The state has very serious budget issues and is looking for any relief. Redevelopment cannot be eliminated in a knee-jerk reaction to solve this problem. Redevelopment is much too important to our communities.
Redevelopment definitively increases property values and resulting property, sales and business tax revenues to local agencies, including schools. The governor would lead some to believe that redevelopment is taking all property tax revenues from schools and local governments when in fact the improvements funded by redevelopment greatly increase property values, thereby generating more in tax revenue than if redevelopment had not been in place.
We are working to rebuild a community that has suffered many challenges. The Los Angeles Riots in the early 90s led to the implementation of redevelopment in Central and North Long Beach project areas. Those that lived in these areas before that time will clearly understand the devastating and lasting effect that event had on our community. If not for redevelopment these areas would be in decline, crime would be skyrocketing and we would not be able to attract businesses to the area.
Now nearly all improvements we see are due primarily to redevelopment in one form or another. Redevelopment demonstrates investment and commitment in the community, to this businesses and homeowners leverage private investment, compounding the investment. The Bixby Knolls area is well on its way, and North and Central are making tremendous strides. But we are far from done. Revitalization does not occur overnight. It literally takes decades.
Redevelopment improves the appearance of our businesses and residential areas, businesses move in, property values increase, more jobs are produced, more opportunities to shop and dine occur. People spend money in the area, businesses thrive, sales tax is generated and other businesses decide to invest, adding to the momentum. This activity would not occur in the time frame that it does without redevelopment.
Further, improvements to our public-safety facilities help police and fire departments to more efficiently serve the community. Problem locations that draw on our public-safety resources are improved or eliminated, reducing demands on the public-safety resources, allowing them to better serve the entire community.
Redevelopment also funds libraries and park land, both of which help give our youth and residents good, healthy alternatives. If redevelopment did not make these investments, the city’s general fund would be tapped and the resources are simply not there.
Redevelopment is a slow process. It does not happen overnight, and, just as we are preparing for the most significant improvements, the funding is being threatened. We must not allow this to occur.
We need to support redevelopment as the economic resource and revenue generator for our communities, schools and cities. If we can retain it, redevelopment will continue to support the community, and business.
Laurie C. Angel
Chair
North Project Area Committee
