Dear Editor:
I have been following the TIF proposal by the Puri Group in Jefferson City. It was voted down by the school board and the TIF commission. Now it can still be voted in by the City Council.
I guess I don't understand why the city is so anxious to give away money on a private project that will more than likely happen without help. This group didn't buy a franchise and land without the intent to build. It seems Puri has the city right where he wants them.
According to his comments, "Give me TIF or I will leave this building sitting for a long time" - a building he purchased and operated then decided to shut down. And "Give me the TIF and I will annex two hotels in Apache Flats" - something he has promised to do two other times in the past to get what he wanted from the city.
How many times can someone dangle the same carrots? It seems like we would all be better off, including the city, if we let the developer pay his fair share of taxes.
The land he purchased at a very discounted rate has a development happening on the south side of the property without city help and new animal hospital on the north side of the property without city help.
I say, call his bluff! I urge all residents of Jefferson City to talk to your City Council. A decision that affects the city for 23 years is not one to be taken lightly.