»» "2007 Year in Review" Annual
Summary (.pdf 293k)
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»» Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan (Draft)
PACIA Seeks Partnerships with
other Governments
In April of 2007, the Plainfield Township Board of Trustees created a Corridor Improvement
Authority (“CIA”) covering an area that includes 152 individual parcels of property along
Plainfield Avenue from 4 Mile Road to Airway. The CIA operates like the Comstock Park
Downtown Development Authority(DDA), except that its funding depends on the willingness
of the contributing taxing authorities to allow their property taxes on the increased
value (from 2006 to ??) of the 152 parcels to be captured. Tax Increment Financing is
how the CIA can generate the money needed to accomplish the public improvements. In
cooperation with Grand Rapids Township, which created its own CIA south of 4 Mile Road,
a “tax sharing agreement” was negotiated with Kent County, which has consistently
rejected participation in Tax Increment Financing Authorities (TIFAs) for many years.
A similar agreement was reached with Grand Rapids Community College, which has
consistently participated in TIFAs. The Kent District Library (KDL) has opted NOT
to participate and has so far declined to participate in tax sharing agreements
with Plainfield and Grand Rapids Townships.
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When TIFAs are created, participating taxing units
of government typically understand that a stagnant or depressed area of
the community needs a boost, some extra assistance, to turn things around
and rejuvenate the area. Why should the County, the GRCC, the KDL, or
Plainfield Township want to see revenues it would normally collect be
plowed back into the CIA district? Because a rejuvenated area represents
a benefit to everyone – even taxing government entities. If a stagnant
area is turned around, property values will increase and will generate more
taxes than would have been generated by simply leaving the place to die on
the vine. The keys to making this work are (1) generating enough resources
to make a difference and (2) ensuring that, once the objectives are achieved,
the TIFA will be dissolved, and all of the contributing taxing entities will
receive increased tax revenues that would not have materialized without
their participation. The tax sharing agreements assure this. Plainfield
Township has secured concurrence from Kent County and GRCC, and we are
hopeful that the KDL will be persuaded that continuing its participation
in TIFAs makes long term good sense.
Meanwhile, the Plainfield Township and Grand Rapids Township CIA boards know
that they have their work cut out for them and that sustained, patient, and
determined attention to their combined missions is essential for success.
Remember – good things do not “just happen” in local government; there are
dedicated, hardworking, unrecognized individuals that make things happen.
The understanding and support of the entire community is very important.
Citizens of Plainfield Township should make it their business to know what
is going on and to contribute whatever they can to make a positive impact
on these efforts.
Robert C. Homan
Township Manager
Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan (Draft)
Interested persons can view or download a draft of the proposed plan
here. The entire document is quite large (1.5mb) so visitors
with slow connections may prefer download a version without
maps.
Note: The original signed copies are on file with the .
Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan-Draft
(.pdf 1.5mb)
Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan-Draft NO MAPS
(.pdf 400kb)
- Exhibit E: Maps- Plainfield Avenue Corridor Improvement
Authority
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Plainfield Ave. Corridor Improvement Authority Members |
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Term
Expires: |
| Jayne Dykema |
Dec 31, 2008 |
| Bob Litzan |
Dec 31, 2010 |
| Tom Markarewicz |
Dec 31, 2009 |
| Cheryl Scales |
Dec 31, 2010 |
| Art Sturgis |
Dec 31, 2010 |
| Steve Van Vliet |
Dec 31, 2008 |
| George Meek |
Board Representative |
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