Florida or Arizona...the debate goes on. Naples debates!

I've been debating on what to write about today...and it has been a while since I said anything about the Cubs future spring training site.

Today, as I write this, there is a public editorial discussion being had in Naples.

I haven't said where I thought the Cubs should go, and I'm not going to say so here...because, honestly, my opinion is, first, not that strong, and second, not that important.

Here is some interesting info (to some of you) that has come out of today's public forum.

• Naples started this process.  They contacted the Cubs, and the Cubs allowed them to present the idea to them in Chicago.
  
• They fully expect a decision to be made by the Cubs next week some time.  It's possible they will announce a decision at the convention itself.  
• The Naples group has stated that all the funding for the facility will come from no existing taxes.  A tourist tax is likely. 
  
• They seem to acknowledge some of the problems with the Grapefruit league as an organization.  The Cactus League is a much more organized group.  They hope by bringing the Cubs they could solidify the Grapefruit League more.
  
• They consider the Cubs to be the #1 spring training draw in baseball. (Doc's comment: That could change if they move from Arizona.)
• The goal is to build the best facility of this sorts in baseball because the Cubs are the #1 team in spring training...their facilities should reflect this.  
• There is no Florida connection associated with the Ricketts family or anyone in the organization.
  
• Naples is looking for a big boost in a sagging tourist market and an overall struggling economy in the Collier County.
• Funds for the project from the private sector, $50 million.
• They seem more confident in their ability to easily raise the funds.
• The state appears to be behind this 100% and Governor Crist has told them to approach him on the subject once Naples has been chosen by the Cubs. 
  
• 100 to 120 acres depending on the site.
• There are 3 sites in Collier County under consideration.
• The goal is to build a Wrigley village to recreate the experience at Wrigleyville in chicago.
• Full time base of operations for the Cubs.
• The Cubs single A minor league affiliate would move to Naples.
• All other teams in Florida will benefit...Cub fans travel.  This has strong support on a state wide level.
  
• The Naples group wants a 30 year lease.  The Cubs are looking for a 20 to 30 year lease.
• The facility will be open to other events, include locale baseball teams and such.  
• It appears there is no business opposition to this effort.  Most opposition is coming from retirees who think their taxes are going to go up. 
  
• There are 8 other spring training sites within 3 hours of Naples. 
• 13 of the last 16 World Series winners have had their spring training in Florida.  
• Once the decision is made between Naples and Mesa, the Cubs and the chosen city will have 120 days of exclusive negotiation on the plans for the facility.  If things fall through after that (due to funding or whatever), then the other site could be brought back to the table. 
  

So there you have it.

Again, I don't feel strongly one way or the other on this issue.  In the end, I want the Cubs to make the decision based on what is best for the team. 

If I were to guess, most fans would like the Cubs to stay in Arizona.