Editorial: Harborside Event Center

The city of Fort Myers is nearing a decision on the future of the Harborside Event Center, which it owns on a prime piece of downtown real estate a stone's throw from the Caloosahatchee River.

On one hand, pro-development supporters say an expanded Harborside will help drive downtown redevelopment. Opponents say spending $57 million is a waste on such an odd-shaped building with ceilings too low for sports such as basketball and big-time concerts.

Though Naples cannot claim minting the idea of tying the arts to downtown economic vitality, the city certainly serves as a model for what the performing and other arts can do for business.

Though we prefer Naples' lead in having the private sector in charge of the arts, Fort Myers leaders are advised to give the benefit of the doubt to proceeding with Harborside.

It would be a regional complement to everything from the convention and business trade of hotels in Naples and Estero, as well as existing and planned theaters and concert venues in those same locales. For shows, a 4,000-seat Harborside would be a nice fit between Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall's 1,800 and Germain Arena's 7,000.

There is room for more conventions and shows in Southwest Florida, and more venues too. A revitalized Harborside would spread out the fun.