Letter to the editor: Beware developer Park's double talk

May 14, 2008 05:05 am

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To the editor:

Here we go again, with Mr. Park doing his "double talk" to sway the City Council and mayor.

If you remember when opposition to the lights came up for the Gloucester Crossing, Mr. Park said it was a "deal breaker" if the lights weren't installed — yet he has begun development despite not getting his lights.

Now, he claims the tax break he wants will be a "deal breaker" if he doesn't get it. It's time for the council and the mayor to stand up to these developers. I'm sure Mr. Park will make millions on this development. The city is in desperate shape and can hardly afford to be giving out tax breaks.

Gloucester needs the money now, not later. We shouldn't give any tax breaks to any major developments (including Market Basket, if it ever gets here); those people are not making these developments for the good of the city but to line their pockets. I have no problem with that, just don't ask me to give them a break.

The mayor has just said that service and personnel cuts are coming, and that the school budget will be cut by at least $500,000. Does this seem like a good time to be giving out tax breaks?

If the council and mayor do cave in to Mr. Park, remember them on Election Day. By then, you'll be paying the highest water rates in the country while your streets are falling apart and Mr. Park enjoys "your money."

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PAUL FAVAZZA

Chestnut Street, Gloucester