I can remember the debate like it was yesterday.
Ten years ago, this newspaper's editorial position was to support a push by county and city officials to float a bond to help pay for construction of a soccer stadium on the Chester Waterfront.
But there was a huge asterisk on that support.
It was contingent that county taxpayers would be getting a little more bang for their buck than just a 20,000-seat soccer facility in the shadow of the Commodore Barry Bridge.
There was something starting on the Chester waterfront, and the stadium - and more importantly everything else that was being proposed - could be a huge step forward for the city.
The restoration of the old PECO Power Station served as an anchor at one end of Route 291. At the other sat Harrah's Casino.
Now developers Buccini and Pollin had visions of a $500 million renaissance that included residential units, townhouses and apartments, retail, restaurants, a hotel and even a convention center.
The debate over the $30 million bond to be taken out by the county was heated and sparked something rarely seen at the time, a note vote from a member of the then all-Republican County Council. Andy Lewis wanted to see the books for Major League Soccer before signing off on the deal. When they balked, he voted no on the bond, which passed anyhow.
Then the economy went off a cliff.
What was then called PPL Park, now Talen Energy Stadium, was built. The Union still plays their Major League Soccer home games there.
But 10 years later, many are still waiting for any sign of the much-heralded development that was promised.
Yes, it's been 10 years, a decade since Chester became a "major" league city again.
What did the city and county get for its investment?
Matt DeGeorge takes a long look at the deal.
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