The opportunity cost of DPAC

The Dec. 4 editorial, "DPAC excitement and reservation," is insipid and infuriating. The $46-million Durham Performing Arts Center has four seats less than Carnegie Hall. The average ticket will be "around $68."

Durham's $67-million debt-bond and interest-will be settled in 2036; Duke already paid $7.5 million; and no one yet wants to buy naming rights. Consultants made rosy predictions, but predictions didn't stop similar projects from flopping. (Google Randy Parton Theater, Asheville Civic Center and the National Whitewater Center.)

Additionally, DPAC will compete with successful local theaters (e.g. Manbites Dog Theater) on those owners' dime.

Insipid: the editorial board approves of DPAC will little research, no analysis and vague platitudes about arts and community. Infuriating: Durham suffers from blight and poverty, aging public infrastructure, overburdened courts, perpetual crime and woefully under-performing schools. But $46 million is awarded to a yuppie's dream "arts center"-and the board doesn't even give a damn.

Abby Alger

Trinity '09

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