YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
This poll is not a scientific sampling. It offers a snapshot of what readers are thinking.
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
Council passes transportation project over objections of two members
I think that Councilmen Jensen and Hosmer were spot on in their concern that public benefit received (less than 5%) did not justify the amount of public expenditure ($2.9 million) and the fact that the intent of the statue to require transfer of ownership was being skirted. Legally the TDD requires Court approval for some reason and than further approval by the City Council who is out the money. The last election was disappointing because we potentially lost some individuals who would think for themselves and not rely so much on staff recommendations. This TDD action continues to reinforce the amount of influence that developers have on City Council and on the access to taxpayers' money.
I agree w/ Craig Hosmer. This public money will be enhancing a private developers property. That is not what the money is intended to do. I served 12 years on city council and I do not remember us ever giving money to a developer for parking lot improvements.
Very unfortunate that SBJ didn’t provide more accurate representation of this development and the economic benefit to the city and taxpayers. The approx $7 million project, initially being funded entirely by the developer, will improve an important part of the East Sunshine corridor. Only the public access portion (parking, lighting, storm drainage, etc) will be partially supported by users of the shopping center through a 1% sales tax as a part of the TDD. (Approx $2.9million)
Had city council been privy to only SBJ reporting I’m sure this would not have passed.
Many communities are benefitting from TDD districts, much like a CID (community improvement district). For example, Columbia MO has between 15-20 TDD’s that have helped facilitate numerous developments. Many communities recognize the ongoing need for development and renovation of older areas. The economics of doing that properly don’t always allow for a project to become reality. With a program like TDD, which was approved in Greene County circuit court, a project can utilize the 1% sales tax of only those consumers who choose to shop there, and only for the public spaces.
For those council members who were opposed to utilizing all available tools to improve our aging corridors, I believe it is short sighted and bureaucratic to oppose proactive use of existing government programs. Clearly they are viewing this in a glass half empty view. We appreciate the majority of council who approved this TDD and only wish that SBJ was more of an advocate for development and renovation tools that will provide many benefits to Springfielians and shoppers for years to come. Thanks.