The tax revenues generated by a sports complex – as well as increased hotel-motel tax dollars – will help pay the $45 million freight for Legacy Pointe. That’s despite a No vote from Ald. Joe McMenamin.

“We take this subsidy from hotel-motel taxes, and it’s not going to be available to the more strategic needs of the capital city,” said McMenamin during Tuesday’s city council meeting. But aldermen increased the hotel motel tax and earmarked the increase – plus part of the existing revenue – for Legacy Pointe. Nevertheless, McMenamin said other areas need money more.

“We need to have pride in Springfield, and when you come in from many of the gateways, you are coming through a depressed, neglected area of Springfield, so I’ve got a problem with this kind of subsidy for an activity which really doesn’t really help our neighborhoods.”

Ald. Kristin DiCenso said the fact that the last decade’s crowning economic development achievement is the Hy-Vee supermarket is all you need to know about how strong the need is for Legacy Pointe, expected to attract youth travel sports teams from miles around.

Groundbreaking is expected within ninety days.