Dear Councilwoman Holton:

These are tough times and Americans and the world are looking to our elected government representatives to help chart a path out of the ongoing economic turmoil.  Citizens of Baltimore City are no different and it is in such circumstances that we need to make sure all major legislative, financial packages are benefiting hardworking Americans —we’re talking about mothers, fathers, grandparents who can not afford a decent place to live.  In Baltimore City, it is a crisis.  

The City Council introduced legislation this summer for up to a $160 million TIF for the Westport Development Project with only $6.35 million of the TIF-- or close to 4%-- slated for affordable, inclusive housing.  If the full extent of the Inclusive Housing law were applied to this TIF, we would expect that anywhere from $32 million to $37 million TIF dollars be allocated for affordable, inclusive homes using up to 23% of the TIF.  While federal housing dollars are slated for the development, it is imperative that we generate new/additional housing dollars if we are going to address our housing crisis and build new affordable housing and this TIF can do just that.

There must be some middle ground that brings us closer to using 20% of the TIF for affordable housing..

While we appreciate Mayor Sheila Dixon, Deputy Mayor Andy Frank, and Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano’s important efforts to provide for inclusive housing at Westport, we are asking that at least $20 million more of the TIF go toward affordable housing.

This is a great concern to me as a Baltimore taxpayer.

Mr. Jay Brodie of the BDC recently issued a report to the Council indicating that “the Westport Project meets or exceeds the qualifications for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funding, including surpassing the level of return required for City investments; that the project creates sufficient incremental taxes to provide debt service coverage; and that the project risks for the City are minimal.”

Since the project is expected to “surpass the level of return required,” as expressed by Mr. Brodie, as the Chairwoman of the Committee reviewing the Westport TIF, I look forward to your leadership in ensuring that this City-wide investment is truly maximizing the benefit for Baltimore and its citizens with affordable housing and employment opportunities.

Our residents need jobs and it is conspicuous that the Mayor’s Office of Employment (MOED) has been absent from comment on this unprecedented legislative initiative and that no language has been included to establish employment opportunities and living wage guidance in what is the largest development project in Baltimore City’s history.

Lastly, transparency in our government is critical and while it is documented that the Baltimore Development Corporation and the developer have signed an agreement, this agreement has not been, but needs to be provided to the public.

This is an important project for Baltimore City.  We want the project and developer to succeed, and are hopeful that a significant number of Baltimore residents can also take part in that success with affordable housing and jobs.

Awaiting your response,

Kim Trueheart

Very Concerned Baltimore City Taxpayer