Developer Clark Turner, one of Harford County’s most prominent business figures, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection last week through a chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney for both himself and his home construction firm, according to court records. Bankruptcy documents voluntarily filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland on Nov. 12 put total […]
Friends of Harford: A Brief Overview of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) – a Primer and a Caution
From Friends of Harford: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is public financing to support private projects desirable to Harford that cannot attract developers without government support. TIFs should be used to offset a developer’s added costs to renovate or redevelop, since this saves taxpayers’ money in the long run by preserving property values in the area. […]
“TIF, TIF, Hooray!” Harford Campaign for Liberty Urges Public Petition Against Tax Increment Financing of James Run Project
From Harford Campaign for Liberty: Why should you care what a TIF is? Tax Increment Financing is being used by Harford County government to give developers big loans backed by the taxpayers. The Harford County Government plans to borrow more than $20,000,000 to fund the projects of huge developers and you’re underwriting it. Then, over […]
Mallamo: What will Residents of Harford County Get with Tax Increment Financing?
From John P. Mallamo: On October 16th 2012 the County Council held a public hearing on the James Run TIF legislation. It was interesting and enlightening. One of the speakers provided a historical perspective. Used to be infrastructure construction was a cost to developers and the County issued permits and provided engineering quality control. Infrastructure […]
Mallamo: “Can Harford County Afford Another No Risk, Sure Thing” With TIF for James Run Corporate Campus?
From John P. Mallamo: DO THE TAXPAYERS BENEFIT FROM THE HARFORD COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROMOTION TO DEVELOP THE JAMES RUN CORPORATE CAMPUS On October 16, 2012 at 6 PM the County Council will hold a public hearing on a proposal by the Harford County Office of Economic Development to establish a Special Taxing […]
Bruce: “There’s No Free Lunch, and Beechtree’s Lunch Will Be Paid For By Harford Taxpayers”
The following letter is from Morita Bruce: It’s no surprise that a financial analyst would be excited about Harford’s new TIF bond. It’s a good deal for investors, for the developer, and for the people who buy houses in Beechtree Estates. But there’s no free lunch, and Beechtree’s lunch will be paid for by Harford […]
Corea: “…Bury Your Head Back in the Sand While the Professionals Take Harford County Forward”
The following letter was sent by Robert A. Corea, CFA, Bel Air: “It is interesting how three writers from three separate publications within literally hours of each other all chose to ignore the creativity, boldness and innovation of our elected officials and decided to wallow in innuendo and otherwise cheap shots. I refer of course […]
Mallamo: On Beechtree TIF, “This Project Has A Dark Side That Will Impact All Future Business And Development Seeking To Move Into Harford County”
The following letter was sent by John P. Mallamo of Bel Air: A brief Post Mortem on Bill 10-10 if you will. Bill 10-10 passed on a 6-1 vote as reported elsewhere. It does have some unattractive features. The TIF and the Enterprise Zone designations that the County administration is pursuing for economic development establishes […]