tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30130444.post2081835235618094299..comments2024-02-16T09:00:32.845-06:00Comments on FromDC2Iowa: Call the Cops, Robbery in ProgressUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30130444.post-47236137453790379482008-04-24T13:51:00.000-05:002008-04-24T13:51:00.000-05:00An excellent post!Your comment regarding opportuni...An excellent post!<BR/>Your comment regarding opportunity costs is spot on. TIF funding that is used to finance a project that is likely going to happen anyway is a real cost to the taxpayer, very different from financing that enables a project to take place that otherwise wouldn't. I have nothing against corporations, but I have nothing against taxpayers either. Why should taxpayers be forced to line the pockets of national real estate investors?<BR/><BR/>As to the Mayor's comments regarding market share, that is a specious argument for a number of reasons. For one thing, if a new, large conference center is built in a neighboring town, one would expect (hope?) that it gets used. By its very nature, that will reduce market 'share'. What is more important to consider is not market share (i.e., percentage Iowa City v. Coralville and surroundings) but actual real numbers of guests and conferences. If the Mayor's goal in financing this project is to still business from Coralville, that is irresponsible. Money spent in Coralville still fills local and state coffers. Money given away to investors with no connection to the area does not.<BR/><BR/>I welcome outside investment, but these folks knew what they were getting into. They can pay their own way--after all, the previous owners sold this property at a hefty loss, presumably because RockBridge/Davidson were well aware of the high cost of renovations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30130444.post-40055821283091298132008-04-24T12:49:00.000-05:002008-04-24T12:49:00.000-05:00What is your stance on the other two Sheraton requ...What is your stance on the other two Sheraton requests? Namely, the parking ramp re-negotiation and the city vacating it's easement on the lobby?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com