“The city doesn’t want to lose it. We’re fighting to keep it. I’d rather fight and win,” said Mayor Mark Stodola.
Stodola offered options to address the clutter. One option is freeing up space from tearing down dilapidated and abandoned homes like this one. Another is asking the railroad association to move these tracks further west and use the former Phillips Lighting building for exhibits.
“I think if we take care of our institutions and we recognize the importance of our institutions, then we can really make it a gem,” said Stodola.
“I think the options that he brought forth are all good. I”m not sure if he can get all that done,” said Ralph Shoptaw, general manager of the state fair.
Shoptaw said board members like all of the options but wonder how long it would take to do it. Leaders estimate moving the fair could cost close to $200 million — money they just don’t have.
“What’s happened to us is over a period of time our off-season revenue has gone down because we don’t have the big venue to bring in the events,” Shoptaw said.