Comment 64801

By Freedom Seeker (anonymous) | Posted June 10, 2011 at 13:16:22

The "best use" and "correct price" for these lands could be determined by returning them the space of voluntary exchange and un-coerced use;

A modest proposal:
Auction the lands in question (or much better the entire park) to the highest bidder, subject to the following conditions:

1) After sale the lands would be exempt from the zoning bylaw, and all other laws restricting land use, in perpetuity. The new owners would be free to use it for whatever purpose they wished. Should they sell some or all of the lands in the future this freedom of use would follow the sale.

2) The money received from the auction to be used only to reduce the municipal debt.

3) The budget of the Parks Department to be reduced by a proportionate amount based on the size and current operating costs of the park.

4) Insofar as the property tax rate of residents in the area is based on the proximity of the park their tax rate to be reduced by that amount.

5) Provide sufficient public notice of the auction for all bidders to come forward (say 6...9 months)

This last point is important, certainly if residents in the area, or the city as a whole for that matter, wanted to organize a private syndicate to bid on the park they would need time to organize themselves. I'd certainly be willing to pay a modest annual subscription for such a purpose in exchange for the tax reductions itemized above.

Permalink | Context

Events Calendar

There are no upcoming events right now.
Why not post one?

Recent Articles

Article Archives

Blog Archives

Site Tools

Feeds