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Building a high-quality sports facility on the site of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium could be a good idea.
It could offer the territory's underserved youth an alternative to the usual distractions of drugs and crime.
It could be a vital resource for the territory's athletes and give them an opportunity to train to levels on par with the rest of the world.
It could be another step forward toward beautifying Frederiksted.
It could boost economic development, promote sports tourism and give a much-needed shot in the arm to St. Croix's local business community.
However, the V.I. government should not let itself be dazzled by promises of profits or swayed by slick talk.
Such an important project deserves a thorough review to have a solid chance to succeed, and Virgin Islanders deserve no less.
Trying to railroad the Frederiksted sports complex through the Senate and into the hands of a group that has never even come close to pulling off a project of this scope is setting it on a crash course for failure.
It is time to put on the brakes and start over.
We've waited this long, and a few more months to perform the due diligence necessary to justify spending $30 million of taxpayers' money is well worth extra time.
Reissue the Request for Proposals, but do it right. Follow the lead of other cities and states and spend the small amount of money that will ensure the notice of the RFP goes out globally and attracts contractors who have real money, real experience and clean financial records.
The RFP should require a proposal for a public-private venture, with private funding that is more substantial than a letter from a single investor.
Conduct the RFP process publicly instead of hiding it behind a government stone wall. The sports complex is for the community, and the community should play a role in its development.
Before agreeing to anything, take as much time as necessary to find out exactly who is taking our money and whether they have the ability to follow through.
Spending $30 million on a sports complex is not a game.
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