EDITOR:
I read an article (Alderman has terse exchange with citizen) in The Landmark, dated Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, that included citizen input that continues to misconstrue the Downtown Parkville Redevelopment Corporation 353 Program. A few citizens have repeatedly spoken out expressing displeasure with this plan because they believe it is giving our tax dollars to developers and showing favoritism, which it is not.
I have reached out to those who have expressed misgivings about this on a number of occasions and given them the very same information I have attached to this email, yet they still continue to promote falsehoods regarding the program.
It was stated by city officials in the open meeting that this program is not a 100% tax abatement. The original pre-improved level of taxes continue to go to all taxing authorities. Ninety percent of the increased assessment is what we are abating for varying lengths of time, not to exceed 12 years. From the very moment this plan is awarded, the taxing authorities continue to receive all currently assessed taxes as well as 10% of the increased assessment. It is nothing but good for Parkville and Platte County.
It seems that the majority of the naysayers are recent to the area, and have no personal recollection of how Parkville looked for many years after the flood of 1993. Main Street is now becoming a thriving mix of restaurants and shops that has not been seen for over 30 years. Building owners are reinvesting and improving properties to attract a new and exciting mix of businesses. No longer is it a collection of secondhand shops and dark storefronts.
In addition, the program is available to anyone who meets the criteria. There is no room for favoritism. If a person owns a building that meets the criteria as defined in the attached document, they are eligible for the abatement at one of the three levels identified. I hope this helps to clarify for those who have concerns.
–Philip Wassmer
Alderman Ward 1
Parkville