That the News editorial staff and County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz see industrial development agency tax exceptions for housing developments as improper is a plus for taxpayers. The editorial regarding the Amherst IDA/Zaepfel plan for ECC North residences, and the Erie County IDA/Poloncarz article regarding the Corn Exchange building both appeared in The News on Jan. 10.
I note in the fine print of the Corn Exchange article the phrase, “uses as housing that normally are not eligible for the agency’s tax breaks.” The problem is that IDAs make up the rules to fit the project of the moment, so what was not eligible yesterday is acceptable today. Also take note of the related agency fees. Do they bias IDA decisions?
Of the ECC North project, the pertinent News phrase was, “It should not be up to taxpayers to underwrite the profits of developers.”
The people of New York, several times over the years from 1938 to 2001, voted for constitutional provisions to prohibit state financial support for “dwelling space or accommodations to either residents or transients.” This recognizes that managing rental property is a highly competitive business. Government giving advantage to one undercuts all others.
Donald G. Hobel
North Tonawanda
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial-page/from-our-readers/letters-to-the-editor/article714251.ece