WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Developers need $20 million from the state to make an $85 million events center in the town of Watertown a reality.
The men behind the project say they aren’t looking for a handout because the state would be making an investment.
“We see a community that needs to be serviced. We see a community that is calling for this type of facility,” said Mike Sherman, chairman and founder of Mike Sherman Sports, Inc.
Sherman is a former head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He and two other developers Bill Collette and David Machlica spoke with 7 News anchor Jeff Cole Wednesday morning.
The proposed 520,000-square-foot Thousand Islands Events Center located off State Route 3 in the town of Watertown would be a lot more than a place to practice sports or catch a concert.
“We’ve got a daycare facility where someone can drop the younger children off. Jimmy or Sally finishes practice, now you can get the family together, head upstairs, and eat in the restaurant. So it turns into a three-hour encapsulation within the building,” said Collette, president, Mike Sherman Sports, Inc..
The project is contingent on state assistance; about $20 million. The other $60 million or so would come from private funding and bonding.
“As far as the state, this is an investment, not a gift. After a five-year period, the state should be able to capture close to $142 million,” said Sherman.
That number coming from taxes from people visiting the area getting gas, staying at hotels, and eating in restaurants.
“Doing whatever they do, you know. Take a ride up to Clayton, and spend the day over there. To see all the sights that are in this marketplace,” said Machlica, managing principal for Venue Strategies.
It’s expected about 300,000 people would stop at the event center every year, offering concerts, tournaments, and sports clinics with Division I coaches or professional athletes. The facility would even offer dorms.
“The idea is to create a residency for people in those select sports. Most likely lacrosse, hockey, soccer,” said Machlica.
“The developers say the game plan is ready to roll but the success of this project is dependent on that $20 million in state funding, the developers have asked for a meeting with Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and are waiting to hear back.
You can watch the full half-hour conversation with the developers here.
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