It's been a while since we've posted, but that doesn't mean that we haven't been watching and investigating all that is going on within the City of Meadville. The topic on everyone's mind lately seems to be housing. In particular, the Calamar property, known as Pine St. Commons and/or Connect 55. Holland Towers is also on the radar.
We're going to start with Calamar, because we know some folks are asking about those tax breaks they got, and the significant rent increases that the tenants are facing. Let's jump in, shall we?
A little information about the Calamar building, and construction cost;
Estimated rent? Stipulations to live there?
Now, what exactly is the tax relief this company was given? For how long? Who is responsible for it? This took a little bit of digging, but was pretty eye opening once we got into the details.
The specifics, are outlined in an ordinance of the city of Meadville, which is found here;
If you don't feel like reading the wording on everything, that's quite fine, we have some video clips that explain it as well.
Does this mean Calamar was given a complete tax break? No. Watch the video below as Jim explains.
Who was part of the original abatement process?
You're likely now wondering why this was brought up again in front of council in 2020, which is a great question.
And, if they didn't approve the extension?
The verdict?
Of course, this project has faced a number of other complaints from the city;
Next matter of business, Holland Towers. What exactly is the issue there?
From a Tribune article found here; https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/housing-authority-addresses-resident-council-bedbugs-and-elevator-maintenance-issues/article_65bd8fd8-e767-11ec-9bbc-2b45d3ed0e26.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR2meYl7fvzkz9rL7m5wCOAlH6aLG3Wnv99vQDrCqycJ7aRvkThXp65DKEk
Who exactly is in charge of Holland Towers?
At the end of the day, City Council chooses those who sit on Meadville Housing Authority. They also choose whether or not to allow tax abatement to occur. There are positives and negatives to both sides of the tax abatement issue, and it's not our job to tell you how to feel about it. Our goal is to provide you with the information to know more about the who, what, where, when and why.
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