BC 2007 04 16 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 16, 2007 (Regular Meeting) (E) OLD BUSINESS (E-1) Update on the Sheriff's Office 6 Detention Center Page 334 Scott Milligan, with Turner Construction Company, provided a brief update on the progress of the Sheriff's Office and Detention Center construction project and responded to several questions from the Board. (E-2) Publie Comments on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the North Carolina Research Campus Chairman Carruth opened the meeting for public comments on the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the N. C. Research Campus at 7:28 p.m, He stated twenty minutes has been allocated for this portion of the meeting and each speaker will have two minutes to express their views. Connie Nil y, resident of Concord, stated she is in favor of the self- financing bonds and encouraged the Board to activate the financing as soon as possible. Jerry Williamson, resident of March Avenue NW in Concord, thanked the County Manager for his proposal on the bond situation and said all facts should be considered before a decision is made. He said the project will benefit other entities outside Cabarrus County and that everyone that benefits from the project should participate in it. He also commented on the six step process submitted by the County Manager. Finally, he asked Board members to stand together on whatever decision is made. Roy Davis, resident of 20B Clark Blvd., Charlotte, owner of property in the Odell area, reported Cannon Mills was the backbone of the County's economy in the 20t" century and the N. C. Research Campus can be the backbone of the County's economy during the 21st century. He said he realizes there are items in the proposal that the County does not normally fund, but the debate should not be how little the County can support but how much is prudent. He suggested the County move forward to find a workable solution for the County's new partner of the future, the N. C. Research Campus. Mr. Davis responded to questions from Commissioner Privette related to the cost of the project for taxpayers. Gordon Schneider, resident of 200 Edgewater Drive, Concord, stated he fully supports TIF (Tax Increment Financing) for the N.C. Research Campus. He commented on the recognition of the Campus by individuals living in the Deep South and on the west coast; the downturn of manufacturing in his hometown in Ohio; how the influx of new citizens to Cabarrus County will increase tourism revenues and taxes that can be used for schools and other needed County improvements; and the necessary infrastructure must be designed and implemented so the County and Kannapolis can benefit from the project. Finally, he encouraged all citizens to make a difference in their community and nation. Dari Caldwell, resident of 1155 Asheford Green Drive, Concord, spoke in support of TIF for the N.C.Research Campus. She expressed appreciation to Board members for their service to the community which is often. difficult and thankless. She citied her involvement with the Alliance for Tomorrow and commented on the pride, heritage and support of Kannapolis citizens for this project. Justin Thibault, resident of 5964 Coleman Circle in Concord, thanked Board members for supporting Amendment No. 1 in 2009 and the extension of Speedway Boulevard across Derita Road. Finally, he stated the cost of doing nothing will be greater than any cost associated with the N.C. Research Campus. Richard Flows commented on the opportunity of bringing a knowledge- based economy to this region. He said the project's impact is far greater than the district within which itresides and will be felt in Mecklenburg County and across this state. He reported owning property located within a TIF district in another state and that community has experience great improvement without fear of taxes. Finally, he encouraged the Board to stop debating the small issues and move onto the large issue. With there being no one else to address the Board, Chairman Carruth closed that portion of the meeting at 7:49 p.m.