Quoted Text

SCHENECTADY
Excitement builds over streetscape work
BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter

    Fresh cement is making Sondra Stephens happy.
    Workers have been installing new sidewalks near her jewelry store, part of a three-year streetscape project for the Upper Union Street business district. She can’t wait for them to get to her store, even though it will briefl y surround her upscale entrance with dust and noise.
    “We’re very excited. It’s very near me — they’ll probably be in front of my store in the next couple days,” Stephens said. “I’ve been watching it come. It’s going to be wonderful.”
    It’s something business owners once thought they’d never see.
    As the downtown and other areas got fresh roads and sidewalks, Upper Union owners began to grumble that they were forgotten because they were doing so well. The stores were fl ourishing. Owners were organizing well-attended festivals, street fairs and a farmers market. They didn’t need economic assistance or tax breaks to bring in new businesses.
But they did need new sidewalks. They started lobbying for help more than a decade ago. Finally, they turned to Metroplex Development Authority for help. Metroplex agreed to pay for half of the streetscape project. The business district persuaded the city to pay the other half. The project was also broken into three parts. This year’s portion will total just more than $700,000. City officials welcomed the partnership with Metroplex, which Mayor Brian U. Stratton has said is needed throughout the city.
    “It was a really good example of cooperation,” Commissioner of General Services Carl Olsen said.
    Even the contractors seem to understand they’re working in a very active commercial zone.
    “There’s been very little disruption to the businesses,” Stephens said. “They’re helping customers in and out of the stores. The gentlemen have been speedy and they have been courteous. They even clean up when they leave!”
    Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said his agency decided to fund the project partly because of its location.
    “It’s a gateway to the community,” he said. “And it’s a thriving, successful commercial corridor.” ...............>>>>..........................>>>>....................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01400&AppName=1

"It's a thriving commercial corridor" unlike Downtown? After $100 MILLION in sales tax dollars it's still the pits. More rubbish from the Gazetto. Merchants have resorted to putting up large OPEN for Business signs because they lost all parking and customers assumed they are closed.

     The property owners on Union St should fix their sidewalks not taxpayers in Rotterdam, Glenville and the Hilltowns. Another attempt to do something to revive crashing County sales tax revenues.

Another puff piece released by 433 State St

Benny's right, the tax money from the hilltowns are going to fix the problems in the city and our infrastructure is falling apart.

Since Metroplex $$$ are generated from the sales tax -- it makes sense to help commercial
establishments that will generate MORE sales tax revenue.  

Yes so they can use it to fix up the city and let the town go down the drain that makes real good sense. The less quality infrastructure that there is in the towns the fewer businesses will even consider starting their business here and then what happens to your sales tax revenue.

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

Since Metroplex $$$ are generated from the sales tax -- it makes sense to help commercial
establishments that will generate MORE sales tax revenue.  

The local governments are solely responsible for it's infrastructure. It is the job of LOCAL GOVERNMENT to provide a safe environment and solid infrastructure to lure private businesses to develop. THAT'S IT!!

Disolve the metroplex and lower the sales tax rate to stimulate TRUE ECONOMIC GROWTH!!

The metroplex and it's use of taxpayer's money to fund 'the chosen FEW private businesses' gives way to nothing less than a FALSE SENSE OF ECONOMIC SECURITY!!!

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

Since Metroplex $$$ are generated from the sales tax -- it makes sense to help commercial
establishments that will generate MORE sales tax revenue.  

Then why has Schenectady County sales tax revenues FALLEN from low 2009 levels? And don't say it's all over-ONLY Schenectady County has fallen 2 straight quarters.

     Death Ray has been forced to change his "Downtown Only" strategy but the problem is his new curbs and planters won't help Union St either. Taxes are too high=less disposable income=less money for arts and entertainment. What will improve Union St is not new planters. It's lower property and sales taxes. And that will never happen with the current SS Savage crew.

Since retail sales are DOWN nationally ... sales tax revenue would also be DOWN.

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

Since retail sales are DOWN nationally ... sales tax revenue would also be DOWN.

Lie

http://www.electronicsweekly.c.....say-distributors.htm

Sales on the internet are UP 30%. People are buying - just not paying taxes to municipalities. They're fed up.

Quoted from 147

Lie

http://www.electronicsweekly.c.....say-distributors.htm

Sales on the internet are UP 30%. People are buying - just not paying taxes to municipalities. They're fed up.

FACT  ---   Retail sales are down -- internet sales are only a small % of retail sales

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

FACT  ---   Retail sales are down -- internet sales are only a small % of retail sales

HAHAHAH  -  Keep dreaming

Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

Since Metroplex $$$ are generated from the sales tax -- it makes sense to help commercial
establishments that will generate MORE sales tax revenue.  

Care to exp0lain how all the tax money spent via metroplex, etc has helped Schenectdy?  What effect has it had on property taxes?   Huh?  Gee, since all the metrplex money, we now have the 19th highest property taxes in the whole country?    How has all this money helped the city?   It was primarily planned to help the city.  And tell us, how much has improved in the city outside of downtown?   This so called "more sales tax" you claim, and the increasing property taxes, would you care to provide how it has helped the city?   What effect has the focus on downtown done to the crime in the rest of the city?   is the ciy (outside of downtown) safer than before metroplex?   I guess in your mind, you would be the one to go down Crane St and say "oh, it's so good, this neigbhorhood is coming back so nice." and about Eastern Ave, you would say something like "the families that have movee away from there really want to come back because it is getting so much better."   And I guess in your mind, the city is just a wonderful place to live, it is safe, property values are going up, everyone is just in the biggest hurry to move into the city, right?   ROFL

Metroplex and its cronies have created a City in which nobody gives a damn about anyone else. Taking taxpayers money to fix sidewalks which are not in need of repair is insulting. Have you seen the kids walking home from the high school and Oneida Middle School? THEY HAVE NO SIDEWALKS! But then again, they don't pay taxes or generate revenue - so f**k them.

What about the poorly maintained roads near Central Park? Or the burnt out, empty store fronts on State Street (yes State Street extends far beyond Proctors DVOR)? Don't placate the voters with some Plex "Look what Savage Did" ploy - we're not that stupid.

EVERY County surrounding Schenectady saw sales tax revenues increases last quarter {compared with 2009}. So cut the disinformation about a nationwide sales decrease. Schenectady County residents wisely avoiding paying higher sales tax. Many people are buying at Lee or Manchester.

      NYS "leaders" and Schenectady County "leaders" {all DEMS} are driving sales out of County and out of State. Nothing will improve until we clean out both barns. Anyone "excited" about new sidewalks/curbs is obviously awaiting governmental grease. Or working at the Gazetto.