HomeMy WebLinkAboutA031 - Letter from Hanson Homes in favor of tax abatement Honorable Mayor
City Councl -�
- a d L i
December 8, 2000 DEC 12000 1' _ ,t
• CITY(�F A�trS,IOWA _..,._
Dear Mayor and City Council:
I am writing in regards to the tax abatement for the Somerset Village Subdivision. I have been building
and living in Ames for 20 years. I think it is one of the best towns to live and raise a family in Iowa.
The village concept is having a slow start and there are not many builders and customers that are
ready to join in this type of development. It has its merits, but if this would have been developed like a
Parkveiw Heights or Hill Side, I think there would be a lot more activity. Since the development started I
have not had many, if any, interested customers that have ask me to build them a home there. We are
limited to what we can build and am governed to such small detail that it cost the customer more to live
in this area. I know you want to have higher density but I think we need to rethink this and lower the
amount somewhat to make it a little more realistic. I would hope that you address this to encourage
development, rather than discourage.
Tight restrictions on growth — often disguised as ways to protect the environment or relieve traffic
congestion—are pushing the cost of housing beyond the reach of many young families. I hope it is the
council wish that we will have more jobs coming to town. With more jobs there is going to be more
demand for housing. Please make it easier, not harder, to make development and building more
affordable.
Since the idea to make this development a village, is the city council, and basically mandated it to the
developers. I hope you will help with its success by approving the tax abatement request. We as
builders think will spark some more interest in the area.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
(1
Marts Hanson
Hanson Homes Inc.