Correct the tennis fiasco

The proposed tennis center at Millersville Park is a 50-year fiasco in the making.

Perhaps it’s old fashioned to think open space and parks should be for the community or open spaces or even parks for that matter?

Coppermine Fitness has proposed a tennis center that is nothing more than a youth sports mill for its regional empire. Year round tournaments on indoor courts with stands, concessions, and even a turnaround for all the tour buses. That is, if a slowing economy and the ongoing COVID19 pandemic don’t kill the already struggling youth sports industry.

What’s galling is that the taxpayers through public funds and public land are paying for it all. The hand out lease in Bill 73-21 is the only reason this fanciful business is even possible. If it’s such a great opportunity why aren’t private investors lining up?

Because for over $6 million, the county gets $4.5 back — over 50 years. $1.5 million dollars down the drain along with inevitable cost overruns and unforeseen expenses in constructing a facility that the public cannot even use without paying yet again.

Coppermine will still make money when the tennis dreams don’t pan out. Over their 50-year lease they can host corporate meetings, cultural events, catered events, banquets, exhibitions and sporting events. No concerts, thought; the county actually drew a line on that one. But do remember, your tax bill is not a valid admission!

Call your council member and tell them to vote No on Bill 73-21. No to a 50-year hand out!

John J. Dowling, Crownsville