Why no RDC?

This is the letter I sent to Memphis City Council budget committee chair about renewing the RDC's contract (group who created Beale Street Landing, a half sold Wilco show, etc.). City Council Budget Committee's vote to extend the contract 5 more years is tomorrow. 

If the city stops funding the RDC starting July 1, what would happen? 

How much on average does park maintenance (only maintenance, not activities or anything like that) cost for 11 parks in Memphis? Is that amount more or less than what we give the RDC?

I am often impressed with their grounds management, like cutting the grass and keeping things clean, but those good works, in my opinion, do not outweigh their downfalls.
Granted I do not recall how the Riverfront was managed prior to 2000, but so many things have changed since then that I feel (in no particular order): 
a) it should be self-sustaining (or only require funds to cut the grass because the city would presumably pay for that if the RDC did not exist) and not request funds from Memphis.

b) start releasing annual reports that include their expenditures and incomes(their 2011 annual report is probably the only report i have ever seen that does not report $)  

c) update their goals, and have them not include Beale Street Landing 

d) include a water taxi (that either only charges those without a Memphis license or $1 or $0) or another of Jeff Speck’s ideas (not Riverside Drive as it is already en route) for our riverfront in the things they must do to receive money 

e) amend 5 year contract to 30 month contract making them more accountable and allows city to spend less money if they mess up…again

f) no more 9 year construction projects; it took the city 3 years to complete our massive, beautiful library (Memphis put in $38M)

g) get rid of the parking lot adjacent to BSL and put the grass back because technically in the areas they manage there are more pedestrians than motorists 

h) add a clause about requiring a planner on their board or as an employee because a group whose goals are creating gathering places, pedestrian-use, and planning ought to have a legitimate planner. 

Memphis seems to be on a community driven path of progress. Recently, this progress has been bottom up, but the RDC still functions like it can only be top down, so they seem to be more of a hurdle for the people of Memphis and tourists to enjoy what the “public ground” the city’s founders dedicated. Unfortunately, the RDC’s choices have left Memphis off of "best waterfront" lists, best downtowns, international notoriety(which they gloat on their website for their BSL contest), and too many other accolades for my continued support. 

I know that the amount proposed to give to the RDC is nothing compared to a stadium, a convention center, or pensions, but opening the door for this, opens the door for other things, and you have the ability to re-create an amazing, actually public, public space.