James Clingman
Are you ready to Bring Back Black?
I know I am. I am ready to connect with brothers and sisters who are unwavering and unapologetic when it comes to who they are and what their obligation is to our people. I am ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Black folks who are unafraid and unflappable when attacked from without and from within. I am ready to work with a new cadre of Black leaders, not new in experience but new as it relates to their current unsung status, their active youth status, and new in respect to what they have done and are doing “under the radar screen” so to speak. There are many “new” leaders out there, and I am ready to follow them as we Bring Back Black.
The new book by W.D. Wright, The Crisis of the Black Intellectual, which I highly recommend you read, contains the following passage on page 311. (Get your copy from Third World Press, Chicago, IL)
“Today there is no general Black leadership and the Black political body is fragmented isolated, individualistic, fanciful, delusional, susceptible to posturing, and has no real sense of engaging with Black politics that are designed to help Black people in America, specifically those millions still ‘stuck at the bottom.’ What could interrupt this situation and force Blacks back to a general leadership and to a consciousness of Black politics would be the emergence of new and differently oriented local Black leaders. This would include some individuals drawn from those ‘stuck at the bottom.’ There are enough Black local leaders, community organizers, and activists who could initiate this new and different leadership across the country and who could consciously and actively seek to recruit and train individuals ‘up from varied misery’ for local leadership.”
The weekend of December 8, 2006 was the first step on a journey some of us have taken before. It was the weekend when strong, dedicated, determined, and consciously Black brothers and sisters gathered to begin the Bring Back Black movement. We came together because we know W.D. Wright is correct in his assessment of Black leadership. We came together to find one another, to meet one another, to connect with one another, to support one another, and to work with one another.
The Bring Back Black gathering comprised stalwart and resolute Black folks, some of who have been working for decades empowering our people. No need to name them; they are not looking for the spotlight. No need to number them; they are not looking for accolades. This group, as well as those who wanted to be there but could not, simply works to overcome the psychological barriers that now prevent Black people from moving forward together as well as individually.
They do their work quietly and without fanfare, in the same manner that Frederick Douglass described Harriet Tubman and the work she did. They work by building their own businesses, opening their own schools, and being serious about their political involvement. They do their work by meeting payrolls from which their Black employees take care of their families. They do it by standing up and speaking out against injustice and inequity. They do it by sacrificing their time and their resources for the collective cause of Black people. That’s why they came to the Bring Back Black gathering, which was held in the city Kwesi Mfume called “ground zero”: Cincinnati, Ohio.
I want to publicly state my gratitude to all who came, and those who could not, for your trust and confidence in me. Yes, I made the call, but you came, and it was all of you who made our gathering a milestone in the annals of our history in this country. It was you, all of us, who have etched a new thought into the minds of our people, a thought that if nurtured and promoted, will surely take root and spring up as the movement we have searched for during the past 40 years.
In the 1960’s we had the Black Power Movement, in which our songs, our products, our language, our clothing, our hair, our gestures, and our love of self, displayed a new thought, a new resolve, and a new dedication. What happened to it? Those were the first stages of what could have been a most powerful movement for Black people. The remnants are still with us, but the substance of collective progressiveness and prosperity are far lacking.
Shortly after Martin Luther King’s death it seems Black folks were more susceptible to being bought off; they were more pliable and, thus, easy targets for political and social program positions and handouts. During that period, in which strong, fist-in-the-air, Black men and women capitulated to the temptations of betrayal, we heard the death knell of our movement. It was sad to see strong Black voices silenced by the lure of “jobs” “grants” “sponsorships” and appointments to “Advisory Boards.” But to many in 1960’s, I suppose, it beat the alternative of being ostracized like Tommy Smith and John Carlos were, or even murdered like Fred Hampton was.
So what do we do now? We seek and follow new leadership; we take more control of our children’s education; we get serious about politics by playing to win rather than just playing to play; we take better care of our bodies; we use technology and commercial media, to its fullest, to tell our own story, because he who defines you controls you; we connect with our brothers and sisters in Africa, in Haiti, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands, and in Brazil’s Bahia, and in London, and throughout the world. And finally, but importantly, we pool some of our money and invest in our own projects.
Those are the things we did at our Bring Back Black meeting. Now, I ask you again: Are you ready to Bring Back Black? See www.bringbackblack.org for more information
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Wilbert Duke Brown
Wilbert Curtis Duke Brown has registered to run for Mayor in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Brown ran for Mayor in Ponchatoula, Louisiana in 1998, and two years later ran for Mayor of Hammond, Louisiana. Brown lost both races, but he didn't lose his interest in becoming Mayor. Brown is now being Mayor in the city he now calls home.
Brown brings his education, a bachelor degree from Southeastern Louisiana in Business Technology and a master degree in Business Administration from Saint Francis College. Brown is currently working on his Ph.D. in Business and Scientific Decision-Making.
But education is not all that Brown brings to the growing number of republican candidates for Mayor. He brings his expertise and political savvy to the job that require someone with vision. Brown suggest that he is the best man for the job of Mayor.
Brown ran for Mayor in Ponchatoula, Louisiana in 1998, and two years later ran for Mayor of Hammond, Louisiana. Brown lost both races, but he didn't lose his interest in becoming Mayor. Brown is now being Mayor in the city he now calls home.
Brown brings his education, a bachelor degree from Southeastern Louisiana in Business Technology and a master degree in Business Administration from Saint Francis College. Brown is currently working on his Ph.D. in Business and Scientific Decision-Making.
But education is not all that Brown brings to the growing number of republican candidates for Mayor. He brings his expertise and political savvy to the job that require someone with vision. Brown suggest that he is the best man for the job of Mayor.
Black History Month : Celebrating the Love of African-American people
February begins the celebration of Black History Week.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson born in 1875 and died in 1950 began Negro History Week in 1926, chosen in the second week of February between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, which evolved into Black History Month in 1976. Dr. Woodson authored the book, The Miseducation of the Negro. Dr. Woodson was known as the Father of Black History and the love of his people.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson born in 1875 and died in 1950 began Negro History Week in 1926, chosen in the second week of February between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, which evolved into Black History Month in 1976. Dr. Woodson authored the book, The Miseducation of the Negro. Dr. Woodson was known as the Father of Black History and the love of his people.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Obama wins Indiana
Senator Hilliary Clinton and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh did not go to Iraq for nothing. Senator Bayh can you buy the Indiana African-American vote with less than a $1 million dollars?
Joe Biden in oops out
First it was Senator Hilliary Clinton declaring she knows how to handle evil men. Even going so far as threatening to deck her opponents. So much for a more motherly Clinton.
But, on the first day Senator Joseph Biden takes the cake. Senator Biden must have been searching for kinds words to describe the inexperienced Senator Barack Obama. Senator Biden is still searching.
But, on the first day Senator Joseph Biden takes the cake. Senator Biden must have been searching for kinds words to describe the inexperienced Senator Barack Obama. Senator Biden is still searching.
City of Fort Wayne steals private property again (Southtown Mall was the first) for economy development without just compensation
AARP is deeply concerned with the preservation of home equity, the availability of affordable,safe, decent and stable housing and the elimination of discrimination in housing.
AARP is deeply committed to ensuring that its members are not forced out of their homes and communities except as a means to remove blight or for a needed traditional purpose use and to ensuring that when such displacement occur that older homeowners receive compensation that recognizes the unique cost of their dislocations.
In the summary, of a Kelo's amicus brief, the attorneys representing AARP and other groups argued that Connecticut constitution does not support the government taking private property from one owner and giving it to another private property owner for mere economic development. The Constitution requires a true taking, if not it can be dangerous and will disproportionally harm racial, ethnic minorities, elderly and economically underprivileged.
To allow government to take property through eminent domain for economic development purposes, would in essence eliminate judicial review, a check on the overreaching by government on citizens private property protections on such takings from the overbearing elites.
It is no accident according to former Attorney General of Minnesota in Downtown, Inc. Negro Removal is not just a thing of the past. During the 1960s whole communities of African-Americans were bulldozed from their homes, and under- compensated for their homes. In Alleging Race-Based Condemnation, African-Americans are targeted for such removal.
Statics suppose that the taking of property impact certain groups, specially the elderly, Hispanic and African-Americans. The reason why government target such groups because more than likely these groups are the weakest politically and lack the resources to fight in the court system that is dominated by folks who do not look like them. In addition, the government reaps a much larger windfall from an area that it has depressed and sell at a higher market value.
The city select the area and secretly goes in an offer compensation only for the value that a home would sell for in that area, but fail to include the trapped value in which they are aware when purchasing the property. If home owners are not adequately compensated for the cost of a similar home in a different area, during this secret process, many will be unable to afford to purchase homes in the higher priced neighborhoods. For families displaced, their ability to transfer their wealth to their children have been transferred to elite families. They hurry and moved into these areas in anticipate of the City's planned scheme of things.
The City purchased the property and now is selling land to the Wizard owners, a more refined taking of property for an economic development. The City is hiding under the debate of whether or not to build a hotel and stadium. The City is not answering when they got authority to use taxpayers dollars to enter the real estate business with their tax dollars.
No wonder Hardball is only paying $5 million, this is not their idea. The City says I have some land for you dirt cheap (no pun intended).
Indiana law blog writes about urban renewal today, too.
Who is Duke Brown?
Wilbert "Duke" Brown is the newest candidate to file for Mayor on the Republican field. The field is growing, if you can't beat up, the candidates is suggesting you might as well join them.
The party of the small business, hmmmm?
Update: Wilbert instead of Gilbert.
The party of the small business, hmmmm?
Update: Wilbert instead of Gilbert.
Consolidation Fall out and market value trending
The City Council and the Allen County Commissioners have discovered what the taxpayers were already cognitive about when it came to total consolidation. The need to study the impact of consolidation on the whole community. The group meeting came out with a decision to form another yellow ribbon committee outside the law governing consolidation. The cautionary yellow ribbon committee does not need the public hearings as it discusses merging certain departments.
More than likely, the latest action by the city council is to quiet the public as it attempts to do what the law forbids without the public input. Remember, the two authors of the proposal were Republcans, Dr. John Crawford and Sam Talarico. Talarico is not seeking reelection, which may explain why City Council and its' members are moving this merger without the public permission.
Here is a suggested reading, by the Indiana Policy Review Foundation on Marion County consolidation, that was forwarded the to me, after blogging about consolidation.
From Sam Staley's finding, I find limited consolidation as the best fit for communities like Fort Wayne which is so fragmented. Fragmented in the different constituents needs and interest. Below are some of the issues in limited consolidation.
Focusing on police departments, the biggest obstacle is overcoming attitudes.
Attitudes surrounding pay inequity, choice of jobs, wealth building, and union muscle during negotiation.
Economy development departments, decision makers who are more in favor of growth in hopes of influencing new money into the city as well as in anticipation of new ideas bubbling up from the newly formed government. The cost laid at the foots of those in the outlaying communities.
The biggest interest for me is the diluting of the African-American representation. And the second reason is the cost of merged operations that would involve more specialized skills, from the cost of a more professional staff for governing the merged departments would fall more heavily on the the taxing of African-Americans living in the under developed and depressed areas.
In order to shush the more affluence tax base, a lower tax rate will be used to reduce the ticket shock of the merger. While the tax rate will be increased to subsides the lower rate given to the outlying areas.
This increasing in property tax has been cushioned with the replacement tax, but the
Governor is talking about doing away with it. The fact that many assessing units are uniformity assessing property, trending to increase property tax is on the horizon.
The township assessors wants the county to hire a private company, GNA, to assess property next year utilizing a new system called "trending." Instead of going out and assessing property like the assessors should have, they will attempt to match similar properties. Trending is what caused the over assessment of property in the
City of Fort Wayne, because homes were estimated rather than actual assessed. Houses were priced at amount that similar houses in other neighborhoods. But because neighborhoods is a factor on the selling price of a piece of property, this was an unfair comparable assessment. This is a time saving as well as it compensate for those who are not trained in assessing properties.
State officials mandated counties adopt market trending this year in an attempt to make anticipate the cost of increases in property taxes. This way, the officials can determine how they will skew the increase in favor of the more affluence taxpayers.
This does not benefit the tax payers in the city if the assessed values were what properties would be sold for rather than what the property would actual be sold for.
Furthermore, in the news media, comments have focused on the need for a Property Tax Board. When in fact, the taxpayer should pay more attention to the one lone representative in their district who goes to Indianapolis and draft laws that are not in their district interest. The tax board that is proposed is to reduce the tax rate. Where as the time to protest inaccurate property tax bills remains on the tax payers. And the legislators have reduced the time to protest tax bill.
Under SEA 362 reduces the length of time taxpayers have to protest a tax bill and file a suit in tax court. To protest a tax bill, taxpayers will have 45 days. Previously, taxpayers had 60 days. In addition, taxpayers will have 60 days to file a suit in tax court, a change from the previous 180 days.
The shortening of the time will prevent folks from protesting on mistakes made by the auditors and treasurer office.
More than likely, the latest action by the city council is to quiet the public as it attempts to do what the law forbids without the public input. Remember, the two authors of the proposal were Republcans, Dr. John Crawford and Sam Talarico. Talarico is not seeking reelection, which may explain why City Council and its' members are moving this merger without the public permission.
Here is a suggested reading, by the Indiana Policy Review Foundation on Marion County consolidation, that was forwarded the to me, after blogging about consolidation.
The Indiana Policy Review Foundation,in turn, conducted research on the effects of consolidation on the efficiency and effectiveness of providing local public services. It had a different task and focus. The commission asked the foundation to summarize what experts thought about local government consolidation.
From Sam Staley's finding, I find limited consolidation as the best fit for communities like Fort Wayne which is so fragmented. Fragmented in the different constituents needs and interest. Below are some of the issues in limited consolidation.
Focusing on police departments, the biggest obstacle is overcoming attitudes.
Attitudes surrounding pay inequity, choice of jobs, wealth building, and union muscle during negotiation.
Economy development departments, decision makers who are more in favor of growth in hopes of influencing new money into the city as well as in anticipation of new ideas bubbling up from the newly formed government. The cost laid at the foots of those in the outlaying communities.
The biggest interest for me is the diluting of the African-American representation. And the second reason is the cost of merged operations that would involve more specialized skills, from the cost of a more professional staff for governing the merged departments would fall more heavily on the the taxing of African-Americans living in the under developed and depressed areas.
In order to shush the more affluence tax base, a lower tax rate will be used to reduce the ticket shock of the merger. While the tax rate will be increased to subsides the lower rate given to the outlying areas.
This increasing in property tax has been cushioned with the replacement tax, but the
Governor is talking about doing away with it. The fact that many assessing units are uniformity assessing property, trending to increase property tax is on the horizon.
The township assessors wants the county to hire a private company, GNA, to assess property next year utilizing a new system called "trending." Instead of going out and assessing property like the assessors should have, they will attempt to match similar properties. Trending is what caused the over assessment of property in the
City of Fort Wayne, because homes were estimated rather than actual assessed. Houses were priced at amount that similar houses in other neighborhoods. But because neighborhoods is a factor on the selling price of a piece of property, this was an unfair comparable assessment. This is a time saving as well as it compensate for those who are not trained in assessing properties.
State officials mandated counties adopt market trending this year in an attempt to make anticipate the cost of increases in property taxes. This way, the officials can determine how they will skew the increase in favor of the more affluence taxpayers.
This does not benefit the tax payers in the city if the assessed values were what properties would be sold for rather than what the property would actual be sold for.
Furthermore, in the news media, comments have focused on the need for a Property Tax Board. When in fact, the taxpayer should pay more attention to the one lone representative in their district who goes to Indianapolis and draft laws that are not in their district interest. The tax board that is proposed is to reduce the tax rate. Where as the time to protest inaccurate property tax bills remains on the tax payers. And the legislators have reduced the time to protest tax bill.
Under SEA 362 reduces the length of time taxpayers have to protest a tax bill and file a suit in tax court. To protest a tax bill, taxpayers will have 45 days. Previously, taxpayers had 60 days. In addition, taxpayers will have 60 days to file a suit in tax court, a change from the previous 180 days.
The shortening of the time will prevent folks from protesting on mistakes made by the auditors and treasurer office.
Serena-the body of a woman in the tennis world
Serena Williams can not help that she is well-endowed with assets in front and in back.
Williams suggest because, she is well-endowed does not means she is unfit. Critics should not compare her size to lessor endowed peers in tennis when determining fitness. And she proved that in winning her third Australian Open Championship going from 81th place to 14th place.
At the age of 25, Williams body screams I am not a teenager, but an eye-popping WOMAN. So those who can't deal with seeing men watching those assets on television, they are probably pushing for these less-breasted women. Williams is not apologizing for what nature has given her. This is totally difference from Janice Jackson's breast exposure malfunction that caused such an uproar during the super bowl halftime that the Federal Communications Commission demanded an apology.
Prime time is just not ready for a real woman physical presence.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Mandatory physical fitness
The new sheriff in town, Ken Fries is gunning for a mandatory fitness for his charge, according to the News-Sentintel
Well fellows tighten your pantbelt, that just one step away from mandatory drug testing. Yes siree, Bob, I can see it coming. The no smoking ban will taking on a whole different meaning.
Initially, he’d have every officer tested in categories such as the mile run, sit-ups and pull-ups. It would be an annual test, and according to Fries, there’d be a standard for each exercise based on an officer’s age. That officer would have plenty of time after being initially tested to work and meet those standards if he or she failed the first time.
Well fellows tighten your pantbelt, that just one step away from mandatory drug testing. Yes siree, Bob, I can see it coming. The no smoking ban will taking on a whole different meaning.
Political Fallout
The candidates are slowly falling out of the woodwork. Republican Ivan Hood joins Nelson Peters and Matthew Kelty in running for Mayor. Frederick Steinke, the lone Democrat must feel like the Lone Ranger in representing the Democrats in the primary so far for Mayor.
Charles Langley, a Democrat so far is uncontested in the 4th District. So is Mitch Harper, as the sole candidate for the Republicans. Did Karen Goldner, a Democrat filed to up seat Don Schmidt, Republican, in the 2nd district? Goldner still has time to file, the deadline is February 23, 2007.
Charles Langley, a Democrat so far is uncontested in the 4th District. So is Mitch Harper, as the sole candidate for the Republicans. Did Karen Goldner, a Democrat filed to up seat Don Schmidt, Republican, in the 2nd district? Goldner still has time to file, the deadline is February 23, 2007.
No need for eminent domain
The Constitution protects owners'property. If the government takes a person's property the Constitution states it must be for certain reasons. And if the property is taken for those certain reasons the Constitution states that person must be compensated. Of course those whom property is being taken may not believe they one can be fairly compensated for property that is called a home.
But, the government sees it as just a house and wants to purchase the property at the lowest cost. The City knew the owners of the Wizard would be looking to relocate their team to a bustling city. So the city decided to build this city, with promises of free money. Money from the taxpayers.
The City knew when it failed to fully disclose to residents in the area that the stadium would come to their neighborhood. The City knew when it gave the residents low ball offers for their homes.
Because of this conflict between the government and private property owners, government legislators have devised ways to circumvent the constitutional protection to harm innocence private property owners. Legislators have made it so much easier for private property to be taken without calling for eminent domain through constructive condemnation.
Constructive condemnation discouraging development in targeted areas which in turn depresses the value of the other properties in that area. The areas becomes blighted from abandonment and from the restrictive development. However some property owners remain in these neighborhoods but to oust these property owners, some states have devised others way to claim the property.
In July 2003, Indiana provided government with House Bill 1378, for taking property. The twist to this new land grab, it is not government that is taking the private property. It is the citizens claiming land in the blighted areas.
The new law encourages certain community organizations to take over deteriorating properties in their own neighborhoods.
The concept is urban homesteading allowing a group rather than a single individual to take abandoned property and make the property usable. The nonprofit establishes a receivership of the property.
The nonprofit goal is to repair unsafe buildings in their neighborhoods. that is in violation of the city's neighborhood code.
The nonprofit incentive for expending money in such building are to save the building prevent further abandonment of the neighborhood, prevention of demolition of historical building and a profit if the building is sold later after repairs.
The deal protects government from charges of eminent domain and prevent property from further deterioration. Individuals and their families can get into this deal as long as they remain in the property for three years.
For example, in Fort Wayne, Indiana a theatre called Rialto has long stood abandoned. This property was not given to a nonprofit with members from the neighborhood. The Rialto was given to a newly formed group a month after the law was passed. This group called itself the Reclamation Project. Don't be scaareed, coming soon to a neighborhood near you.
But, the government sees it as just a house and wants to purchase the property at the lowest cost. The City knew the owners of the Wizard would be looking to relocate their team to a bustling city. So the city decided to build this city, with promises of free money. Money from the taxpayers.
The City knew when it failed to fully disclose to residents in the area that the stadium would come to their neighborhood. The City knew when it gave the residents low ball offers for their homes.
Because of this conflict between the government and private property owners, government legislators have devised ways to circumvent the constitutional protection to harm innocence private property owners. Legislators have made it so much easier for private property to be taken without calling for eminent domain through constructive condemnation.
Constructive condemnation discouraging development in targeted areas which in turn depresses the value of the other properties in that area. The areas becomes blighted from abandonment and from the restrictive development. However some property owners remain in these neighborhoods but to oust these property owners, some states have devised others way to claim the property.
In July 2003, Indiana provided government with House Bill 1378, for taking property. The twist to this new land grab, it is not government that is taking the private property. It is the citizens claiming land in the blighted areas.
The new law encourages certain community organizations to take over deteriorating properties in their own neighborhoods.
IC 36-7-9-2
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter:
"Community organization" means a citizen's group, neighborhood association, neighborhood development corporation, or similar organization that:
(1) has specific geographic boundaries defined in its bylaws or articles of incorporation and contains at least forty (40) households within those boundaries;
(2) is a nonprofit corporation that is representative of at least twenty-five (25) households or twenty percent (20%) of the households in the community, whichever is less;
(3) is operated primarily for the promotion of social welfare and general neighborhood improvement and enhancement;
(4) has been incorporated for at least two (2) years; and
(5) is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The concept is urban homesteading allowing a group rather than a single individual to take abandoned property and make the property usable. The nonprofit establishes a receivership of the property.
IC 32-30-5-7 Receiver's powers
Sec. 7. The receiver may, under control of the court or the judge:
(1) bring and defend actions;
(2) take and keep possession of the property;
(3) receive rents;
(4) collect debts; and
(5) sell property;
in the receiver's own name, and generally do other acts respecting the property as the court or judge may authorize.
The nonprofit goal is to repair unsafe buildings in their neighborhoods. that is in violation of the city's neighborhood code.
Sec. 20. (a) A court acting under section 17 of this chapter may appoint a receiver for the unsafe premises, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The purpose of the receivership must be to take possession of the unsafe premises for a period sufficient to accomplish and pay for repairs and improvements.
(2) The receiver may be a nonprofit corporation the primary purpose of which is the improvement of housing conditions in the county where the unsafe premises are located, or may be any other capable person residing in the county.
(3) Notwithstanding any prior assignments of the rents and other income of the unsafe premises, the receiver must collect and use that income to repair or remove the defects as required by the order, and may, upon approval by the court, make repairs and improvements in addition to those specified in the order or required by applicable statutes, ordinances, codes, or regulations.
(4) The receiver may make any contracts and do all things necessary to accomplish the repair and improvement of the unsafe premises.
(5) A receiver that expends money, performs labor, or furnishes materials or machinery, including the leasing of equipment or tools, for the repair of an unsafe premises may have a lien that is equal to the total expended.
The nonprofit incentive for expending money in such building are to save the building prevent further abandonment of the neighborhood, prevention of demolition of historical building and a profit if the building is sold later after repairs.
A receiver appointed to sell an unsafe premises may sell the property:after investing in these property can petition the court for sale of property. The nonprofit is given a year to bring the property into compliance with the city's code. (
(A) to the highest bidder at auction under the same notice and sale provisions applicable to a foreclosure sale of mechanic's liens or mortgages; or
(B) for fair market value if all persons having a substantial property interest in the unsafe premises agree to the amount and procedure.
The transferee in either a public or private sale must first demonstrate the necessary ability and experience to rehabilitate the premises within a reasonable time to the satisfaction of the receiver.
d) The title to real property may be conveyed to a community organization purchasing the property as a determinable fee, with the language of the granting clause in the deed of conveyance to include the language: "The property is conveyed on the conditions that the purchaser:After that year, the nonprofit can sell the property and recoup their cost of renovation from bring the property into compliance.
(1) will list the property for sale within twelve (12) months of taking possession;
(2) will bring the residence up to minimum code standards in twelve (12) months;
(3) will carry adequate fire and liability insurance on the dwelling at all times; and
(4) will comply with any additional terms, conditions, and requirements as the agency requires before __________ (date of the deed) under IC 36-7-17.".
The deal protects government from charges of eminent domain and prevent property from further deterioration. Individuals and their families can get into this deal as long as they remain in the property for three years.
IC 36-7-17-5
(a) A person or community organization may apply for the program by completing a bid application.
(b) The following An applicant is applicants are qualified and shall be approved to receive real property offered under this chapter: if he:
(1) A person who:
(A) is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) (B) possesses the financial resources to support a loan, the necessary skills to rehabilitate the property, or a combination of both; and
(3) (C) has, including immediate family, not previously participated in the program.
(2) A community organization as described in IC 36-7-9-2.
(c) Approved applicants are entitled to receive a list of all properties
owned by the unit that are available under this chapter.
(d) Approved applicants may apply for each dwelling in which they are interested. A drawing shall be held to determine those persons applicants receiving the dwellings. Persons applying under this chapter shall receive priority over community organizations if both indicate an interest in the same dwelling. Each approved applicant person and his or her immediate family may receive only one (1) dwelling in the drawing. Each approved community organization may receive as many dwellings as the agency considers proper.
IC 36-7-17-6
The conveyance of a dwelling to an applicant under this chapter shall be made in return for a fee of one dollar ($1) or more and the execution by the applicant of an agreement with the following minimum conditions:
(1) The applicant must:
(A) if a person, reside in the dwelling as his the person's principal place of residence for a period of not less than three (3) years; or
(B) if a community organization, agree to list the dwelling for sale within twelve (12) months after possession.
For example, in Fort Wayne, Indiana a theatre called Rialto has long stood abandoned. This property was not given to a nonprofit with members from the neighborhood. The Rialto was given to a newly formed group a month after the law was passed. This group called itself the Reclamation Project. Don't be scaareed, coming soon to a neighborhood near you.
Taxes 101- Children First
Journal Gazette editorial states:
To save adults jobs it becomes an either/or proposition. Children don't own businesses in Fort Wayne. Children sit in the dugout waiting for a chance. So when limited property taxes dollars are split between schools for children or building businesses, businesses are given the chance to make it to first base.
Where would tax payers want their tax dollars spent on their children of course,
The voters should be real angry with the misinformed leadership of the Democratic Mayor and its representatives. Is the city not getting ready to rezone an area to place more businesses where folks don't want them while the southcentre area folks remains hungry for more businesses. Can we say TIF dollars, Southcentre is called a Southcentre Community Revitalization Enhancement District. How come no TIF for Southcentre. It's gonna take you a minute, but it'll come. Here's a hint below:
If Fort Wayne residents had to choose between spending dollars on schools or a downtown stadium, the decision would be a no-brainer – few would argue that baseball is more important than education. But the two ambitious projects aren’t competing for tax dollars – this is no either/or proposition.
To save adults jobs it becomes an either/or proposition. Children don't own businesses in Fort Wayne. Children sit in the dugout waiting for a chance. So when limited property taxes dollars are split between schools for children or building businesses, businesses are given the chance to make it to first base.
Where would tax payers want their tax dollars spent on their children of course,
They should spend their money on schools,and They should do something for the schools instead.
The voters should be real angry with the misinformed leadership of the Democratic Mayor and its representatives. Is the city not getting ready to rezone an area to place more businesses where folks don't want them while the southcentre area folks remains hungry for more businesses. Can we say TIF dollars, Southcentre is called a Southcentre Community Revitalization Enhancement District. How come no TIF for Southcentre. It's gonna take you a minute, but it'll come. Here's a hint below:
A $30 million to $40 million shopping center could be under construction on Illinois Road by late summer.
Fort Wayne Plan Commission members approved the 275,000-square-foot shopping center planned across the street from Apple Glen with little discussion Monday, despite some neighbors’ concerns about traffic. The City Council still needs to vote on rezoning the site for shopping center use.
The CRED and TIF -Fort Wayne Newspaper
DID said:
CRED
The Community Revitalization Enhancement District is a specific district that covers portions of downtown within which projects may qualify for up to 25% in state tax credits.
The size of the tax credit any project may qualify for is based upon these four criteria:
Condition and Need of the area is which the project is taking place
Return on investment the state will receive from the project
The extent of financial participation in the project from local government of other economic development entities
Whether the project will happen without state support
Review of the project is conducted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. They have recently changed their review policies to reflect the four objectives stated above and prospective investors are encouraged to contact either the DID office or Sharon Feasel with the City of Fort Wayne early in their due diligence phase.
Woodson spending $500,000 in downtown you would think the motorsport would have not only got the funding from the city, but a lot closer to the field of dream (stadium).
Tax Increment Financing
Much of downtown is within a tax increment finance district. Such districts capture the increase in property taxes created when a new investment takes place. The incremental increase in property taxes can be use in either of two ways:
Public improvements such as streetscaping or parking can be funded by the public sector that uses the increment to payback its front end investment.
Tax relief can be provided on the back end by using the increment to abate the increase in taxes caused by the project.
Developers may use either approach or a blend of both approaches to help fill financial gaps that prohibit a project from proceeding but may not use more funding than that resulting from the project.Press release February 2005 Fort Wayne Newspapers to Construct New Press Facility
$35 Million Reinvestment in Downtown Fort Wayne to be Completed in 2007
Reduced taxes, Reduced taxes, talk about not carrying their own weight. How about the little business person getting such sweet deal. What do they care about funding schools when they are trying to keep a presence in the city?
Write a letter to them about their conflict of interest in the success of building a stadium downtown.
110 W. Berry Street
Suite 102
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
For Release: February 2, 2005
CRED
The Community Revitalization Enhancement District is a specific district that covers portions of downtown within which projects may qualify for up to 25% in state tax credits.
The size of the tax credit any project may qualify for is based upon these four criteria:
Condition and Need of the area is which the project is taking place
Return on investment the state will receive from the project
The extent of financial participation in the project from local government of other economic development entities
Whether the project will happen without state support
Review of the project is conducted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. They have recently changed their review policies to reflect the four objectives stated above and prospective investors are encouraged to contact either the DID office or Sharon Feasel with the City of Fort Wayne early in their due diligence phase.
Woodson spending $500,000 in downtown you would think the motorsport would have not only got the funding from the city, but a lot closer to the field of dream (stadium).
Tax Increment Financing
Much of downtown is within a tax increment finance district. Such districts capture the increase in property taxes created when a new investment takes place. The incremental increase in property taxes can be use in either of two ways:
Public improvements such as streetscaping or parking can be funded by the public sector that uses the increment to payback its front end investment.
Tax relief can be provided on the back end by using the increment to abate the increase in taxes caused by the project.
Developers may use either approach or a blend of both approaches to help fill financial gaps that prohibit a project from proceeding but may not use more funding than that resulting from the project.Press release February 2005 Fort Wayne Newspapers to Construct New Press Facility
$35 Million Reinvestment in Downtown Fort Wayne to be Completed in 2007
Fort Wayne’s downtown Community Reinvestment Enhancement District (CRED), property tax abatement, planning assistance and a $60,000 local training grant are among the areas of assistance offered to Fort Wayne Newspapers in exchange for this $35 million reinvestment. While no new jobs are associated with this project, Fort Wayne Newspapers currently employs approximately 470 workers, with as many as 115 dedicated to the press area and related operations.
Reduced taxes, Reduced taxes, talk about not carrying their own weight. How about the little business person getting such sweet deal. What do they care about funding schools when they are trying to keep a presence in the city?
Write a letter to them about their conflict of interest in the success of building a stadium downtown.
110 W. Berry Street
Suite 102
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
For Release: February 2, 2005
School Funding
School funding Schools funding resources can come from local taxation and from state assisted aid. The burden of education falls mainly on local community. The amount spend per pupil by the community can signals a commitment to a certain quality of education for its students. Sometimes the state and federal government will provide additional revenue for enhancing students' and teachers' performance 2009.
PROPOSED FWCS 2007 APPROPRIATIONS AND LEVIES found on page 3 in the minutes above.
If property is taken from the residents of Fort Wayne and no replacement property, there is less tax dollars to pay for schools.
The disparate funding for public schools and between states and within metropolitan areas has turned some public schools into meccas for affluent students and others into decaying infrastructures with overcrowded classrooms and soaring drop-out rates.
School funding comes from a variety of federal, state, and city money pots. About 46 percent of public spending on elementary and secondary schools is derived from local government budgets. The size of the local tax base is one reason for the large disparity in spending.
Can you name what Mayor or Mayors' accountants currently works, now, for the Parks Department, Allen County Public Library, and Fort Wayne Community Schools? Do you think it was just happenstances that these accountants (with all the accountants that are throughout the state of Indiana) floated to the city's biggest money coffers. And another questions does any of these accountant audit any of these departments? You only get one guess. Let's stop trying to blame the state.
Monday, January 29, 2007
A Second Lie that can't live forever
Protestors marched on the ultimate public square, the White House on January 28,2007. The folks who supported President George Bush entrance into the war of terror declared, you lied. We no longer support your lie, of weapons of mass destruction. Bring our troops home and bullcrap on your "surge."
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