Show me the quote, article, or interview where Pollard said this would take ten years? I don't remember ever hearing that unless he had a crystal ball that COVID was going to happen and delay the project a couple of years. The planning and initial announcement was made in September of 2019 to donors in Cy Stephens. Development phases started in 2022, but COVID delayed the feasibility study.
CYTown for Iowa State Cyclones
cyclones.com
And also, when did the label arrive that Ames citizens, Cyclone fans, and University stakeholders can't express concerns about the viability of the project? Why is a concern labeled as a debbie downer? I am sure Jamie, Rick Sanders, and President Wintersteen have had many discussions with Goldenrod. They, along with the Goldenrod, will do everything in their power to make the space occupied and busy throughout the year, I am sure. As many of you said, the liability is on Goldenrod at least for the next 30 years.
Separately, the city of Ames is also trying to launch a downtown convention center/hotel and parking garage. Hint: It's also been delayed. Should Ames tax payers and visitors just sit back and not ask questions about why a space along Lincoln Way filled with broken concrete has had no movement? Iowa State and the City of Ames have over $400 million of proposed projects, and some of us are trying to figure out how it all will survive. Seems like reasonable questions to me...