I must have struck a nerve! The web site I referred to in last week’s paper has been changed. The official Village of Lake Orion logo has been removed and replaced by a new logo, one similar in appearance to ones used by the DDA.
It’s been quoted many times that 75 percent of new taxes caused by new development in the DDA district will be returned to the village.
This is true, but by state law it can only be spent in the DDA district, not throughout the entire village! So that promised 75 percent can’t be spent on the degraded infrastructure generally west of M-24.
Don’t forget that now that the Lake Orion Lumber Yard now belongs to the village, it’s removed from the tax rolls and any improvements will not be taxed, just like other village properties.
Harry Stephen
Lake Orion
New DDA tax captures can only be spent in DDA district added by mmkelley on
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By my count, the DDA has purchased at least four properties, they no longer pay taxes, but cost the taxpayers to maintain. Another property is empty and has been given a tax break. All of these are used, or plan to be used, for “free” parking which is not free because we are all paying for them while they provide no direct revenue to the Village.
The DDA, in their infinite wisdom, believes this is somehow economic development while there is insufficient funding for the other 95% of the Village.
Vote yes on the ballot proposal and put our taxes back where we voted them and under control of those we elected, not an unelected board that does not answer to the general public.