Fascinated to see that the developers/retailers for the proposed Big Box development and shopping center north of town would accept a 1 cent sales tax increase — just for stores on that site.
This would help fund the capital improvements needed to build the center, and perhaps lessen the tax break the city would need to get the deal done.
Still not sure what the final amounts and details of the deal will be, but the fact that the developers/retailers would accept a tax increase seems to make it more saleable politically.
I certainly don't blame our hardware and lumber stores for being wary of this, especially since it comes with a tax break that will lead to the development of a big box home improvement store (likely a Lowes).
But, overall, it will provide more shopping and dining opportunities for residents, and increase the tax base. It could also bring more people to town and spur housing development, which is desparately needed. The devils are always in the details. So we'll wait and see.
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I'm not sure of the "tax break" you mention. I hear that phrase bandied about quite a bit. As I understand it the "big box" will still have to pay full taxes and not receive any kind of rebate. Only the developer will get any benefit - and that only for streets and water and such that the city would have had to be a part of anyway - to create a full shopping center and draw in other retailers.
I could be wrong, but somebody should find out for sure.
For those who are pushing this deal it would be really interesting to know how they would feel if it were a HUGE bookstore coming into town, or a MEGA Vacume store showing up, if they would still feel it would be as important for the community. I know they would like to see growth here, but at who's expense. I see the fourth or fifth generation of Bryants attempting to make his family store stay in business, heaven help him. I just hate to see the same fate for all the other business's that Village Market met. Tsk Tsk
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