Norfolk council: Does money grow on trees?

The economy is in the tank. Norfolk is facing a $39 million shortfall. The light rail starter line is 41% over budget, requiring an additional $38 million to $40 million to complete this once-again delayed project.

The Commonwealth is facing a $4.2 billion revenue shortfall, a significant portion of which will be borne by the localities.

And Norfolk wants to give a another $2.85 million subsidy to a developer, on top of earlier subsidies:

The project previously received other city subsidies – including the land, valued at $3.6 million, that the city donated. The city also paid $5.4 million for public utilities and right-of-way improvements.

Heck, Norfolk is spending $2.4 million to buy a hotel in Ocean View.

I guess money grows on trees.  Otherwise, I simply cannot see where Norfolk intends to get all this money.

Wait – let me guess. The trees in this case are the Norfolk taxpayers. We get shaken so often that it feels like a case of Parkinson’s disease.

While many people only pay attention to the real estate tax, that’s just the largest piece. If it isn’t nailed down, Norfolk finds a way to tax it or fee it. Have you looked at your water/sewer bill lately? What used to be a $45 a month expenditure is now $90. And I’m not using any more water.

In these tough economic times, we all have to live within our means. And that includes the City of Norfolk.  I’m sorry that not developing that lot will leave a hole in downtown. Better downtown than in my pocket. These are the kinds of things that need to wait until the economy improves. People are out of work, losing their homes, and Norfolk wants to plug a hole in the ground.

Sorry – no more leaves on this tree.