Controversal Carmel Tax Bill - Mike Taylor's Blog - Indianapolis Real Estate

A controversial bill in the state senate could allow tax dollars from the West Clay development siphoned over to pay for part of the Arts Center. By establishing West Clay as economic developing area, the city could use TIF (tax increment financing) to allow the city to capture these tax revenues and pay for public improvements. Carmel would like to get $1 million - $3 million from the Village of West Clay retail area to help pay for the Performing Arts Center.

I am actually quite torn on this one. West Clay is in Carmel and they will benefit from the new Arts Center at least indirectly. The question is does this put an unfair tax burden on the residents and businesses in West Clay? Could that money be used to develop more or better schools and roads in the area?

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Date: Friday, February, 29th 2008 @ 08:26:54 AM
Views: 238

This blog entry currently has 4 comments posted.

Ben DeBell

I’m torn as well, but I have to say that I am currently leaning towards supporting the idea. Every area has schools and roads – it is things such as the Performing Arts Center that draw residents, jobs, and visitors to an area. I know that it is popular to cut back on the arts in tough times, but luxury areas and hot urban centers have thriving arts communities. There’s a reason for that.

Posted on 2008-02-29 12:53:50

Sam Chapman

I have to disagree on this one. I'm in a community in which a performing arts center just came in and it is getting money that in my opinion should go to people and organizations with an actual need. Arts or a family losing a dad and bread winner - my money goes to support the family.

Posted on 2008-03-03 14:58:29

Dave Watson

Sam - agree on your point about money going to people that really do need it but some of the arts foundations do put the money to godd use. Especially in the field of art therapy.

Posted on 2008-03-05 08:25:35

Ben DeBell

Sam – I respect your position but I have to stick with my guns on this one. Arts centers do bring in jobs and money. More importantly, the arts, I think, are just as crucial to survival as social programs. Somehow we need to support both those who need it and our arts. So much money is wasted on other things, surely we could support both?

Posted on 2008-03-07 06:55:06