“Gray told NewsLanc that the City has recently been looking into other means of covering the costs of future event-related services necessitated by the convention center. In particular, he mentioned the possibility of setting aside a portion of funds already given to the City each year by the Penn Square Partners.”
Has Lancaster City actually received any Payments In Lieu Of Taxes from the Penn Square Partners? I don’t recall a mention of this in the Lancaster City budget for 2010. Penn Square Partners has been promising annual PILOT of $100,000 or more, but I have seen no evidence that this has actually happened.
I am concerned that Mayor Gray might be making a promise that he cannot deliver on.
Wouldn’t be the first time, would it?? Rick seems to ‘bend over backwards’ for special interest groups (Penn Square Partners, misguided trolley car group) and yet can’t seem to see value in pursuing / sustaining funding for the library / police and fire departments.
In the immortal words of Richie Ashburn………“Hard to believe, Harry”.
Tricky Rick bends over backwards for Penn Square Partners, misguided trolley car group, and don’t forget Gallery Row (his wife is an artist you know), and without the support of which he never would have been re-elected ) which smacks of special interest to me. Lancaster is cut off at Orange Street where the Queen St. monstrosity exists. THAT miserable mess should have been dealt with before anything else (including CC).
Rick should be ashamed of himself for allowing the Lancaster Museum of Art, and the Lancaster Free Public Library to struggle. But, when special interests are foremost, this is what happens.
C’mon, re-election!! Step forward someone with courage and concern for the city and residents… Lancaster needs you!!