[RP TownTalk] East Campus & Tax Increment Financing

[poplifegirl at mac.com]

I don't think that the "efficacy" of TIF is really up for debate. The  
simple fact is that College Park and Hyattsville are being smart  
about their development plans.

I hope the new MUTC can look beyond itself and see the development  
happening around them and seek to partner with these cities to add  
value to our planning and development progress. Riverdale alone  
cannot draw this type of development and create small businesses, but  
in partnership and using available incentives - like applying to be  
part of the Arts District it can be a step in the right direction.

Just a reminder, in development, government does not have to  
compromise or approve the first development that comes along - or  
work with something that isn't quite right. I am sure that  
Hyattsville had many offers and plans for the Lustine Property, but  
they held out for a reputable developer who have transformed  
underutilized areas into community centers (ex. Clarendon).  For  
example the land on the corner of Route 1 and EW HWY - how does a  
bank with drive thru lanes create a livable and walkable community?  
It doesn't - not in any way. Something we should really ask  
ourselves. Is that bank going to define us? Will it let people know  
they are in Riverdale as they breeze by it? No. They also won't see  
people walking around or local folks shopping there. And  
unfortunately this further divides Riverdale and creates a "car- 
centric" area, rather than a community oriented liveable and walkable  
community. Smart development creates jobs, encourages small business,  
creates tax revenue (so that homeowners can pay less taxes) and most  
importantly, it improves the quality of life for citizens.

I am absolutely thrilled that there will be a Birchmere within 2  
miles of my house and that I will be able to walk to Busboys and  
Poets. This will make me want to not drive to another town to go for  
coffee or see a show, I can spend my money here in Riverdale.

Just thoughts - if anyone is interested in forming a citizen  
committee for smart development, let me know.

Best,
Heather
Oliver Street

On Jan 7, 2008, at 2:37 PM, jcolema3 at aim.com wrote:

> After reading the article, I noticed that UMD was seeking Tax  
> Increment Financing for the project. I have my doubts about the  
> efficacy of this route for that area, but judge for yourself. I am  
> attaching a scholarly article written for the city of Calgary,  
> Alberta.
>
> jc
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dwight Holmes <dwightrholmes at gmail.com>
> To: TownTalk <towntalk at riverdale-park.org>
> Sent: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 11:23 am
> Subject: [RP TownTalk] Post article on East Campus development:  
> Birchmere in 2010, Shopping mall in 2011
>
> According to this article in the Metro section of today's Post,  
> UMd's East Campus development is on track to open in stages:  
> Birchmere in 2010, Commercial area in 2011, grad. student housing  
> by 2014.
>
> The article also says they're hoping to land a grocer such as  
> Harris Teeter or Whole Foods.
>
> Here's the link:
> http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/06/ 
> AR2008010602244.html
>
> -- 
> "[Why do our men] trifle away their time, scald their Chops, and  
> spend their Money, all for a little base, black, thick, nasty  
> bitter stinking, nauseous Puddle water?"    --Women's Petition  
> Against Coffee (London, 1674)
>
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