Lines between public and private blur as Flats East Bank takes on the mantle of a special tax district. If the measure goes through to completion, revenue will be used to fund public improvements.
An upscale riverfront property encompassing apartments, restaurants, offices, and a hotel, Flats East Bank symbolizes Cleveland’s rejuvenating downtown. Leila Atassi reports on the City’s Council’s decision to let the developers (The Wolstein Group and Fairmount Properties) tax future patrons. The decision faces a continued state review process.
To dispel council members’ concerns, Adam Fishman of Fairmount maintained that “the money will be spent on improvements to public spaces, such as roads, sidewalks, landscaping, public parking, parks, utility infrastructure, bike paths and a public boardwalk, as well as security in the district […]. It cannot, however, be spent on improving buildings owned by the developer.”
The fees in question would primarily affect visitors, and include sales, bed, and parking taxes over and above what the city levies. A committee of Flats East Bank residents and business owners will determine allocation. The article provides background on the fraught politicking that accompanied the decision.
FULL STORY: Cleveland City Council authorizes Flats East Bank developer to tax patrons to pay for improvements
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