The petition
To: Houston Mayor Bill White
The Honorable Bill White
Mayor of the City of Houston
901 Bagby St.
Houston, TX 77002
Dear Mayor White:
As a resident of the Houston metro area and a Houston Dynamo supporter, I am writing to register my firm support for the development plans across US 59 from the convention center that have been proposed by the Houston Dynamo ownership group, which would include a soccer stadium.
First and perhaps foremost, the Dynamo's plan brings badly needed revitalization and focus to the area. Through an integrated plan that combines commercial, residential, retail, and entertainment venues, the Dynamo's vision for the area would not only create needed jobs in a part of the city which is currently horribly underutilized, but would also provide badly needed focus in an historic and vital part of this great city. Increased revenue, not just from local residents but from all Dynamo fans fans in, would not only boost the city's tax base, but also boost the quality of life of the neighborhood's residents. Houston Dynamo has demonstrated its strong commitment to the city and its residents through outreach like Kicks for Kids and soccer programs in Houston supported by its non-profit philanthropic arm Dynamo Charities Foundation.
Second, the Houston Dynamo's project would cement a relationship with urban developers. These are individuals who not only can help the city in the short term through their plan, but in the long term with the prospect of other projects in Houston. Moreover, Houston Dynamo ownership group is willing to pay for most of the project—a concept almost unheard of in the recent history of stadium building nationwide.
Houston has a unique opportunity to revitalize an historically under-served neighborhood (one that has been, for the most part, left out of the Houston's recent redevelopment boom), and to do so while providing, in a fiscally responsible fashion, a new home for one of the city's most successful sports franchises in recent history.
The lesson of the other sports venues in the city is not to never build another stadium again; rather, it is that the right combination of large-scale private investment with responsible government incentives can result in a win-win situation for the neighborhood, for Houston at large, and for the private investors. Please do not allow this historic opportunity to pass the city by.
Sincerely,
The United Supporters of the Houston Dynamo
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