HomeMy WebLinkAboutA034 - Letter from Ames Home Builders in favor of tax abatement r t
HBA
Home Builders of Ames
Box 864 Ames,Iowa 50010
December 13, 2000
Ted Tedesco
4002 Stone Brooke Road
Ames, Ia 50014
Dear Mr. Tedesco:
It has come to our attention that the City Council is Considering a Tax
Abatement for the Somerset Subdivision. Because the success of the building
industry and the affiliated businesses have a direct impact on the local
economy as a whole, the HBA Board of Directors has to be concerned with
the success of all local developments.
The village concept was promoted, by the City Staff, as a City preferred
form of development. The Developers have pledged an additional million
dollars out of pocket as sales incentives to make this project work.
The home building community has been cautious to build in Somerset the
first group of homes took such a long time to sell. Most of the smaller
builders do not have the resources to hold on to a new home for extended
periods of time.
If the abatement is approved, it will allow several design extras, as
required, to be done and the cost to the buyers will be the same or less than
other subdivisions in town. It will also encourage the smaller builders (33 in
all) to take a chance on building a spec house or encourage their customers to
build at Somerset.
This subdivision has to be maintained and serviced by the City of Ames.
Additional housing adds to the tax base and is a win- win situation for all.
Very truly yours,
The Ames Home Builders Association
Board of Directors
Jerry Cable, President,/Cable Investments
Darren Milliken, P Vice President, Milliken Construction
Doug Burgess, 2nd Vice President, Burgess Construction
Steve Shuey, Secretary, Friedrich & Sons
Mark Hanson, Hanson Homes
Jon Hunziker, Jon Hunziker Construction
Don Soma, Don Soma Construction
Kris Peterson, Peterson Builders
Rich Fitch, Furman Corporation
Larry Wolters, Stewart Building Center
Jim Linder,Ames Heating and Cooling