Build it and they will come -- with tax breaks
It is my belief that in Norwich the mayor is responsible for all development. Why then is the NCDC put in charge of the procurement and development of a second business park? Could it be to sidestep the referendum, public input, and monetary limits hindering the mayor? Also, since the NCDC is fully funded by Norwich taxes and NPU money, it should be held to the same rigorous standards.
The property in question is to be closed on by the end of the year, but the financing is questionable. When I questioned someone at the attorney general’s office about this, I was told that only the mayor or city council could answer the question. The city council acts as the zoning board in Norwich and yet they cannot discuss pertinent information about a new business park!
In the movie, Kevin Costner built the Field of Dreams. “Build it and they will come.” Are we about to build our own field of dreams? They may come, but not without massive tax abatements, and once again the “Average Joe Norwich taxpayer” pays!
Harold Mecteau
Norwich
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