Laserfiche WebLink
»> Timothy Rouse 10/17/2008 5:48 AM »> <br />Bob, <br />Your first point/assumption, continued~$461.00 per year, is based on a belief that they won't build unless <br />we give the special exception, I don't automatically make that assumption. I see the possibility of a <br />$44,636 tax increase from year one. The incentive to build should not be using tax abatements as bait, as <br />we have in the past, but to promote the numerous quality services offered by being in South Bend as well <br />the tremendous future of the City. <br />ti <br />I agree with your other points in paragraph one. But, as stated above I don't automatically assume that <br />they won't build without the abatement. From my perspective the abatement becomes a negotiating tool, <br />not bait to draw them in. I see South Bend as a desirable place to do business with great services and <br />future prospects. <br />In paragraph two you address the jobs per the construction of the building. I'm looking for commitments <br />(MOA) that benefit local workers and suppliers "specifically" not general statements/intents and here again <br />is where I think negotiating can aid south Bend residents. My final point addresses employees that live in <br />South Bend. We have a large unemployment rate in South Bend and the City Administration is <br />considering huge RIFs in the City's workforce. The Common Council is considering the possibility of <br />enacting new income tax legislation. So you see Bob, from my post HEA 1001 perspective; abatements <br />given by South Bend must be negotiated to benefit South Bend residents. I know this process requires <br />more work in the front end of the process, however t think the aggregate benefit to the residents require <br />and demand it. <br />We can discuss this further; I think it is time to rethink these request, so that they maximize the benefit to <br />the citizens of South Bend. <br />Sincerely, <br />Timothy A. Rouse, President <br />Common Council Member At-Large <br />227 W. Jefferson Blvd. 4th Floor <br />South Bend, IN 46601 <br />574.235-5979 <br />574.235-9173 (fax) <br />