[RP TownTalk] Taxes, Business, Etc...

[Brian Boettger]

Is there a current committee that looks at what we're discussing? Ways to 
increase the economic viability and attracting business to our town? Has 
there been a basic study done of the town which may have produced a map 
showing where economically important area's maybe and identifying vacant 
commercial properties to target?
I like the idea of rewarding the property owners that are maintaining and 
beautifying their properties with tax breaks since their efforts not only 
help themselves, but also beautify and increase values for us all.
I would advise to make sure you are comparing apples to apples when 
comparing anything. Comparing our taxes to someplace like Brookland or 
anyplace in DC is an unfair comparison. You'll need to look at the business 
areas and compare. I don't think Riverdale Park will be seeing a Starbuck's, 
Borders Books, Barnes & Noble, Subway, etc. on every corner much like most 
any place in DC or Northern Virginia.
Also, we'll need big business to really make an dent in the tax. I'm not 
sure the 3,4 or 5 business that may fit into the Town Center would make a 
significant impact so I'm not sure that would warrent a legal action. I'm 
sure losing the Giant hurt more. Filling those vacant storefronts may do 
more for our crime problem than the tax problem, but it all helps.
Also, make sure you have the whole story when comparing neighbors 
assessments. They may have recently purchased their property and gotten a 
notice from the county that the assessed value of their property has 
increased and the county phases in these increases over a number of years.

>------------------------------
>
>Message: 3
>Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 08:47:19 EDT
>From: ABragg7393 at aol.com
>Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] Big dogs, looking for suspicious activity,
>	etc
>To: wheadle at yahoo.com, towntalk at riverdale-park.org
>Message-ID: <c81.148cfb7d.337da8d7 at aol.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
>
>I am a dog walker and I see lots of things as well.  In fact, I know the 
>town
>is advertising for a code enforcement officer and I almost want to apply
>because I see so many violations during my daily walks through the 
>neighborhood.
>If they gave me a ticket book, I would be glad to do this for free in my
>general vicinity!
>On my walk yesterday, I ran into Chief Parker.  Imagine that, running into
>the Chief of Police on your dog walk.  How small town is that?  After 
>speaking
>with him, I can tell all of you he is aware of the problem, working on it, 
>and
>has plans in place.  I was impressed.  I feel more secure knowing that 
>someone
>in authority with experience is involved and on top of things.  I wanted to
>share that with all of you.  Doesn't mean we should not continue to help 
>the
>police, just means they are working with us whether we know it or not.  
>Simon
>also ran into one of the Riverdale Police officers on one of his dog walks. 
>This
>all tells me that the police are very visable in town and that makes for a
>safer community.  Here's 3 cheers for our Police Department!!!
>On the subject of taxes - again.... If anyone wants to compare their taxes 
>to
>those of their neighbors there is a MD. web site and all of this info is
>public record.  I have access to tax info if anyone cannot find it.  But 
>you can
>get it off the md. web site.
>I also wanted to say that one person on the list who doesn't mind  raising
>taxes lives on my street and he is paying $1000 less than me!  I guess he 
>won't
>mind the increase.  I do.  If I could get my taxes reduced to what his are 
>-
>ok raise the taxes! I would be paying less!!!  Maybe we need a better 
>method of
>assessing taxes on homes, businesses and apartment houses.
>Audrey

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