Patch Podium: David Carson on Spurring Development

This week, we asked the candidates:

• In reference to some of the stalled developments in the city (i.e., 570 Edgewater, The Gateway Project, and Fenway), what could be done to lure and spur development in Dunedin, should you be elected?

David Carson responds:

The stalled developments you mention will be very important as the economy improves. We must make sure the codes and height restrictions are clear for investors to know what will be allowed, then we must welcome these people to develop good projects.  

It will be critical when a good project, that follows the rules, is presented we must make the approval process smooth and timely for the customer of the City. Yes, I believe we need to continue to improve our relationships with people that come into the City with requests for permits, advice, and ideas on how to make their project work. Our current City Staff has made great strides in making the experience more friendly since they have arrived, but as in any service business you try to make improvements everyday. This friendly reception will help change the image some have of our City. Too many people in the construction business have complained to me over the years on the difficulty of doing business in Dunedin. Thus these people take their ideas, money and projects to other areas of the County. So it is important that we change that reputation. 

The numerous empty lots around town are paying property taxes on undeveloped property and this is obviously at a much lower rate. So to encourage good smart development will help in this time of falling revenues. We have kept our tax rate at one of the lowest levels in the County so we must maintain the current level and not be tempted to raise taxes, as this is always an important part of any decision to build in an area. If the project brings good long term jobs then the City can look at tax breaks, facade grants, and lowering impact fees to spur the kind of development such as Achieva Credit Union. Achieva will bring roughly 140 jobs paying on average $60,000 per year. This project will result in over $30,000 in taxes coming into the City each year and this is significant. When good times return, and they will, we must be ready.

See also, Heather Gracy's response.

Related Coverage:

• David Carson on the Patch Podium: Quality of Life
• City Elections: Candidates Share Quality of Life Vision
• David Carson on the Patch Podium: Experience
• City Elections: Carson Vs Gracy on Experience