Third Ward Councilor Adrian Mapp will moderate a town hall meeting tonight on the proposed tax abatement for buyers of condos in the new Monarch project on East Front Street (see the notice on his blog here).
Though the Council declined to put the proposed ordinance on next Monday's agenda, it is likely to be walked on by the administration, according to a story by reporter Mark Spivey in today's Courier (see here).
Tonight's meeting will be an opportunity for residents to get a clearer picture of what exactly the Robinson-Briggs administration is proposing, and to express their opinions on the matter.
Though originally intended by Mapp as an outreach to Ward 3 residents, the meeting is open to all.
"I have received many phone calls and emails," Mapp said, "and this is clearly an issue that concerns taxpayers throughout the city. Accordingly, the meeting is open to all and I have invited the other Council members to attend and hear what is on their constituents' minds."
The ordinance is proposed by the Robinson-Briggs administration at the urging of the developer formerly known as Dornoch Plainfield, which insists that market conditions are making it difficult to sell the condos and that the abatement (a 40% reduction in property taxes for a 5-year period) would sweeten sales.
At Monday's Council meeting, Councilor Storch had the temerity to inquire whether other options had been considered, such as lowering the asking price.
The developer has been unwilling to state the true costs of the project (originally touted as being in the $15 million range), and ABSOLUTELY NO ONE has raised the question of the developer's profits on the project.
Handouts on the proposed abatements and tax abatements generally will be available.
Town Hall Meeting on Proposed Condo Tax Abatements
7 PM Tonight
du Cret Art School Auditorium
1030 Central Avenue
Enter on Central Avenue and follow drive all the way around to rear of complex.
The auditorium is accessible directly from the parking lot.
7 PM Tonight
du Cret Art School Auditorium
1030 Central Avenue
Enter on Central Avenue and follow drive all the way around to rear of complex.
The auditorium is accessible directly from the parking lot.
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4 comments:
I am confused. Counsel said that the abatement was for developers, not residents, which is why other residents cannot give an abatement if they are selling their home.
Then how can the abatement be transferred to residents once the condo is purchased. Isn't that a resident? And if so, then why cannot other residents do the same thing? Seems as though this is not very well thought out.
Another reason to vote R for the Right thing to do in November.
To Anonymous August 13, 2009 6:28AM.
Voting R is not the right thing when you have options. Unless that IS your choice. Let's not forget our option to WRITE-IN. The Plainfield citizen should exercise all of their rights in voting this upcoming election. All voters have the write to WRITE-IN their vote. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Write-in_vote.
I will be writing in ADRIAN O. MAPP. We heard him during the Mayoral Primary. We know where he stands.
It ain't over til after the polls close on November 3. Let us NOT settle!
I agree with "Yep I said it" only if you clearly have this thing organized. Collectively, the majority of anti Sharon forces would have to make a decision, and quickly, that they are committed to that approach. Then, they have to follow through on it with tremendous discipline.
Otherwise, you are simple making it easier for Sharon to win. As you know, a house divided can not stand.
If the organization is not there...the anti Sharon forces are better off voting for a line candidate, simply because it’s easier to educate and train voters in what to do.
Well Anonymous August 14, 2009 7:22AM if a write in will put Sharon and Jerry [LET US NOT FORGET JERRY]back into office -then Pivnichny is looking really GOOD!
Sharon and Jerry will NOT be getting my vote and I am not about to waste a vote on MICKEY MOUSE.
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