Kill It While Its Good

Entertainment hot spots are hard to create.  They require meeting certain variables that are nearly impossible to put in a business plan.  This is evident almost everywhere you drive.  A closed bar here, run down restaurant there; each one opened by people believing their idea would hit gold.  That is why when investors in our community find that Midas touch, it is important that we foster it rather than attack it.  The new complex being built on the intersection of the 76th and Loomis Rd., The Rock, is just one of those places.  

When I was in high school, I remember coming to Crystal Ridge on Saturday nights to ski.  It wasn't much, and even then it seemed run down, but it was something unique to the area and a fun activity to do with friends.  Now, recently my son has found that same joy.  For the last couple of years, it was for him, as I remember.  A big hill that the owner ran more as a hobby than a business.  Every chance he got, I would drive him over so that he could snowboard (evidently skiing is no longer ‘cool’) and hang with his friends.  It worked out great.  He spent less time rotting his brain in front of Xbox (giving me an opportunity too) and more time being active.  

Boy did his excitement blossom when the plans were announced for The Rock and the initial project designs were uploaded to their Facebook page.  While they did hit some snags this winter with their lifts and snow system; the new terrain park addition for the snowboarding hill has already given his GoPro a better workout then Crystal Ridge ever could.  As he awaits for winter to return, he has already attempting to convince his friends they need to join a fall baseball league on the new diamonds.

He is not the only one excited, as a parent, having a place that has the potential to occupy my son’s time in a safe productive manner, is a benefit to the area I live.  The Greendale area has nothing comparable to what The Rock is offering.  Not to mention the addition of a restaurant, bar and adult sport leagues to keep those of us beyond our teen years active.  In short, while the future has yet to be written, The Rock has the very serious potential of being that hot spot that every city yearns.  That is why our Village boards has decided to noose that golden goose before it learns to fly.

Ever since I moved to Greendale, the Village Board has been trying to improve the Broad St. area.  Bouncing plans back and forth, investigating which options will bring a bigger draw and increase business for the community.  I am willing to bet that each member of the Village Board would have given an arm or leg to have been able to create an attraction with as much potential as The Rock.  Unfortunately, they didn't and now there is a strong chance the allure of The Rock will draw attention away from Broad St.  and maybe other activities within Greendale.  I have already heard grumblings of people concerned that the new baseball diamonds will draw kids away from the lackluster fields of Twi-Nite.

Is this why the Village Board has decided to file a lawsuit against The Rock?  If they can’t be the ones to bring business and excitement to Greendale, then no one can.  I hope not as that would reflect poorly on our community for some time to come.  Yet, the question must be asked, why the lawsuit?  The city of Franklin has already come to the conclusion that this expansion of a former garbage dump into a local focal point is important.  They have taken great strides to ensure the building process moves forward smoothly with the understanding that a successful Rock can only mean good things for the city.  Moreover the main issue appears to permitting on a bike trial.  Bike Trail?  Seriously?  If the trail crosses into Greendale, then what?  The building inspector will demand his building permit fee prior to building a one of a kind gravity trail in the Midwest and closing the hill to untold numbers of travelers coming from around the area to ride.

Without getting overly political, what does this lawsuit solve?  Are we watching a government that is getting power hungry or maybe envious of the taxes Franklin will collect in Greendale’s backyard?  Is this a ploy to squeeze the investors of The Rock for more cash?  Does our Village Boards require greased palms prior to a business owner being allowed to operate?  I would like to know.  Because a lawsuit based on whether bike trails are properly permitted isn't just excessive, its darn near extortion.  Maybe, the Village Board could stop salivating over possible tax revenue long enough to understand the larger benefit this complex will bring to the area.