Posted on Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 8:42 a.m.
How attractive will Ypsilanti be to businesses if vital services are reduced?
By Letters to the Editor
Some people argue that if Ypsilanti’s proposed new taxes are passed, businesses will leave town and new businesses won’t locate here. What do those people think will happen if the proposed taxes are not passed?
If police and fire protection is severely reduced, if street lights are turned off and streets not repaired, if essential public services are eliminated?
How attractive to business will Ypsilanti be then?
Will businesses stay here then? Will new businesses come here then?
Think about it.
Jane Schmiedeke
Ypsilanti
Comments
mjd12
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
Ypsi is broken. It is hard for any business owner to make it. Between the high property taxes, DDA funds, and a historical society that makes it very expensive to make basic improvements, the business/property owner doesn't stand a chance. Adding additional taxes isn't the answer.
katmando
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 : 2:33 a.m.
businesses haven't been coming here for decades this tax is a nothing but an excuse for the teapartiers and GOPers to whine.
Andy F
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 5:03 p.m.
I agree with the pro-tax people, if blight and crime over run our city, residents and businesses will not invest in Ypsilanti. I also agree with the people who are opposed to the income tax. Ypsilanti is competing with other communities for residents and businesses and these new taxes will put Ypsilanti at a competitive disadvantage. Neither option is good, but I am not supporting the new taxes. I have no doubt the income taxes will be a deciding factor to keep businesses and residents from moving into or staying in Ypsilanti. However, I am not convinced that if we are forced to reduce our police and fire services we will be overrun with blight, crime and fires. Our city leaders have been reducing staffing levels for years and we have been able to maintain the quality of life for people in Ypsilanti. It will certainly be difficult, but I think an income tax is the worst of two bad choices.
Chase Ingersoll
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
Do the math. That's what employers are doing, before they open up in Ypsilanti, or if they are already there, they are going to be that much more conscious about cutting costs (such as payroll), going virtual, and basically setting up their business to re-locate. I was with a business in downtown Ypsilanti that did that five years ago. It's the opposite of field of dreams - build it and they will come. "Tax them and they will leave" Chase Ingersoll
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.
So don't compound a poor decision with another poor decision. Putting skinny jeans on someone who weighs 350 pounds doesn't make her (or him) look all that sexy. Best to start with a good, healthy diet.
observer
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
The major concern is that once the city reaches a certain point, would it be beyond repair.....just a thought.....
towny
Sun, Apr 22, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
One might ask. How attractive is ypsilanti now ?. Seems many businesses are leaving now with few new coming. Ypsilanti has slowly turned into a little Detroit with many boarded up houses and buildings. I believe what you describe is already in ypsilanti.