Lenny Anderson | Oct 28, 2005 10:58:04 AM
Let's keep in mind that 2/3s of the cost of the Tram is covered by OHSU,
JK:
Much of which is tax money

Lenny Anderson | Oct 28, 2005 10:58:04 AM
with a lot of the balance from Tax Increment Funds generated by OHSU's and other's investment in the South Waterfront URA. Don't know the precise breakdown. What is it?
JK:
TIF denies the tax money to the rest of the city. IT IS NOT SUDDENLY FOUND MONEY. The rest of the city has to pay for the services to the TIF areas, with tax increases or less services.

Lenny Anderson | Oct 28, 2005 10:58:04 AM
I don't know of any other transportation/development project where those who can expect to gain the most are putting up so much of the money.
JK:
Roads.
Roads are well over 90% paid for by the users in the form of user fees. (Unlike transit which is overwhelmingly paid for by non-users.)

Lenny Anderson | Oct 28, 2005 10:58:04 AM
And bottom line is the entire region gains when its largest employer succeeds and grows; I would think everyone would want this. Investments in knowledge based endeavors are the best an individual or a community can make to insure their economic wellbeing.
Not to mention that OHSU is the provider of health care to a large segment of our community, especially the uninsured. Let's cut them a little slack on this project.
PS While OHSU does not pay property taxes, its employees sure do.
JK:
Are you saying that we should give special support to the big guys?
Do you include Enron and Halaberton on you list of big guys worthy of special treatment?

Thanks
JK
(Who is not paid by anyone in the field of transportation, planning or any related field.)