I just want to note that the developer's PUD extension has or will soon be expired as they did not get their required permits. If they did not start marketing, they would need to soon start to pay a vacant property tax rate. They may be serious about trying to attract a tenant, or they may be simply justifying paying a lower tax rate on this vacant land by showing that it is being actively marketed.
The developers showing that they are actively marketing is certainly a strategy that has been used to avoid paying higher taxes. The question is: How long will we as a community allow it to go on? It's time to vigorously oppose any further extensions, demand the higher tax rate and try, as a community, to force this development to happen. The project has stalled for years! Frankly, I think this is one of the best development opportunities to change that corner-- where drugs, litter, loitering and crime are prevalent -- to catalyze retail/restaurant development that would lift all the boats in the area... But these developers that are obviously in over their heads do a huge disservice to the community.
ReplyDeleteHi Patsy - quick question, who in city government should we contact about opposition to another extension on "to be developed" tax rate? WOuld be very happy to do so.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a "to be developed" tax rate, but I would be interested to learn more. I can't think of vacant lots that are not DC owned, but I pulled numbers for the vacant lot at North Capitol and Florida, and two commercial properties in the next block. They are all three coded 002 -Commercial, with a tax rate of 1.65
ReplyDelete1600 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW
Assessment $2,848,620
Annual Tax $47,002.22
Annual Tax $21,509.02 ( 2008)
1626 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW
Assessment $1,662,050
Annual Tax $27,423.82
1644 NORTH CAPITOL ST NW
Assessment $249,550
Annual Tax $4,117.58