Letter
July 5, 2012
By Contributed
Tax and other exemptions are a problem
We found your editorial, “Affordable housing is right for the Ridge,” offensive and somewhat misleading.
Your editorial implied that Eagle Pointe residents who oppose Imagine Housing do so with the belief that the new residents will be bringing a huge criminal element with them.
On the contrary, residents have raised legitimate concerns based on the economics and practicalities of the proposal.
Many of us who live in the neighborhood question the wisdom of making Jacobia Street the only means of entry for the residents of the 160 proposed units in addition to the current residents.
Eagle Pointe continues to grow as Pulte Homes develops more lots.
Will one entrance be adequate for everyone?
And yes, we are concerned about the possible impact on our schools and police and fire services, and you should be, too. Like most school districts in the state, the Snoqualmie Valley School District faces tightening budgets and reduced funding. Will our schools be ready for an influx of new students?
And do our police and fire departments have adequate manpower and resources to protect both existing and new residents?
Perhaps the most glaring omission in your editorial was the issue of primary concern to us: Imagine Housing is requesting a 12-year exemption from property taxes on the new buildings.
Although land taxes would be paid, the revenue generated would be far less than that generated by taxes on the improved property. In addition, Imagine Housing has requested a waiver of the $300 Home Owner Association dues.
The HOA countered with an offer of waiving 75 percent of the fee.
In summary, it appears that we’ll be adding new citizens expecting police and fire protection, more cars on our streets, and more students in our schools while reducing funding for the same. Does that make sense?
Editor, perhaps you are the one who, in your own words, needs “to get informed.”
We are reserving the welcome mat for that time when our questions and concerns are addressed honestly, openly and adequately.
Anita and James Cox
Snoqualmie
Comments
2 Responses to “Letter”
Got something to say?
Before you comment, please note:
- These comments are moderated.
- Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand and contribute to its discussion.
- Personal attacks and/or excessive profanity will not be tolerated and such comments will not be approved.
- This is not your personal chat room or forum, so please stay on topic.
This letter is spot on. This point of view was a glaring omission from the reporting on this topic.
The City administration intends that affordable housing and the City services needed to support it will have the cost absorbed by those that pay full taxes. More and more we see the City administration push annexations, development and give-aways during the worst economy in several decades. The Mayor, his staff and City Council don’t seem to understand that taxpayers want the City to live within its means. Quit getting in bed with developers and stop spending our hard-earned tax dollars on your own agendas. You can’t make up budget short-falls by spending more of our money.