Letter sent to Largo Mayor and Commissioners - 1% art “contribution: - July 22nd MeetingAfter watching the commission meeting of July 15th and catching the online broadcast of last night's meeting we're somewhat baffled. On the 15th there was a tie vote to defeat/approve the 1% art "contribution" (agree with that speaker who said it's NOT a contribution just another tax) thus it's been carried forward to the next meeting. In all candor we cannot see how this could possibly help the local economy much less attract jobs. If anything it will deter a would be factory builder from locating in Largo...why pay an additional, mandatory, 1% tax to build a factory, shopping center or other costly venue when they can move to Pinellas Park and not pay it? The three commissioners who voted to charge the tax...your comments totally lack substance but now the confusion. Last night the subject of revising the park land "contribution(?)" charged to Sama developer or builder was brought up (truth be told we had NO idea such a fee existed). City staff mentioned that this "fee" is seriously hindering affordable housing and all of you agreed. Please tell me why would you be in favor of a 1% art assessment, a tax that will inhibit job creation and the city itself will be the #1 payer thereof, yet all of you agreed that the park land development fee should be dramatically modified and/or reduced. Your votes appear to contradict themselves. - Sam Carter
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