COPS/Metro is gaining significant traction in its fight against Project Marvel, the city's multi-billion dollar proposal for a publicly-funded downtown entertainment district and Spurs stadium.
At a press conference, COPS/Metro sounded the alarm on a baseless, city-commissioned report by consulting firm CSL International that has drawn criticism from economists over its rosy forecasts for citywide economic gain from the arena.
“It is obvious that this is a very slick PR campaign,” said COPS/Metro Leader Beverly McClure. “And as an independent economic analysis, it is useless and deserves to go in the trash.”
McClure also highlighted the firm’s own admission of bias, quoting a delivery letter that said, “We look forward to contributing to the next phases of project development and implementation.’” “So they absolutely have something to gain from Project Marvel going forward,” she said.
"Our voices matter,” said COPS/Metro Leader Fr. Jimmy Drennan. “The citizens of San Antonio demand to be heard and not to be treated as if we are insignificant."
In a meeting with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, she committed to working with COPS/Metro, and the two jointly called for an independent economic analysis of Project Marvel at a second press conference on the steps of City Hall.
[Photo credit: Michael Karlis, SA Current (top photo), Amber Esparza, San Antonio Report (bottom photo)]
San Antonio Activist Group COPS/Metro Blasts Economic Impact Study on Project Marvel, San Antonio Current [pdf]
Activists Blast City's Consultant for Cozy Ties, 'Rosy" Projection on Project Marvel, San Antonio Express News [pdf]
Advocacy Group Pushes Back On Project Marvel, KENS5 [video]
'We Don't Want This': San Antonio Community Organizations Express Mistrust in Project Marvel Plans, KSAT [pdf]
Report Says a New Spurs Arena to Generate an Extra $300 Million Annually. But Some Critics Doubt That, Texas Public Radio [pdf]
Citizens Group Forms to Oppose Project Marvel, KENS5 [pdf]
Project Marvel Estimate Analysis Sparks Questions on Growth Priorities, FOX SA Puro [pdf]
After Years of Speculation and Months of Debate, it's Crunch Time for the New Spurs Arena, San Antonio Report [pdf]