PhillyInc

February 5, 2008

Dear Mike:

Thanks for the short but quick insight surrounding some of the red-flag questions regarding the proposed soccer stadium in Chester. I am not opposed to soccer nor am I necessarily opposed to the stadium but, some questions maybe only you can address...

1) You mention that many stadiums sit quiet more than they are used.

· Has there been a study to determine whether this stadium will draw capacity or near capacity crowds during the soccer season?
· What are the findings?
· What if the team stinks? I remember sitting in a less-than-full Vet during some crappy seasons.
· Is the stadium multi-use, or are the team owners insistent upon soccer only?
· Can any of the regions universities or high-schools use the stadium?
· There are multiple La Crosse clubs, field hockey clubs, monster truck rallies and dirt bike races that actually draw crowds – are they allowed to play, or must they become soccer fans?

2) You mention location and if it’s worth $30 million to the Delaware County taxpayer. Aside from perhaps a small portion of a $3 toll-bounty from our neighbors in South Jersey and Delaware, has any effort been made to include them in the discussion?

· If so, what happened?
· If not, why not?

3) Why Chester?

· Because it’s cheap and Ed Rendell can use buzz-words like urban revitalization and sustainable growth?
· Here is an idea sure to be shot down – take the cash and use bankrupt superfund to clean up some of the contaminated land in Chester. Create some real opportunities for sustainable and livable neighborhoods with better housing and mixed-use developments.

4) Why do we have to build in Chester at all?

· Isn’t the Spectrum going to be blown to bits?
· Could it be a perfect fit for a small soccer stadium (seating for 18.5K) - crowds, public transportation, plenty of parking, and OTB just a couple blocks away (for those who need a gambling fix).
· Who could say no to that? Maybe Nutter?

Thanks for the opportunity,

Theo
Philadelphia