I haven't always been completely on board with the concept of utilizing tax credits to encourage the hiring of workers, but, given that unemployment is going to hover around 10 percent in the foreseeable future, I'd like to see if this might work ...
One version of the approach, to be unveiled next week by the Economic Policy Institute, a labor-oriented research organization, would give employers a two-year tax credit if they increased the size of their work force or added significant hours of work (for example, making a part-time worker full time). Employers would receive a credit worth twice the first-year payroll tax for each new hire, amounting to several thousand dollars, depending on the new worker’s salary.
Georgia proposed a similar measure, though it was bogged down by a host of other awful policies like a capital gains tax break which resulted in a veto from the governor.
Now, one of the primary reasons I opposed the Georgia version of a jobs tax credit - aside from the reckless capital gains tax cut - was its direct impact on the state's budget. Georgia must have a balanced budget, and this policy could take away $600 million from an already cramped fiscal situation. Likewise, in the absence of a complimentary program at the national level to maximize the potential benefit, I was skeptical about how effective such a program would be.
The national proposal appears to be more effective. For starters, it would provide a benefit to the hiring of part-time workers and the credit would be valued at twice the employee's tax liability. In addition, the federal budget doesn't have to be balanced and is the most effective in combatting economic downturns given its size and scale.
If Georgia legislators can find a way to pass a complimentary tax credit at the state level next session - one free from nonsensical tacked-on policy gimmicks like the capital gains tax break - this might be an effective tool to keep in the policy toolbox.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Whither TADs?
I'm all for the reuse of empty big box spaces, which is why Flagpole's mention of transforming some of those areas into artist studios is intriguing to me.
Revitalizing those underutilized spaces is critical to transforming what I call 'The Forgotten Corridor' in Athens-Clarke County. Atlanta Highway ushers in a high volume of traffic from visitors from Oconee County and Barrow County, as well as guests from Atlanta and the northern part of the state. Other corridors in the community that see lower flows of traffic have received much attention - rightfully so - in an attempt to beautify and enhance those areas.
Unfortunately, I've had too many conversations with local folks involving Atlanta Highway that typically ends with 'well, there's not much we can do out there' ... which, in turn, means nothing really happens.
With that in mind, I ask ... what happened to Tax Allocation Districts?
Athens-Clarke County voters authorized TADS more than two years ago, but there has been no concerted effort to utilize that policy as an effective redevelopment tool. Part of the problem has been connected to a Georgia Supreme Court ruling that muddied the dual uses of local property taxes and their roles with any TAD program, but the Georgia General Assembly just passing clarifying legislation.
The success of TAD programs are proven, and, taking advantage of the clarification, Gwinnett County just approved five new TADs aimed at renovating blighted areas of the community, encouraging economic development and boosting the long-term revenue of the local government.
Revitalizing those underutilized spaces is critical to transforming what I call 'The Forgotten Corridor' in Athens-Clarke County. Atlanta Highway ushers in a high volume of traffic from visitors from Oconee County and Barrow County, as well as guests from Atlanta and the northern part of the state. Other corridors in the community that see lower flows of traffic have received much attention - rightfully so - in an attempt to beautify and enhance those areas.
Unfortunately, I've had too many conversations with local folks involving Atlanta Highway that typically ends with 'well, there's not much we can do out there' ... which, in turn, means nothing really happens.
With that in mind, I ask ... what happened to Tax Allocation Districts?
Athens-Clarke County voters authorized TADS more than two years ago, but there has been no concerted effort to utilize that policy as an effective redevelopment tool. Part of the problem has been connected to a Georgia Supreme Court ruling that muddied the dual uses of local property taxes and their roles with any TAD program, but the Georgia General Assembly just passing clarifying legislation.
The success of TAD programs are proven, and, taking advantage of the clarification, Gwinnett County just approved five new TADs aimed at renovating blighted areas of the community, encouraging economic development and boosting the long-term revenue of the local government.
Couple of things
- This appears to be a suitable compromise, particularly given the concern - a legitimate one, no doubt - about setting a precedent that could be abused in later cases. Granted, I think there are some weird quirks to this particular arrangement (i.e. namely why not just go ahead and grant a temporary permit to make the process legitimate as now it seems you're just looking the other way to something that is defined as non-compliant), but it keeps Jittery Joe's open and satisfies the concerns of staff. Not a bad deal in the end.
- I will offer a slight disagreement with Pete, however. I think his position is valid, and far be it from me to suggest the community deviate from its long-range, land use plan, but ... I have struggled throughout this to recognize how this is a significant deviation or how the granting of a temporary permit would set a dangerous precedent. Again, not that I think such concerns are without merit, but I also think that, as an elected body, the commission has a responsibility and obligation to act on behalf of the community. Likewise, I think the commission is well within its bounds to use its own judgement and discretion in determining judgements like this, and that discretion doesn't necessarily equate the establishment of precedent.
- I'm going to go on a limb and say nothing will ever make Damon Krebs happy.
- I've got some additional thoughts about the tennis center situation, but I'm still favoring the Bishop Park option after reviewing the options. The Satterfield Park alternative is not a bad one by any means, but, based on recent conversations, it's become apparent in the past two or three days that no one is terribly excited about that proposal.
- I like the concept of turning empty big box stores into usable space for artists, but I also doubt its ability to be a big picture solution to the problem of those underutilized spaces. If you run out Atlanta Highway, for instance, the answer lies in infrastructure upgrades and a comprehensive renewal project. Turning some of those spaces into studios for artists ought to be a component of reform, but only one component.
- I will offer a slight disagreement with Pete, however. I think his position is valid, and far be it from me to suggest the community deviate from its long-range, land use plan, but ... I have struggled throughout this to recognize how this is a significant deviation or how the granting of a temporary permit would set a dangerous precedent. Again, not that I think such concerns are without merit, but I also think that, as an elected body, the commission has a responsibility and obligation to act on behalf of the community. Likewise, I think the commission is well within its bounds to use its own judgement and discretion in determining judgements like this, and that discretion doesn't necessarily equate the establishment of precedent.
- I'm going to go on a limb and say nothing will ever make Damon Krebs happy.
- I've got some additional thoughts about the tennis center situation, but I'm still favoring the Bishop Park option after reviewing the options. The Satterfield Park alternative is not a bad one by any means, but, based on recent conversations, it's become apparent in the past two or three days that no one is terribly excited about that proposal.
- I like the concept of turning empty big box stores into usable space for artists, but I also doubt its ability to be a big picture solution to the problem of those underutilized spaces. If you run out Atlanta Highway, for instance, the answer lies in infrastructure upgrades and a comprehensive renewal project. Turning some of those spaces into studios for artists ought to be a component of reform, but only one component.
The read
From my mid-week column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...
Part of the problem, obviously, is this is a contemporary movement lacking the necessary understanding of the historical origins and roots of the Bible. Its aim is a political one, not a theological one. As a result, this group has the audacity to suggest it has deeper knowledge and better perspective than the early church leaders who established the Bible's New Testament canon and the Christian traditions shared by so many from all walks of life.
In effect, the Conservative Bible Project would strip the values, hopes and, yes, struggles from Scripture.
The Solomon of the Bible who ruled with wisdom is the same one who ascended to the throne by killing his political rivals.
The Christ of the Bible who said he was the way and the truth is the same one who said to give everything you have to the poor, not just whatever change you happen to have in your pocket when the offering plate hits your pew.
The point is that the Bible is supposed to challenge you. It's supposed to make you rethink your worldview, your positions, your perceptions and your values. Seeking to remake it as a neutered book that adheres to your predetermined worldview by omitting verses you disagree with and inserting new, more consumer-friendly language, for lack of a better term, completely misses the point.
Jesus is neither liberal nor conservative. Jesus is Christ, so why don't we leave it at that?
Part of the problem, obviously, is this is a contemporary movement lacking the necessary understanding of the historical origins and roots of the Bible. Its aim is a political one, not a theological one. As a result, this group has the audacity to suggest it has deeper knowledge and better perspective than the early church leaders who established the Bible's New Testament canon and the Christian traditions shared by so many from all walks of life.
In effect, the Conservative Bible Project would strip the values, hopes and, yes, struggles from Scripture.
The Solomon of the Bible who ruled with wisdom is the same one who ascended to the throne by killing his political rivals.
The Christ of the Bible who said he was the way and the truth is the same one who said to give everything you have to the poor, not just whatever change you happen to have in your pocket when the offering plate hits your pew.
The point is that the Bible is supposed to challenge you. It's supposed to make you rethink your worldview, your positions, your perceptions and your values. Seeking to remake it as a neutered book that adheres to your predetermined worldview by omitting verses you disagree with and inserting new, more consumer-friendly language, for lack of a better term, completely misses the point.
Jesus is neither liberal nor conservative. Jesus is Christ, so why don't we leave it at that?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
From the mailbag
Three anonymous readers share their thoughts on Jittery Joe's.
Anonymous No. 1 on the lack of a coffee shop permit ...
Businesses pop up from time to time that fail to renew their permit or think they should have one, but they are usually tiny, in-home operations. I would think a retailer would know to do that. Maybe it kind of evolved from the roaster into retail, and that ball got dropped.
But still, should a business be put "out of business" over something like this? The answer is clearly no. And that is the problem – the rule of codes over jobs in this town. There has to be room for common sense.
Anonymous No. 2 with an alternative option on said permit ...
Regarding the issue of the tasting room having no permit, which was mentioned on the blog: there may be no reason that it would have gone to Planning or Building Inspections for a permit, given that the interior of the Roaster's structure may have needed no additional build-out to accomodate the separate Tasting Room. If they are operating a separate business, they should have gotten a business license from Finance, but perhaps no planning/zoning/buildingn inspections interaction was necessary.
Anonymous No. 3 doesn't like the temporary permit option ...
But, not only do I oppose the idea of a temporary accommodation for this parking lot, I also oppose the special use permit for it altogether. I support our land use plan ... Surface parking lots in our downtown area are just generally a bad idea and really should be avoided. That's what our land use plan says and that's what I support.
The scariest part of all of this, to me, is that I know (the commissioners backing the temporary permit) to be fundamentally fair and even-handed in (their) dealings so, how do you grant this one special use and deny the others that are sure to follow?
Anonymous No. 1 on the lack of a coffee shop permit ...
Businesses pop up from time to time that fail to renew their permit or think they should have one, but they are usually tiny, in-home operations. I would think a retailer would know to do that. Maybe it kind of evolved from the roaster into retail, and that ball got dropped.
But still, should a business be put "out of business" over something like this? The answer is clearly no. And that is the problem – the rule of codes over jobs in this town. There has to be room for common sense.
Anonymous No. 2 with an alternative option on said permit ...
Regarding the issue of the tasting room having no permit, which was mentioned on the blog: there may be no reason that it would have gone to Planning or Building Inspections for a permit, given that the interior of the Roaster's structure may have needed no additional build-out to accomodate the separate Tasting Room. If they are operating a separate business, they should have gotten a business license from Finance, but perhaps no planning/zoning/buildingn inspections interaction was necessary.
Anonymous No. 3 doesn't like the temporary permit option ...
But, not only do I oppose the idea of a temporary accommodation for this parking lot, I also oppose the special use permit for it altogether. I support our land use plan ... Surface parking lots in our downtown area are just generally a bad idea and really should be avoided. That's what our land use plan says and that's what I support.
The scariest part of all of this, to me, is that I know (the commissioners backing the temporary permit) to be fundamentally fair and even-handed in (their) dealings so, how do you grant this one special use and deny the others that are sure to follow?
The timeline
One of the primary questions I've had regarding the Jittery Joe's parking situation is how, exactly, did Athens-Clarke County staff identify this property as one that wasn't in compliance? Particularly since the tasting room has been in operation for more than three years, and Jittery Joe's has been in operation at that location since 2002.
According to various internal documents, it turns out that a series of events, beginning with the desire of Dexter Weaver to increase the parking options for his popular restaurant, Weaver D's, ultimately led to impending shuttering of the Jittery Joe's lot and the possible showdown between Athens-Clarke County Commissioners and local staff officials, including Mayor Heidi Davison.
In early February, Weaver, along with the owner of a lot of land adjacent to his property, spoke with Brad Griffin, the planning director for Athens-Clarke County regarding the requirements for obtaining a demolition permit and establishing a commercial surface lot. On February 6, a demolition permit was granted to remove the structure at that lot, and the site was inspected and approved by staff on April 6.
On July 22, staff met with Weaver concerning his 'un-permitted use' of the adjacent, and now vacant, lot. While the restaurant owner had obtained the demolition permit, he never acquired the appropriate permit to utilize the site for commercial parking. Weaver, as well as the lot's owner, told staff they would seek a Land Disturbance Activity permit and seek the approval of a new commercial lot by August 21.
The lot's owner had submitted the complete plans review to staff, as well as the LDA permit and a final plat, on August 18. Athens-Clarke County staff is currently finalizing its review of those documents and, according to internal documents, is close to approving them.
The mild confusion surrounding the desired uses of the property owners, and how those desired uses contrasted with existing zoning, led to a staff meeting on August 19. Various businesses, including Jittery Joe's, were using informal lots for commercial parking without the appropriate permits and approvals. The properties reviewed at the meeting included Jittery Joe's and its adjacent lot (780 and 790 E. Broad Street), the Dixie Cannery (786 E. Broad Street) and the former CSX property acquired by the local government for future use, as well numerous other properties on 'the north side of the section of East Broad Street between the rail crossing and the river.'
It was determined that staff would notify those various property owners that they had to stop any sort of un-permitted parking use and to help them achieve compliance, presumably through the acquisition of a special-use permit or similar device. The first steps were taken the following week, as SPLOST staff members sent letters to property owners adjacent to the former CSX property that notifying them that the area would be fenced off (which it was).
This leads us to September 16, which is when the first letter was sent to Don Bennett regarding the un-permitted parking at his lot, which is adjacent to Jittery Joe's. On September 17, Bennett met with staff officials who explaind the violation, discussed the process on obtaining a special use permit and asked him to close the lot no later than October 2.
On September 30, staff sent a second letter to Bennett reminding him of the ultimatum, and then conducted a site visit at Jittery Joe's to notify them that the lot would close on October 2.
According to various internal documents, it turns out that a series of events, beginning with the desire of Dexter Weaver to increase the parking options for his popular restaurant, Weaver D's, ultimately led to impending shuttering of the Jittery Joe's lot and the possible showdown between Athens-Clarke County Commissioners and local staff officials, including Mayor Heidi Davison.
In early February, Weaver, along with the owner of a lot of land adjacent to his property, spoke with Brad Griffin, the planning director for Athens-Clarke County regarding the requirements for obtaining a demolition permit and establishing a commercial surface lot. On February 6, a demolition permit was granted to remove the structure at that lot, and the site was inspected and approved by staff on April 6.
On July 22, staff met with Weaver concerning his 'un-permitted use' of the adjacent, and now vacant, lot. While the restaurant owner had obtained the demolition permit, he never acquired the appropriate permit to utilize the site for commercial parking. Weaver, as well as the lot's owner, told staff they would seek a Land Disturbance Activity permit and seek the approval of a new commercial lot by August 21.
The lot's owner had submitted the complete plans review to staff, as well as the LDA permit and a final plat, on August 18. Athens-Clarke County staff is currently finalizing its review of those documents and, according to internal documents, is close to approving them.
The mild confusion surrounding the desired uses of the property owners, and how those desired uses contrasted with existing zoning, led to a staff meeting on August 19. Various businesses, including Jittery Joe's, were using informal lots for commercial parking without the appropriate permits and approvals. The properties reviewed at the meeting included Jittery Joe's and its adjacent lot (780 and 790 E. Broad Street), the Dixie Cannery (786 E. Broad Street) and the former CSX property acquired by the local government for future use, as well numerous other properties on 'the north side of the section of East Broad Street between the rail crossing and the river.'
It was determined that staff would notify those various property owners that they had to stop any sort of un-permitted parking use and to help them achieve compliance, presumably through the acquisition of a special-use permit or similar device. The first steps were taken the following week, as SPLOST staff members sent letters to property owners adjacent to the former CSX property that notifying them that the area would be fenced off (which it was).
This leads us to September 16, which is when the first letter was sent to Don Bennett regarding the un-permitted parking at his lot, which is adjacent to Jittery Joe's. On September 17, Bennett met with staff officials who explaind the violation, discussed the process on obtaining a special use permit and asked him to close the lot no later than October 2.
On September 30, staff sent a second letter to Bennett reminding him of the ultimatum, and then conducted a site visit at Jittery Joe's to notify them that the lot would close on October 2.
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