Be wary of venue investments

Re “Show goes on without ‘star,’ ” Dec. 17

The lesson this article gives is that taxpayers’ money should not be dedicated to entertainment projects like theaters, arenas and stadiums. Time after time, residents have put money in the pockets of builders, developers and team owners without reaping the public benefits touted by promoters. The National Football League still demands municipal investment in any stadium for a team to be based in L.A., even though we’re the second-largest market in the United States.

Star power and promises of economic growth seldom match the wealth accumulated by those who promote these projects. I hope the mayor and City Council will see this article as a warning -- do not buy into promoters’ hype for new sports or entertainment development.

Chris Cooke

Eagle Rock