PATA History Pages

Pay-as-you-grow plan has worked in cities across U.S.

Brookings Institution study found impact fees promote growth.

Pay-as-you-grow plan has worked in cities across U.S.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Mark Ferenchik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH


"Building in Kansas City, Mo., hasn’t slowed in the 18 months since developers started paying impact fees to help build roads.

In fact, the fees might be fueling growth."

"Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s administration is studying impact fees as one way to pay for development in Columbus."

"Bryan Clark of the Ohio Sierra Club said if Columbus doesn’t establish a policy on how funds can be used, impact fees could actually drive growth into undeveloped areas."


"Often, developers resist out of fear the fees will cause their expenses to rise too much."

"It’s a seductive thing to say, ‘Let’s tax the people who aren’t here yet,’ " said Tom Hart, vice president of governmental affairs for Dominion Homes. "New people, new housing cannot pay for everything."


mferenchik@dispatch.com

http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2003/12/01/20031201-A1-01.html

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Impact Fees

The Columbus Dispatch