Revitalizing downtown is definitely a must, I'm just not sure we need to give tax breaks to the wealthiest developers to get it done. It will definitely take money to get it done, but I believe low interest loans and matching grants for updates/renovating are enough. Rochester desperately needs the tax revenue, so giving tax breaks to those who can afford a $300,000+ condo downtown is not the fairest idea, but I can see how it's enticing on both sides. Those are the people with more disposable income to spend money on the surrounding businesses, so enticing them is a genuinely good idea, but I also believe there are many who truly want to live downtown regardless. I think there's a good middle ground there if those with the integrity and know-how, plus community leaders, would just get together to discuss the best options instead of allowing back office dealings directly with the mayor.
Re: “A question for City Hall: who is downtown for?”
Revitalizing downtown is definitely a must, I'm just not sure we need to give tax breaks to the wealthiest developers to get it done. It will definitely take money to get it done, but I believe low interest loans and matching grants for updates/renovating are enough. Rochester desperately needs the tax revenue, so giving tax breaks to those who can afford a $300,000+ condo downtown is not the fairest idea, but I can see how it's enticing on both sides. Those are the people with more disposable income to spend money on the surrounding businesses, so enticing them is a genuinely good idea, but I also believe there are many who truly want to live downtown regardless. I think there's a good middle ground there if those with the integrity and know-how, plus community leaders, would just get together to discuss the best options instead of allowing back office dealings directly with the mayor.