behind putting the rink on the south side. That location is on the edge of town, with few businesses that people would visit. It is closer to parts of Beliot than parts of Janesville. The Blackbridge site is much more central. During tournaments, people could dine in Janesville, shop at the Mall (or other retail est.). I just do not see that potential on the south. We need to think of the rink as a way to support existing business, to think that it will bring new business to the south side and have it be solely supported by the rink in ridiculous.

hkykid02 ...thank you..

Don't look now Hank but your ignorance is showing!

I say we build it just to p!$$ woody off! He just doesn't get it, If Mark Cullen is part owner and gets the job, he is insuring his people are working, yeah, your neighbors. Secondly, if you ever set foot in the ice arena you would know it is not the rich playing, everyone there is struggling, like you and I. I am no fan of a new arena but, attacks on hard working people who put their money on the line, so others can work, don't need to be attacked but appreciated. By the way, if Mark Cullen were standing next to me I would'nt known, never met him.

How about the old Menards Store lots of room and close to hotels and restaurants.

ladulce-woody-Buy not building new or fixing old you are taking that away. There are plenty of other people that use the rink than just hockey players. Name one leisure service that makes money that is not tax supported.

Take the kids down to Grandpa's pond to play hockey. It's free and Grandma makes great hot cocoa.

ne1but24n18...good for you...now, all you have to do is get all your hockey luvin buddies together and build your own arena with your own money. Nobody is stopping you from doing that. Many people don't enjoy hockey and they should not have to contribute tax dollars to a hobby unless it can be proven the money will be returned to them.

ne1but24n18- I am THRILLED that your kid LOVES hockey, and, we are not 'taking that away from them', but, I shouldn't have AN OBLIGATION to pay for YOUR KID'S hockey, should I?

Woody- Hockey is not just a RICH MANS sport. My family and many others are not rich. We like watching our kids play. My kids love the game so why take that away from them

People are jealous of money??? You just don't get it do you. People don't care if a rich private group builds an arena on there own dime. Not what so ever!People are upset because they don't want pay the bill for the rich people to play.

That line, "it will pay for itself" has been used since the beginning of time. This time it's actually true??

HOw about no where that I have to pay for it? This is a RIDICULOUS expenditure- especially at this point in Janesville history. Simply ridiculous.

In the old days (pre- ice arena) the taxpayers were told that the ice arena would turn a profit and eventually pay for itself with outside money coming into Janesville. At what point in time did that ever happen? I enjoy a well-told fairy tale now and then, I just don't want to buy the book!

The problem with Janesville is everyone is Jealous, you all sit around and bash everyone with money or presume every has more money than you. Get out and enjoy life, then you will see, this can help the community now and in the future.

I choose "I don't want an ice arena at my expense." Get the hockey parents to pay for this. I've seen the vehicles parked at the ice arena on game nights...they aren't hurting for cash.

I went to the meeting last night and the one major problem that became clear is that neither side can say how much this venture will cost. The City Council has been less than forthright in their decision to overlook the Blackbridge property. One of the things that was revealed by the City Council during the Sneaker's Bar controversy was that the Youth Baseball will vacate the property very soon. The property will be sold to a developer for residential housing. I think City Council may wish to sell the Blackbridge property along with the Baseball Diamond property. It would not surprise me if the Planning Commission advises that the developer purchase and use the property for ingress and egress from the residential properties onto Blackbridge Road. (My opinion) Using the controversy over Sneaker's Bar is an excuse. We all remember that the residents didn't win because a major investor in the community wanted it and the City Council grants their wishes.
.
I am inclined to think along with Hank. This venture is no more than a money pit for Janesville taxpayers. The city has not told us what the maintenance costs will be, how much the parking area will cost to develop and provide storm runoff, utilities, etc. It doesn't tell us how many employees will have to be paid or how much the insurance will cost. It doesn't allow for free ice time for the benefactors (namely Janesville residents), it doesn't tell us that surrounding areas have ice rinks wholely owned by the hockey clubs. It fails to tell us that Beloit club pays a hundred dollars less per hour for ice time. The hockey club wants naming rights which could run into the millions leaving taxpayers in the hole while the club fills their bank account. These concerns were not, heretofore mentioned nor were they considered by the council, yet. These expenses and receipts appeared to surprise the council. I believe that the club will also get admission fees. So, what will the taxpayer get? Nothing. However, the bill will come due every year; not to mention the roads maintenance and plowing to provide for the thousands of people who are destined for Janesville to frequent our businesses.
.
After hearing all of this chatter at the meeting last night, the final stroke which blew my wig was when Mr. Truman asked that City Council consider an outright donation of two million dollars to the club and let them build where they wish, absolving the city of any further obligation. I hope the City Council doesn't play their usual game and give the taxpayer an "either, or" ultimatum. We really do need a vote on this one at the polls. The City Council is proposing long term debt on a city which is struggling just to survive. More taxes, we don't need.

I saw on a web site that Mark Cullen is a part owner also. Any guesses who would get the contract to build the arena?

Woody: Maybe Bill McCoshen doesn't know how to read.

makessense: Can you give me more background on the Snappers being turned down by Janesville before calling Beloit home? My brother was a leader in bringing minor league baseball to Beloit and I have no recollection of Janesville being a possible site. I'm not saying your statement is incorrect, I just don't remember that aspect of the event.

Your blog subject is to confined.
The price of homes and sales in this community are hitting the skids. With GM and other businesses leaving, frankly this is not a good time for an ice rink in this commmunity. Our home taxes are going up to cover already what cannot be covered by businesses that have gone from Janesville. I'm not opposed to this AT A MORE PROSPEROUS TIME. This is NOT a good time for this. Janesville needs to bring industry back into this community first and formost. Many families are having to cut back right now. There are in my opinion to many large buildings in Janesville that are empty. Look at Detriot, if we don't make good choices in the scarest's of times and rebuilt again what we need now, we will find all these nice EMPTY Buildings in Janesville in ruins all boarded up, becoming eye sores, if you think think this won't bring on crime rate worse than what they have here now, I thinkest we are foolish to say the leastest. Our government is already in Debt in this country beyond our wildest dreams. They say our health care is number one issue, I say NO we have become a community and nation of debtors and we cannot pay our way out we have to stop this spending. Our families need to have a say in this matter by a vote. Not just our town government, they obviously have jobs already, others in this community DO NOT. IT's ALL ABOUT JOBS RIGHT NOW IN THIS COUNTRY, in this COMMUNITY TOO!
Janesville needs are not always just Janesville WANTS.
Lets see the right thing done for the people here, if the people want it then fine, but let them decide. Lets fill these vacant buildings again before they become eye sores, when the time is right, why not the older Menards building for this, or out where the Youth Complex is. Both Areas are close to the Interstate. Lets really do what is best for this community AT THIS TIME, and just put this on the back burner till the people know that if it's going to be run by our TAXES let us say NO for NOW. I agree this community needs recreation, but what did become of a Water Park here, people are going to Whitewater to use their Water Park, not all families, or church groups want or care to drive that distance when I would venture that would get more use than the Hocky Rink. At a later Date then fine for a Hockey Rink. All some of us are asking is to put this to a vote or let the private sector take the responsibility for building and maintaining such a fete.

I don't know about anyone else, but I am getting really tired of having to go out of town do do anything, besides eat. Janesville needs to be able to grow. Just because people don't think an ice arena is a necessity, Why can't we have one anyway? Yes, things cost money. If this thing brings out of towners here to spend money on gas, food and lodging, how is that a bad thing? For all the narrow minded people out there, it is NOT just going to be used for Jets games. This thing could be utilized year-round, if handled correctly. Let the city help build this thing already. It will put people to work when it's built, it will employ people after it's opened and it will bring money into the city. It's a win, win, win.

I think our best bet for the ice arena to be placed would be on either the westside but since there is no public land available then the eastside would be best. I think a new rink would be a great thing for Janesville I see how happy my son is playing and wish he had more ice time.Just not possible at current rink. Janesville has a need and if placed in the right area of town could generate revenue. It could also house other indoor activities that can generate revenue.Of course it will take a while to recover costs on a new building but some people are so against growth. Who is to say that it is the worst idea ever. From the kids I see involved in hockey it is great to see them have a place to go instead of having nothing better to do then get in trouble.

Bill McCoshen, part owner of the Jets, just said on WCLO that the blogs are showing NO people against the ice arena. He said the "other" choice in this poll was not specific enough.

cardtrader-We had a chance at the Beloit Snappers before they opted for Beloit--we turned them down also!!

Scrap the whole idea, try to get the Beloit Snappers to Move up here then you will have something to brag about.

Hank I presume the Badgers always played before 15,000 fans eh?? Started out as a club team!! And by the way the new arena would not magically appear on the landscape, thus creating jobs to build it!!

This type of planning is crazy.......the tax payer must have a vote on these types 0f expendictures.........remember the annual costs to operate this venture is also subsidized by the taxpayer........this is a poor use of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$...............private ownership is the only solution............

I watched the City Council meeting tonight regarding this issue. I have doubts over whether a new arena will be built in the next several years.

If a rink makes SO much money for area businesses, why are the area businesses NOT building an rink using just their own money?

We need jobs! Not an ice arena!

I think those that want the hockey arena ought to get their behinds out there and raise the money for it themselves...then charge an admittance fee to recoop whatever they invested and leave the public out of it. If it turns out to be a great deal...good for them. If not, it's not coming at the tax payer's expense! This is just a stupid argument already. Janesville cannot afford this! I think the majority has spoken.

andre;

The golf courses have been self sufficient for a number of years, unlike the other things that you mentioned. I think the point that some are trying to make is this isn't the time for expansion. I personally think there should be more information and public discussions before a final decison should be made.

I dont believe now is the time for building something new that Janesville already has. Fix it ? Maybe, when the time is right. Personally, I couldnt care less about hockey as I was a figure skater. However, some people DO care and I think it's them who need to pay up !

Maybe some of you Janesville people who never leave your little hometown should get out in the world more. Has anyone gone to a Friday or Saturday night hockey game at the Kohl center?? Maybe you should ask some of the hotels, bars and restaurants around that portion of Madison if hockey really brings in more money during those games??

Let's put this project on ice....

No way.... This is idiotic. Makes as much sense as adding on to the High Schools when the student population is falling.

i agree, there should be no ice arena,waste of money

Wherever the PRIVATE MONEY puts it.

Golly. Hank why don't you just start your own newspaper?????

The old saying build it and they will come. So why not provide some more buildings for businesses to provide some much needed jobs in this community then look at the new ice arena when the community can afford it.

I don't care. However you people in Janesville are going to have to come to grips with the fact that something like a two hundred million ($200,000,000) a year payroll from GM doesn't exist anymore. This does not include the other payrolls that were lost.

It would seem that you all are going to have to make do with a whole lot less money. A reality check is in order for you all. You might want to tell your politicians.

ICE ARENA = Waste of taxpayer's money

Biased much?

Tear down GM and put it there tell the rail road to move there tracks.Come on this poll realy make you think they care where it ends up.Put it where the city needs another big building.How about down town the real down town not by wal-mart

please lets not get sold another bill of goods ... remember the promise of "public access" to the two new fieldhouses at parker and craig? such access was touted as being one of the many benefits the tax paying citizens of janesville could anticipate receiving for shelling out 70-plus million dollars for passing the most expensive school referendum in wisconsin history ... and today? ... surprise, surprise ... we are "granted" a few, trifling hours of public access (during the wee hours of the morning) just a handful of times a week ... in my world that does not constitute "public access" but merely another "you-weren't-so-naive-as-to-actually-believe-us" lie - just like the purported "benefits" janesville will receive for paying for another boondoogle - i.e. a new ice arena.

Bad timming for expansion of a .02% of the populous. Take the funds if they are to be tax payer bled, and use it to draw new industry to the area.
This is foolish, as are the other projected non-sense ideas.
Was it not just a slight few years ago that the city could not even maintain up-keep on River Side pool? School referendum/content? The streets are horendous! We now have stupid sidewalks that no one wanted either. Have you seen how we maintain the wonderfully expensive downtown wasted tax payer money?
Look if you want to generate economic influx into this city? Draw more industry and business. Provide incentives for small box stores in the mall/ and area.
Your P.C Club ways have pretty much gone full circle and they are not working, self defeating. If only the few benifit from sucking the money from the majority?
Hell, I don't know why this is even an issue? Bring this to a vote by the people, for the people. We should not be forced into paying for things we had zero say in.
Blank-minded, just makes me shake my head in disgust.
Are they asking for money from those locals that would actually be participants? Has Beloit, Rockford, the Double D's, Milton/Edgerton/Orforville...etc...coughed up any funds for this insane waste of space? I betcha not.
And whom ever said that the local government should foot the bill for a minor league sport, at the tax payers exspense!?!?! OMG, how blind is this community?
hurumph! Baffles the mind.

Why does the city have no problem making taxpayers foot the bill for a semi-pro hockey team but fights the two semi-pro football teams that are willing to PAY from their own funds, to use the stadium or other fields? Why is one semi-pro team worthy of getting millions of TAXPAYER dollars, but the others can't give the city their money?

The Blackbridge Road site isn't great, because it takes away from the people who use the ball fields. Not to mention the methane smell from the dump, and structures within close proximity to dumps are statistically more likely to get termites.

PEOPLE ARE OUT OF WORK IN OUR CITY! I AM OUT OF WORK AND CANNOT FIND A JOB! I HOPE THE CITY COUNCIL CAN STOP THIS DUMB IDEA AND DO NOT WASTE EVEN A PENNY OF OUR MONEY ON AN ICE ARENA! BRING IT TO A CITY VOTE - THE RESIDENTS DO NOT WANT AN ICE ARNEA!!!!! PLUS - MANY COSTS WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH ANY ICE ARENA THAT IS BUILT AND WE - THE CITY RESIDENTS WILL HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR A SMALL SEGMENT OF OUR CITY POPULATION!

Hank you protest too much in too many places....Gov't etc, etc. There are jobs available in Janesville...Just Look....They don't all pay megabucks, but you have to start somewhere.

IN ANOTHER TOWN LETS GET SOME BUSINESSES IN HERE AND ENOUGH OF THE JUNK NOBODY WILL USE ANYWAY...AND WE HAVE TO PAY FOR

Waste of money. We do not need another one.

I think the best place would be on the southside. NOT in an industrial park. But, before a new or remodeled ice arena is approved it should go to referendum. I personally don't think that the residents of Janesville can afford to pay for it. Until Janesville draws in jobs there should be a freeze on spending for anything other then what is absolutely necessary. Which does not include an ice arena.

There is no reason they can't use the one they have, if it needs some repairs fix it. There are too many vacant buildings in Janesville now and they need to start utilizing what they already have.

I don't remember flooding being a problem at the GM plant. But, if it is: Waterpark in the summer, ice rink in the winter!!!.LOL

We should build the new ice arena in the basement of the children's museum next to the new parking structure with a system of bike tunnels connecting it with the new fire house, the new skate park and the new water park while encouraging their use by building roundabouts at every intersection that ever had a serious accident. Maybe we can get a subsidy for all this from the stimulus package and other federal grants that might cover as much as 50% of the costs. What a bargain. And think of the stimulus. How can we refuse?

No to a Ice arena in Janesville with no work of jobs junk it now before we all go broke.

emac...nice location...does flooding problems bring back any memories???

Do you ALL realize how much money a "decent" hockey rink would bring to Janesville restaurants, hotels, stores, etc????? Hockey is a big dollar deal. In the long run your tax dollars would be compounded by hockey visitors. If you would open your eyes instead of your mouths you would read the FACTS that if the city agrees to a new rink, the old rink can be used for a fire station, saving the city (aka US taxpayers)money. The private group raising money for the rink would be footing the majority of the bill.....and by the way...stop by the rink and see what BAD shape it's in and STILL all kinds of people use the facility...not just HOCKEY people. Kids have birthday parties there, they have open skating there, they have figure skating there...check out the winter Olympic roster and you'll notice Janesville skaters and Janesville ties. GM is gone it's time to put our name on the map for something good and HEALTHY for kids, youth and the Janesville community.

Fix what you have!

Is the arena planned to be solely for skating? Or is it going to be multi-purpose. Indoor Soccer matches, Arena football and concerts can all be held in an ice arena. You know, more than one revenue stream.

I think there is a little room for something on the corner of Jackson and Delavan dr.

It looks like the consensus is... NO ICE ARENA!

I still think that we could sell the "backers" the current ice arena for $1.00 and other considerations and let them do with it what they want.

If they are SO positive that an ice arena can be a good thing for OUR pocketbooks, they oughta be pretty sure that it'll be a good thing for THEIR pocketbooks!

You have better things to spend your money on.Let the organzation back the whole thing.They want to keep all profits from beer sales(that they dont need)What percent of the city plays hockey?They had the same yhing here with hardball and only a select part of the kids were allowed to participate.The organasation took over and footed the bill.This is a white elephant once they get there money from the city they will be back for more.

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

There should be NO ICE ARENA!