To the editor:

I would like to thank Bob Schumm for his recent column on the proposed redevelopment at 23rd and Ousdahl, which brings little to the table for the community, yet holds out its hand for a public subsidy for 22 years.

Bob points out that other developments have gone forward without placing the burden of additional sales tax upon the general public. Creating a multitude of additional sales tax districts is a definite way to discourage people from shopping in Lawrence.

The City Commission owes the community at large an obligation for good governance. They should demonstrate leadership for positive, healthy and sustainable growth while minimizing public subsidies for private equity ventures.

What do these developers bring to the table that benefits the long-term interests of the community?

The development at Bauer Farms has yet to demonstrate that the TIF funded project has provided a nucleus of sustainable “smart growth.” The Oread received TIF funding for approximately 11/38ths of its cost by creating an additional 1 percent sales tax for 20 years at the new hotel. What did it bring to the community for its colossal impact upon the neighborhood?

The commissioners are gatekeepers of the public trust and should function to protect our interests far beyond threshold concerns of life and safety issues in order to build a long-term sustainable local economy.

If these projects are asking for public help, should they not be required to build sustainable architecture meeting the threshold requirements for a LEED certified building?