A report on the updated construction costs, foregone land sale revenues, and feasible design alternatives for the Gardiner East is simply prudent financial management.

The fact that major contracts for the relocation and rebuild have not been signed — and that we’re facing budget, housing, and climate crises — simply adds to the need for an updated report.

The amount of money in play, easily in excess of $1 billion, hardly supports a position that the decision has been made and doesn’t merit an updated report. Even if a report costs about $100,000 in staff time and outside expertise, this would be the equivalent of a homeowner spending $10 on a report updating a $100,000 home renovation project. Let’s hope that the council (or our next mayor) sees the value of spending the equivalent of 10 bucks in the name of prudence and transparency.