I’ve been an EGR resident for 10+ years with 5 children in the school system. We are frequent visitors to the Gaslight area for school events, sporting events, and recreation (running, cycling, etc). In it’s current state, the Gaslight area is congested and BUSY.
I am in full support of developing the site. Nobody will argue that the parking structure and vacant land are eyesores. That said, a development plan that will INCREASE congestion/traffic should not be considered.
Top priority should be given to student/pedestrian/cyclist safety.
Under no circumstances should the developers of this property receive any sort of tax incentive/abatement/reduction. If the developers/owners are not taxed at the going rate as every other taxpaying citizen, then the taxpaying citizens are, in effect, subsidizing the developers. If any tax incentives are approved it would be a catastrophic failure on the EGR city commission and any other city leader that has a say in the matter.
Lastly, I fully support private developers and their quest to be profitable, but not at the expense of the taxpayers. The community has already identified needs of the school system which are a challenge in our landlocked community. I would support a proposal that would transfer ownership of this property to the city/schools in exchange for fair market value or some amount that would create a win/win for the developers. Given the proximity to the schools and the schools needs, this could be a monumental win for the community.