Article “Sturla plans to hold city development hearing” reports:
“As Lancaster city begins a new era of economic development with the City Revitalization & Improvement Zone program, state legislators and city leaders will gather to talk about the future…
“The hearing will be held [Wednesday] in Southern Market Center, 100 S. Queen St., from 3-5 p.m. The public is invited…
“New revenue from state corporate, sales, personal and earned income, liquor, amusement and other state taxes generated by projects will be used to repay bonds or conventional loans to finance the projects.
“In that way, the program is intended to be ‘revenue neutral.’ It does not take existing state tax revenue or existing revenue from the city or School District of Lancaster…”
WATCHDOG: The news account defines “revenue neutral” as not having an impact on “existing revenue” of the city or School District of Lancaster. What it doesn’t mention: CRIZ commits future tax revenue for repayment of debt incurred now. Therefor the tax revenue will not be available in the future to meet the needs of our children and grandchildren. In short, we are stealing from our progeny!
Hopefully some public spirited citizens will find the courage to attend and to protest.
Unfortunately, I believe history has shown us that no amount of questions or protests from public spirited citizens will change the minds/decisions that the power elite will make in regards to their sacred cows….Convention Center / Marriott is the shining example of this.
Does “the public” include those of us in the county, or only “Lancastrians” (I abhor that term)?????