From the Email InBox: Questions on Redevelopment Agency

Why is the Redevlopment Agency and the City Council the same. Isn't ita conflict of interest to have the same people making the decisions forboth Redevelopment and City Business. I think if they were separate wewould have a better check and balance system.

Grand PaTerrace Answers:

It is that way in many cities, yes that is a conflict of intrest, but it is permitted.

I think the "Redevelopment Agency" should be retired and disbanded. If the city dosn't qualify for government grants, or have tax revenue it should not be in the realistate redevelopment business. Private Property Ownership should be Free to wax and waine naturally without government intervention and meddling.

Nearly anywhere there is an Redevelopment Agency there is less prosparity than places where there is no agency.

The Primary action of any Redevelopment Agency is to obtain loans, for development controlled by the Redevelopment Agency, for the benefit of a few. In the end the banks, loan broakers, lawyers, and Developers make out, and tax payers who eventually have to pay the loans lose. IF we all had the same challanges and funding opprotunities it may be different. But, when could you go to the bank get a loan and ask someone else to pay for it?

ALL Redevelopment done with any aid of the Redevelopment Agency is in part paid for by Redevelopment funds, or taxes, paying a loan of the Redevelopment Agency. Tom Schwab's time spent on promoting Town Center, OAC, and the Senior Villa could have been spent picking up trash in the city rather than promoting debt, and his favorate development plan. Perhaps the City manager should be spending his time getting competitive bids on more of the City Contracts.