Requiring developers to make financial contributions to defray the cost of off-tract infrastructure improvements directly related to their projects (The Town is not spending a dime on new infrastructure – Part II of Planning for Failure) obviously affects the municipality’s finances and the tax burden residents are expected to shoulder. Repeatedly the planner dismisses finances as none of her concern.
Montclair Times 9/26/2013
As reported by The Montclair Times on December 24, 2015 “Cash Flow of new municipal center laid out by Benecke” – “Martin Schwartz asked Talley when the board would see a presentation on the fiscal viability of moving municipal facilities into redevelopment at Lackawanna Plaza. Talley responded that finances were not a concern for her department.”
In The Montclair Times on May 26, 2016 “Show us the money” – Planning board member Anthony “Ianuale thinks we should hear some sort of financial analysis on fiscal details of redevelopment projects. Talley claims the board is meant to consider and draft plans that set regulations for building heights, step backs, land use and other zoning concerns, but not the financial viability of specific projects or buildings, and that it is the council that deals with the finances. Ianuale stated “we change the economics in our zoning decisions”.
References
- Montclair Times, 12/24/2015, “Cash Flow of new municipal center laid out by Benecke”
- Montclair Times, 5/26/2016, “Show us the money”
Read Part VIII, the next installment in the series Planning for Failure: Profitability of PILOTs – Part VIII of Planning for Failure
Montclair Progressive or Corrupt 