Fight still brewing over Gen. 'Chappie James' Memorial. Why TDC opposes funding it.
What is a museum? Members of Escambia's Tourist Development Council say according to state law it's not what is being proposed for the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Plaza, which supporters are calling a museum in order to qualify for Tourist Development Tax dollars.
Thursday, the TDC board voted to send a signed letter Council Chair David Bear wrote to Escambia's Board of County Commissioners warning them that the expenditure of $750,000 in Tourist Development Tax funds the board authorized for the construction of the project is not an authorized use of the money because it's not approved for construction of memorials.
The letter states the plaza not only fails to meet the criteria for a museum, which would qualify for the funding, but it hasn't been proven that it will be a lure for tourism dollars.
The council board unanimously agreed to send the letter to the BOCC and give them a chance to review and discuss it at their next meeting, before sending the same letter to the Florida Department of Revenue, which some say could trigger a state audit.
"That might be a little premature because the motion (to fund the Memorial Plaza) was based on information from the Haas Center, which didn't come back with the proof that it contributed to tourism," said TDC member and Escambia District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger. "I agree, if we can't prove it goes to tourism then it's probably a moot point."
Hofberger added that board might be more willing to reconsider its decision based on the results a tourism impact study shows, rather than debating the legal definition of a museum. The results of a recent Haas Center assessment only showed the economic impact the project would have locally, and not its impact on tourism.
County staff is now requesting a tourism economic development impact analysis to determine the extent to which the memorial could impact tourism.
The Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. Memorial Foundation estimates it will cost $2.3 million to build a plaza honoring Pensacola aviator Gen. Daniel 'Chappie' James, Jr., the first African American to become a four-star general in the U.S. military. The plaza would include a restored F-4 Phantom II, the type of aircraft James flew in the Vietnam War, a larger-than-life statute of James, and a large shield-shaped monument displaying plaques that commemorate James' many accomplishments.
Ultimatum pending: 'One roadblock after another' as nonprofit works to create Gen. 'Chappie' James monument
TDC Chair David Bear and other council members wanted to send the letter to both the board and the DOR saying the board had most of the information that is included in the warning letter when they voted last month to spend TDT dollars over the council's recommendation not to do it.
However, during discussion it was pointed out that there's nothing to report because although the expenditure was approved, the money hasn't been spent because it's contingent on several factors including a study showing that the Memorial Plaza will benefit tourism, and that the city of Pensacola takes ownership of the property, neither of which has happened yet.
"I don't know why you're going to so much trouble in this case, but I found out the general drank Miller beer," TDC member Jim Reeves joked to Bear, who runs a competitor brand beverage and beer distributorship.
Several of the council members agreed that if the BOCC continued with the allocation despite their opposition then they would vote to send the letter to the DOR.
If commissioners decide to add it to the agenda, the next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25 at 221 Palafox Place. Public forum begins at 8:30 a.m. and the regular meeting starts at 9 a.m.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: 'Chappie' James Plaza tourism expenditure by Escambia 'unauthorized'
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