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Retail
A business base pays higher taxes per square
acre of land than single family dwellings. These taxes provide
citizens with community necessities and amenities. For example, as
a result of increase activity at the Summit Woods retail development
in Lee’s Summit, the City of Lee’s Summit had a surplus of
$5,000,000. This money is planned for improved police protection.
Businesses are the single largest source of
contributions to charitable endeavors, from hospitals to schools to
playgrounds. Why do they feel unwelcome?
The investment made by the City in economic
development through tax incentives and concessions doesn’t justify
our returns. More directly, over the past 12 years, the city has
paid over $2,000,000 for an “economic development director” and his
expenses. Again, what are the returns? We don’t have enough of a
business tax base to keep the best-run school district in the state
from asking for a levy increase.
Announcements of proposed developments have been
made in the past, but not come to fruition. Why should we believe
the current pre-election promises being publicized by the City?
Just because a company takes an option on a piece of land does not
guarantee development. Sometimes options are a form of competitive
defense.
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