Jeff, another paper-project that has no potential of beginning, let alone becoming a reality. It serves as a needed “red herring” to give the illusion that economic development is coming. Not in the lifetime of most people able to read this post. I don’t say this with any pleasure, but unfortunately I’ve seen this happen more times than I can remember. Jeff Kohut is right, take the time to read the information he’s given. Just a PS regarding the meter fiasco. In March of 2016, shortly after Joey G. was elected, I was privy to a conversation taking place between two City employees, Tiago and Gina. They were discussing the new meters, exchanging images of them, and they were psyched. It seemed like a good possibility, and it could have been if this project was thought out with the due diligence necessary to make it work, along with Council involvement. Instead, in their haste to move this along, it became a disaster to be dismantled and started over with a lot of bad feelings and time wasted.
Consider the individual who puts his money at risk by making a long-term often illiquid investment in a business or real estate project that adds taxable value to the Bridgeport Grand List. This person is a hero when he steps up with a mil rate of 54 and invests for the long term and is taxable.
How many of these developers do we have? Perhaps a bell should be rung when he project earns a Certificate of Occupancy and is not only usable but also taxable?
When the “development” is housing there is little long term job development necessary for City residents to meet their needs. And when the new housing is built with loans from government, abatement plans, or PILOT arrangements for non-profit owners, etc. the value equation is lessened because the residents will require all City services but occupy housing that is not paying its way for those same City services.
That being said, consider the City official, elected or employed who spends or invests taxpayer funds and refuses to be Open, Transparent, over time Accountable and Honest with the reporting? Is this person an American hero? Not a bit, but these folks are paid with photo opportunities that are undeserved. Shall we begin to honor the women and men who operate for profit businesses without fiscal City support? Parking meters are a beginning. Time will tell.
Jeff, another paper-project that has no potential of beginning, let alone becoming a reality. It serves as a needed “red herring” to give the illusion that economic development is coming. Not in the lifetime of most people able to read this post. I don’t say this with any pleasure, but unfortunately I’ve seen this happen more times than I can remember. Jeff Kohut is right, take the time to read the information he’s given. Just a PS regarding the meter fiasco. In March of 2016, shortly after Joey G. was elected, I was privy to a conversation taking place between two City employees, Tiago and Gina. They were discussing the new meters, exchanging images of them, and they were psyched. It seemed like a good possibility, and it could have been if this project was thought out with the due diligence necessary to make it work, along with Council involvement. Instead, in their haste to move this along, it became a disaster to be dismantled and started over with a lot of bad feelings and time wasted.
Consider the individual who puts his money at risk by making a long-term often illiquid investment in a business or real estate project that adds taxable value to the Bridgeport Grand List. This person is a hero when he steps up with a mil rate of 54 and invests for the long term and is taxable.
How many of these developers do we have? Perhaps a bell should be rung when he project earns a Certificate of Occupancy and is not only usable but also taxable?
When the “development” is housing there is little long term job development necessary for City residents to meet their needs. And when the new housing is built with loans from government, abatement plans, or PILOT arrangements for non-profit owners, etc. the value equation is lessened because the residents will require all City services but occupy housing that is not paying its way for those same City services.
That being said, consider the City official, elected or employed who spends or invests taxpayer funds and refuses to be Open, Transparent, over time Accountable and Honest with the reporting? Is this person an American hero? Not a bit, but these folks are paid with photo opportunities that are undeserved. Shall we begin to honor the women and men who operate for profit businesses without fiscal City support? Parking meters are a beginning. Time will tell.