NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Question: Should the city finance developers' costs for infrastructure?
Such an agenda item is being floated by city staff to the elected officials, in essence asking them to support the idea that the city should take out a loan in the amount of approximately $500,000-$750,000, in order to pay for a sewer line on the south side of State Road 44, which will be used by the developers of properties, including ABC Liquors in the future.
Keep in mind that there is already a sewer line on the north side of 44, but the developers, especially ABC, does not want to pay to hook up to that line. The loan supposedly is to be repaid to the city by the developers over a 10-year period.
My questions on behalf of my fellow citizens/taxpayers are to the point: Should the city take out a loan for the developers, or should the developers pay for their own way? What do we tell those businesses like Wal-Mart, Home Dept, Murphy Oil, Taco Bell & many others who have had to pay to hook up in the past? What do we say to them when they demand the same "special deal" like the one now being considered by the city for certain developers?
Let your voice be heard on the issue either at the next meeting, or by contacting your elected official(s)!
Until the next time, Bob Tolley