<HTML><BODY style="word-wrap: break-word; -khtml-nbsp-mode: space; -khtml-line-break: after-white-space; ">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. <DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>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.</DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>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. </DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>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. </DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>Just thoughts - if anyone is interested in forming a citizen committee for smart development, let me know. </DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV>Best, </DIV><DIV>Heather</DIV><DIV>Oliver Street</DIV><DIV><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV><DIV><DIV>On Jan 7, 2008, at 2:37 PM, <A href="mailto:jcolema3@aim.com">jcolema3@aim.com</A> wrote:</DIV><BR class="Apple-interchange-newline"><BLOCKQUOTE type="cite"><DIV> <FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">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.<BR> <BR> jc<BR> </FONT></DIV> <DIV> <BR> </DIV> <DIV> <BR> </DIV> -----Original Message-----<BR> From: Dwight Holmes <<A href="mailto:dwightrholmes@gmail.com">dwightrholmes@gmail.com</A>><BR> To: TownTalk <<A href="mailto:towntalk@riverdale-park.org">towntalk@riverdale-park.org</A>><BR> Sent: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 11:23 am<BR> Subject: [RP TownTalk] Post article on East Campus development: Birchmere in 2010, Shopping mall in 2011<BR> <BR> <DIV id="AOLMsgPart_3_31b236af-711a-4242-8af4-f5d9b63c6e8d"> 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.<BR> <BR> The article also says they're hoping to land a grocer such as Harris Teeter or Whole Foods. <BR> <BR> Here's the link:<BR> <A target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/06/AR2008010602244.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/06/AR2008010602244.html</A><BR clear="all"> <BR> -- <BR> "[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) <BR> <BR> Riverdale Park Community Wiki<BR> <A target="_blank" href="http://rpwiki.wetpaint.com/">http://rpwiki.wetpaint.com/</A> </DIV> <DIV id="AOLMsgPart_4_31b236af-711a-4242-8af4-f5d9b63c6e8d" style="margin: 0px; font-family: Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> <PRE style="font-size: 9pt;"><TT>_______________________________________________<BR>
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