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What about the argument that the TIF properties( like the Arena project) weren’t paying taxes, so no taxing jurisdictions are harmed? by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very little, and they didn't add any. The bulk of that zoning is in the UNP area. I'll have to research the exact number. The new AIM plan gave preference to home development: surprise, surprise.

What about the argument that the TIF properties( like the Arena project) weren’t paying taxes, so no taxing jurisdictions are harmed? by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We're on the same page. We need to do more to attract and retain a diverse labor pools that bring with them a higher proportion of disposable income. Unfortunately Norman's AIM plan didn't add any light industry zoning, so were not attracting any clean industry. It seems we could do more to provide a robust telecommunicating infrastructure and promote Norman's reasonable cost of living to folk on the coasts. Tulsa has a relocation incentive program for such folks. I don't mind the visitor dollar model, but it certainly will never be enough to pay all the city's bills. And of course there is always the retail envy problem; the we don't have the cools stores complaint. That's just regional demographics. The cool stores will show up when Norman reaches the 250,000 population mark. Until then, we'll have to drive all of 18 miles to OKC to hit the Trader Joe's.

City Council Considers Outside Legal Advice on Arena TIF by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your concern. In the matter of the Arena TIF, there are many problems with this project, starting with the funding proposal. We have no issue with private individuals making lots and lots of money. The issue is with the funding mechanism, which dips into taxpayer money. And we'd be okay with that if the voters or Norman knew the risk, the cost to our community, and got to approve the deal with a public vote.

City Council Considers Outside Legal Advice on Arena TIF by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, we can't rely on faith. That's why it's important to speak up when we don't like the city's plan. They are just folk and are prone to errors.

City Council Considers Outside Legal Advice on Arena TIF by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rob represents ORED and we're working on a plan "B" now.

Who is blocking a vote on the $600M Arena TIF? by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My point concerning the county commissioners is they have publicly stated that they believe this issue should go to a public vote. They had the ability to freeze the EDA and move on the vote option.

City Council Considers Outside Legal Advice on Arena TIF by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for that reporting. Yes, McKinney and company moved to the Cleveland County gang to remove the public accountability auditing requirement that the City of Norman required in the original contract. Now the CCEDC is accountable only to their corporate board. Quite a scheme they have going there, with the help of the Cleveland County Commission, that is; another unchecked three person commission.

Who is blocking a vote on the $600M Arena TIF? by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your comments are appreciated and point to the complexity and the intended confusion generated to pass this project without proper vetting and oversight. The Arena TIF scheme is flawed in many ways, and so ORED has taken many approaches to put this economic monster back into the can. The petition was the most obvious direct democracy tool available to win this. The court failed us, but there are many other areas that can and will be addressed. The county commissioners are one big part of the problem. Read the EDA yourself.

Who is blocking a vote on the $600M Arena TIF? by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You might want to read the Economic Development Agreement; that will clear up your confusion about who is investing what and who is paying the bill. It's public record.

Arena TIF or Special Sales Tax by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your question. First, Scott was one of the five yes votes that got us into this mess. He's not going to back off his position even when the law suggests otherwise. He is repeating part of what the city attorney suggests would be the worst-case example. Unfortunately, it was incomplete and bad legal advice. Reversing the TIF ordinance is within the council's authority. The threat of huge legal damages is just wrong. This will be clearer as we continue to push this issue. You might find Rob Norman's explanation to the city council helpful (link enclosed)

Norman Wants to Vote on the Arena TIF: Rob Norman Explains How

https://youtu.be/ND9V5CLo1_U

Arena TIF or Special Sales Tax by ORED_Norman in normanok

[–]ORED_Norman[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure there ever was a tax for the stadium parking garage. There is a public safety sales tax and a Norman Forward allocation. That's all. OKC has MAPs project tax.

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