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Resident urges scrutiny of tax abatements and development at Lansing council meeting
Summary
A Lansing resident criticized local tax-abatement programs and argued that benefits go to large developers rather than working-class homeowners. The resident also said the city-funded Fourth of July celebration includes paid elements; an attendee corrected his claim that everything at the event was free.
Paul Cromer, a Lansing resident, addressed the City Council during the public comment portion and urged residents to hold elected officials accountable for taxes and development incentives. Cromer said tax-abatement programs consistently favor developers and that ordinary taxpayers do not get the opportunity to use similar abatements to build homes.
Cromer told the council that over a 10- to 20-year period homeowners who built new houses would not have to pay city, county or school taxes and would not owe back taxes, allowing them to retain equity gained through property improvements. He characterized such outcomes as “a pipe dream” for working-class residents and warned that taxpayers will be expected to make up revenue shortfalls, saying, “Citizens of Lansing, hold your elected account officials accountable when your taxes go up. And mark my words, they will go up.”
Cromer also commented about the city’s upcoming Fourth of July celebration, saying attendees would be allowed to watch fireworks, a live band, food, rides and inflatables “all free of charge.” An audience member corrected Cromer, noting the rides and food cost money; Cromer acknowledged the clarification and said he would publish a correction.
The council did not take action in response to the comments; public comment was recorded as part of the meeting record.
