We haven't heard anything since May and June about the sports complexes supposedly being built in Vandalia and Winchester, Kentucky. We did find the developer's new website ( http://www.metrosportscenterllc.com ) and found Vandalia and Winchester, Kentucky listed as sports complex sites. In my opinion, the website makes it look as though Vandalia and Winchester have been finalized and are being built or already have been built.

We also have been following the Lexington Herald-Leader which has been reporting the Winchester sports complex and nothing has been said about since the last of May. In their last article Bardwell expanded the complex from $300 million to $377 million. Asked if he has lined up financing for the Winchester project, Bardwell said, "Yes, we have. ... Actually, we're planning to demonstrate that in a few weeks." He would not identify the investors, but he said they will be made public in the future. "They have indicated that they will do a joint press release with us," he said. Well I have not seen a press release yet.

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The article also stated that before construction can begin, Motown Technology must obtain "a sufficient financing commitment providing funds for acquisition, construction and operation" of the complex by July 1, according to the development agreement among Motown Technology, Winchester, Clark County and the Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority. Well it looks like that has not happened either.

Now with Vandalia Bardwell has until Oct. 1st to have a financing agreement with us. Bardwell also said he was going to New York the first week of June to secure the financing. Securing financing in June is what he told Winchester and that seems to never have happened. I hope Vandalia is talking to Winchester about this.

From an article concerning building a sports complex in Huron, Michigan in 2005; Kenneth Bardwell, a partner with Motown Technology and Sports Facility Inc. of West Bloomfield, said the company has secured the funding to make the project a go.

"We're still very excited and close to coming to final terms with Huron Township and Wayne County," Bardwell said."We've got our financing in place and are ready to proceed."

Bardwell said the next step should be that of the township and county in terms of coming up with incentives.He said he hopes to hear from township officials any day.

"A lot of time and effort have gone into this plan," Bardwell said.

He is looking for a tax abatement and possible assistance from Tax Increment Finance Authority funding.

Eight months later Huron was still waiting to see documentation on the funding. The project died when Bardwell could not prove he had funding for his project.

From an article concerning building a sports complex in Romulus, Michigan in 2007; More than 200 people including board members, relatives and architects, among others descended upon the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the announcement that after seven years, Metro Sports Center LLC has the money guaranteed. Never was built because Bardwell said he did not like the incentives they offered. But city officials state that Bardwell could not prove he had funding for his project and could not provide details about the sports and entertainment facility!

Vandalia keeps saying no money has been spent so far on this project. Well, who paid for our Economic Director to travel up north to talk to Motown? Who paid to bring Motown representives to Vandalia and show them a good time? Who is paying for our Economic Director as she sits at her desk conducting business with them? Who is paying for the lawyer from Chicago dealing with legal matters concerning Motown? And finally who is paying the $26,000.00 road study for the west interchange which we don't need unless the sports complex is built? Although there is a stipulation reimbursing Vandalia up to $250,000.00 from Motown, how will we be reimbursed if Motown can't secure their end of the deal? Vandalia, please don't count your chickens before they are hatched!!

I am also a little confused about who we are dealing with. The first press releases indicated that Bardwell's corporation is Motown Technology & Sports Facility Inc. Now I have been seeing another corporation called Metro Sports Center, LLC. What's up with this?

Below is what we found on http://www.metrosportscenterllc.com . I am sorry but I just can not see Bardwell and his corporation finding almost $700,000,000 in financing. If its to good to be true, it usually is!! From the television show "American Greed" I have seen leaders in corporations get rich through milking investors who invest in the corporation with nothing being built.

http://www.metrosportscenterllc.com/Illinois.html

Location: Vandalia
Near Exit 61 on Interstate 70

Size: 2 million sq ft

Cost: $300,000,000.00

Amenities:
10,000 seat arena with (15) luxury suites
Hotel (300 rooms)
Fitness area with full range of equipment
In-door running track
Rehabilitation center
Education and technology center
Retail shops
Restaurants
Food Court
Banquet hall
Childcare center
Surf – Wave Park
Play pool
(1) - Screen IMAX type movie theater
Family Fun Center
Bowling
(4) - Tennis courts
(12) - Basketball courts
(2) - Hockey rinks
(2) - in-door soccer fields
50,000 sq. ft. Computer/Bike Manufacturing facility

Here is what is posted about Winchester, Kentucky;

http://www.metrosportscenterllc.com/Kentucky.html
Location: Winchester
Exit 94 interchange on Interstate 64

Size: 3.5 million sq ft

Cost: $377,000,000.00

Amenities:
27,000 seat arena with (50) luxury suites
Hotel (800 rooms)
Fitness area with full range of equipment
Rehabilitation center
In-door running track
Education and technology center
Retail shops
Childcare center
Restaurants
Food Court
(1) - Screen IMAX type movie theater
Surf – Wave Park
Play pool
Family Fun Center
(12) - Basketball courts
(2) - in-door soccer fields
(2) – Baseball diamonds
(4) - Tennis courts
In-door Skate Park
30,000 sq. ft. Distribution Center - Computer/Bike