The Downtown development community is in an uproar over a proposed move that would significantly hike the fees developers of adaptive reuse, live-work projects are required to pay to help fund local parks, the Downtown News reports.
The issue came to a head on Friday, Sept. 7, when, after rounds of attempted negotiation between local officials and the city Zoning Administrator, Old Bank District developer Tom Gilmore formally appealed the move.
Adding fuel to the fire of those against the increased fees – which in some cases could triple – are claims that past collections of millions of dollars have produced few results.
“We have seen no benefit whatsoever in terms of new green space that can serve the residents of Downtown,” said Carol Schatz, president of the Central City Association. Schatz attempted to mediate the dispute. “We have no idea where this money has gone.”
The assessments, known as Quimby fees, are paid by developers of residential projects citywide to help offset the density impacts of development. Charged on a per-unit basis and collected and administered by the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, the funds must be used for park projects within two miles of where they are gathered.
