Laserfiche WebLink
• <br />Mr. Wright did not think we need a referendum, but immediate action. He said other <br />ideas that could be looked at are the development of industrial revenue bonds program, and the <br />use of CRA Districts. <br />John Higgs, Chairman of the Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA), Indian <br />River Shores, referenced certain ideas brought forward by Commissioner Davis, that we must <br />work together for the good of our County, and that residential construction alone is not, and <br />cannot, by definition, be the basis of a long-term sustainable economy. Another suggestion by <br />Commissioner Davis was that we address impact fees on construction of commercial properties <br />and Mr. Higgs elaborated on why he thinks lowering impact fees on commercial properties <br />requires careful attention. <br />Mr. Higgs believed having a moratorium is wrong, and we should instead have a well <br />thought out program, not a give-away He felt there should be criteria; have people meet these <br />standards and then give them the break that they need. On the idea of expanding the Enterprise <br />Zone, the IRNA thinks it is a good idea, and expanding it elsewhere in the County should also be <br />considered. The IRNA strongly supports the idea of the Tax Abatement program and suggested <br />careful thought be given to that. Mr. Higgs felt not enough attention has been given to doing <br />what we can to get the life sciences employers who are moving south, to move up here, and he <br />highlighted the need for more to be done to get them here. <br />Susan Grandpierre, Cultural Council Board Member, Ocracoke Square, referenced <br />earlier comments about how to diversify our economy, and said the Cultural Council would be <br />sponsoring a community cultural plan for the entire County, beginning this spring, and it would <br />go on for a year. She believed long-range cultural planning is the key to attracting business and <br />development, and better jobs. She pointed out that surveys of corporations and residents have <br />shown that the most important factors in community livability is the arts and culture. She <br />14 <br />February 5, 2009 <br />Economic Summit Workshop <br />BK • 13 6 PG 7 34 <br />