Candidate for Mayor David Bowers and council candidate Brian Wishneff are proposing cancelling the amphitheater project by the Roanoke River. Bowers says that would save $12. He and Wishneff are calling for spending that on projects downtown, including a smaller amphitheater in Elmwood Park, and renovations to the City Market Building and Center in the Square. Bowers said their idea includes a rooftop restaurant with a view of Mill Mountain. Bowers and Wishneff are both running as independents in the May elections. They announced their $12 million-dollar plan during a news conference Friday at the City Market Building.

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Release from David Bowers:

A Real Downtown Roanoke Agenda - April 2008

Abandon the Amphitheater project along Reserve Avenue and take the $12 million budgeted for that project and instead spend it downtown on the following projects:

1. $3 million - 2-3,000 seat amphitheater in Elmwood Park.

2. $3 million - City share of complete renovation of Market Building, estimated at $7 million to $8 million.

3. $1 million - Initial payment on multi-year city $4 million commitment for Center in the Square $27 million renovation.

4. $1.5 million - Cash for Church Avenue Garage renovation, making a parking rate increase unnecessary.

5. $250,000 - Modernizing Farmers Stalls, adding heat, electricity and other items requested by farmers.

6. $750,000 - Select improvements for Market Square area.

7. $2.5 million for New Parking Garage across from Link Museum. Garage would hold hotel and meeting space on top.