Mayor Barrett Statement on Common Council Action on Pabst City

Mayor Barrett Statement on Common Council Action on Pabst City    

"Today's inaction by the Common Council is disappointing and further delays this important project.  When I look at the sea of vacant buildings at the former Pabst Brewery Complex, I envision a bright future that preserves the proud heritage of the brewery and injects new life into downtown and near-downtown neighborhoods.  We must move forward.

Taxpayers deserve an up or down vote on a property that currently only pays $250,000 in property taxes but will contribute $2.7 million in property tax revenues after the $315 million renovation is completed. 

The empty and crumbling buildings at the Pabst Complex have deteriorated to the point that preservation is becoming cost-prohibitive and that situation will only get worse.  We have seen the results of cities doing nothing and waiting for no-risk solutions.  They stagnate, losing development and jobs to their suburban neighbors.

The detractors of this project must allow for a vote on progress and investment in our future.  I am confident that a majority of the Council shares my vision for breathing new life into the Pabst Brewery Complex, and I believe that we will get the project a needed boost when the matter is brought to the floor in three weeks."