Dear Editor,
I’m tired of my tax dollars being wasted and misused. First, a
$29 million police station that can’t book a person because the
finger print machine isn’t working (what happened to an ink pad and
paper) or a library that cost millions now that books are going to
iPads.
But funding a retail store for the Visitors Bureau that is in
direct competition with the merchants of Gilroy is the LAST
STRAW.
Dear Editor,
I’m tired of my tax dollars being wasted and misused. First, a $29 million police station that can’t book a person because the finger print machine isn’t working (what happened to an ink pad and paper) or a library that cost millions now that books are going to iPads.
But funding a retail store for the Visitors Bureau that is in direct competition with the merchants of Gilroy is the LAST STRAW.
I checked with an attorney, it’s illegal.
They are getting their space for $1 per month. Are they paying CAM fee? I had a store in the outlet mall for 11 years. I paid over $5,000 a month for a smaller space – plus at the end of the year they would bill me another $2,500, or $3,000 for additional expenses. That’s more than $63,000 a year.
Simon Properties Chelsea DOES NOT give anything for free. The TENANTS pay for all utilities, property taxes, advertising, maintenance, wages for the outlet employees and also pay for their employees in Napa and New Jersey(CAM fees). We even paid for the Halloween candy. The base rent goes to them in New Jersey not Gilroy or even California. So is someone or is the city getting a kickback for this deal?
The Gilroy Visitors Bureau was established to promote their bylaws (to contribute to the progress or growth of) Gilroy. It was not suppose to compete with the merchants. If they use the space for information only, it’s ok.
I know of at least three business that sell the items the GVB will be selling. If it’s only $10,000 dollars per year as Director Jane Howard says, that’s $10,000 a merchant could make.
If the city wants to go into the retail business then give every merchant the same amount of money they are giving the GVB. I want money to start a towing company,insurance company or a tire store all funded by TAX dollars.
Do you think Bracco’s Towing, Al Pinheiro, or Jane Howard would let that happen. Why are only Casa de Fruta items being sold? Is there another side deal?
If the city gave every merchants the same deal as the GVB that would bring back the downtown.
Anyone with any business or common sense would know this is WRONG and if any merchant lets them get away with this you deserve to go broke.
Joyce Balanesi, taxpayer, 69-year resident, born and raised in Gilroy,
paid taxes for 49 years
