DCEDI Letter to Commissioner Hughes
June 5, 2007
Jeffrey L. Hughes
Commissioner
Dearborn County Commission
1702 Yodelodel Lane
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Dear Commissioner Hughes:
Pursuant to our conversation this date, I am providing the following information to help you present the impact of a recent lost economic development opportunity for Dearborn County.
In July, 2006, DCEDI responded to an RFP for a light manufacturing project. The preliminary requirements were: 15-30 acres; close proximity to interstate highway; within one hour of Cincinnati. We later learned that this company, a supplier to Honda and other auto manufacturers, would invest $15-million in a metal stamping facility to produce wire products for the automotive industry. Initial employment would be 35 people at wages in the $18-$20 per hour range. The project was forecast to double in size within five years.
In early November, company officials inspected sites in the Kelso Township and the Town of St. Leon. The company ultimately selected a site in adjoining Butler County, Ohio. The reason given by the company for eliminating Dearborn County was “cost of property and based on their schedule the proposed site(s) would not be done in time for their project compared with other states”. Bottom line -Dearborn County did not have a competitive, ‘shovel-ready’ site.
With this one project, Dearborn County not only lost the opportunity of the new jobs with above-average wages but also the opportunity of new tax revenues. Our estimate is that Phase 1 of the project would have added $273,000 per year in local tax revenues.
In recent months we have hosted at least six other similar projects, most of which have been Honda related. The primary reasons given, if any, for not selecting Dearborn County have been related to site costs, infrastructure, rezoning and other time/cost factors.
The winners in the game of economic development are always the communities that have the market-ready product. Dearborn County has a lot of work to do to catch up with its competition.
Respectfully,
James F. West, Jr., CEcD
President
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37 comments:
Once again it appears that we have let the "stop everything" group sell us down the river. I guess our children will have to drive to Cincinnati to get jobs. It seems we should figure out that sometimes we have to give a little to grow and get alot. Let's hope we can get this turned around before other good paying jobs are lost. It would also appear that the oft quoted Honda official, who said there would be no other industry opportunities with the plant, was just plain wrong. When will we learn to listen more critically to the "know everytings" who seem to, in reality, know nothing.
"stop everything"
That comment burns me when I hear it. "Nothing has happened in Dearborn County" Well, that's just so far from the truth. There is no stop everything group or anti-everything group. The reality is there is a group that says let's think about what we are doing and not try to just fill someone's pocket or justify someone's salary. It's a group that says let's think about this and see if this is really what our county wants. 2 guys from out of state justify their "DEARBORN COUNTY" positions are just that. Protecting their own pocket. Jim and Mike should give up their Dearborn county jobs and let a "DEARBORN COUNTY" resident have them. It only makes sense. They talk about Dearborn County residents driving to their workplace. What do these two do everyday?
They talk about Dearborn County residents driving to their workplace. What do these two do everyday?
But...but...but...but...but!!!
Face it!
All these folks who are constantly droning on about "anti-everything" types, will not be happy until they have complete control of this County and can do whatever they want!
At any taxpayer expense!
As it stands now, they are just indignant that there is anyone with the audacity to stand in their way!
Look at the NW Quadrant Debacle: They tried to sneak that through and then steam roll the citizens of the NW Quadrant after they finally found out what was up…when “connected” realtors were canvassing the area trying to get good deals on land with their “inside” information!
Why did they treat the Citizens of the NW Quadrant this way?
Because to the arrogant few who think they run this County…feel that the Citizens of the NW Quadrant did not matter!
Development Interests are all that matter!
Things have happened in this county in spite of the anti-development group, not because of their thoughtful observations. But what has been happening for the last ten years is unplanned growth in areas that could not support it. Instead of growth taking place near main arteries, we have growth taking place, unplanned, all over the smaller roads that were never expected to handle the traffic. In the past, the residents of the county were told that they would loose their homes in an area where they county simply wanted to allow a road study. Hystaria seems to be easy to stir up in Dearborn County, but often there is a dirth of real facts. I wonder how much the hysteria over the "forced hook up" letters is just that. Unproven options that get the masses stirred up with prognostications.
"I wonder how much the hysteria over the "forced hook up" letters is just that. Unproven options that get the masses stirred up with prognostications."
Point to one indication that the DCRSD has one, just one, alternative to "forced hook-ups?"
The DCRSD Board, their attorney and Doug Baer have talked of no other alternative to financing the aspiring DCRSD?
So please, tell us lowly "masses" what the DCRSD has planned for the rest of us in regard to financing “their” sewers?
In list form…paragraph form…numbered…lettered…bulleted…or in any form or fashion…
…educated the masses!
Or shut up!
Things have happened in this county in spite of the of the nefarious workings of a handful of crooked realtors/developers/land title attorneys!
But they are doing their best to "queer" it all for the rest of those honest realtors/developers/land title attorneys in this County!
The arrogance and greed of a few may ruin the environment for the many!
…educated the masses!
Read "educate" the masses!
Unlike a handful of crooked development types in this County, some of us are willing to mend past mistakes!
"It would also appear that the oft quoted Honda official, who said there would be no other industry opportunities with the plant, was just plain wrong."
So, it would appear that David Iida, of Honda, is part of the "anti-everything" conspiracy!!!!!!
How did the "anti-everything" crowd so corrupt Mr. Iida??????
Soon it will come out that Mr. Iida payed for each and every one of Ralph Thompson's "home-made" (my ass!) campaign signs!
Where is Woodward and Bernstein when you need them?????
Eductaed the masses!
Or shut up!
So much for civil discourse. That hystaria comment sure makes sense!
The point is, Mr Iida was wrong. How much other wrong information has been proffered and swollowed by the masses?
"Eductaed the masses!
Or shut up!
So much for civil discourse. That hystaria comment sure makes sense!"
Please, tell us all...you are joshing us?
If not..."civil discourse," has much to do with debating within the realm of the facts, does it not?
So, once again, what alternatives are the DCEDI proffering to finance "their" sewers other than "forced" hook-ups?
Just because the DCEDI can't proffer other alternatives, doesn't mean that there are not other alternatives. What do you suggest as another alternative, besides "do nothing"?
"The point is, Mr. Iida was wrong. How much other wrong information has been proffered and swallowed by the masses?"
Well then, think about all the "opportunities" that may have presented themselves to “ALL” the Citizens of this County, if not for the manipulations of a few self-defined "movers and shakers" of this County trying to control the entire process of the NW Quadrant “deal,” to enable the best profits of a handful of realtor/developers/etc., at the expense of those who "ACTUALLY" own the land needed in the NW Quadrant “GREAT” land mass ?
But our "bought and paid for" politicos must deliver for those who bought and paid for their compliance!
Forgive me, I meant what a are the DCRSD's alternatives?
As far as hypotheticals of what the the DCRSD is offering..."BIG DEAL!"...they are not offering any other alternatives...but...maybe...to tax all the County residents to subsidize the sewers of a few of their Board member!
Has anyone thought of the formation of a "Northwest Quadrant Alliance" among the property owners, outside of the "mover and shaker" alliance to market their land so that they make the profit and not the realtors? There is land for sale in that area and when some of the farms are sold, by their owners, who will reap the profit (retirement that is, because their children don't want to farm). It would be better for all if this land, near the interstate, was prepaired, just as many communities are doing, to get the land owner the highest profit. The land owner should reap this windfall, not the developers. There are grants available for inferstructure that can be procured by a non-profit "Northwest Quadrant Alliance".
So stop the whining until we can find more cheese!
"Just because the DCEDI can't proffer other alternatives, doesn't mean that there are not other alternatives."
Why can't they offer "other" alternatives?
Because, maybe, they do not exist?
Money is "finite" quantity!
What are the "infinite" reserves the DCRSD has to tap to finance its sewers!
"Has anyone thought of the formation of a "Northwest Quadrant Alliance" among the property owners, outside of the "mover and shaker" alliance to market their land so that they make the profit and not the realtors?"
That would work in an environment and political process that did not depend on and steer its final goal towards being the most profit to be had by a few "connected" realtor/developers of this County!
Think about the kind of money that could have been made by all...but for a few greedy individuals, who thought they and only they, deserved a financial windfall in the NW Quadrant, without owning a parcel of the land in the NW Quadrant!
Greed sucks!
Instead of giving up because it just will not work, why not change the environment, at least in the norhtwest and give it a try? Or have we become a community of "chicken little"s with out taking any chances?
How does the reason for rejection of Dearborn County - “cost of property and based on their schedule the proposed site(s) would not be done in time for their project compared with other states” indicate Dearborn County was lacking shovel ready sites? Did they select a "shovel ready " or "move in ready" site. And if the costs of available land is so high credit the greedy land owner/developers, who want $40,000 to $60,000 an acre (see DCEDI website). What was the cost of land in Butler County? Was it significantly less?
We have a letter, a year after the decision was allegedly made, with no backup or proof that an opportunity was lost. Surely it wouldn't be a problem to name names now!
DCEDI complains about no shovel ready sites and yet they have three TIF districts and a number of industrial parks and even many empty buildings. Why aren't these opportunities being utilized? Are none of these sites suitable? If not, why not?
DCEDI has spent almost three years and only had one opportunity? What is Mr. West doing?
Or is this simply a scam?
Jim West has land available to use for his projects...he says the land was not affordable though. What makes him think that cutting up family farms are affordable? Jim, go back in your hole and rethink your position. You don't have to justify your position by stealing fertile farm land. Use the land that's available and the empty buildings available on your site. You can't? The only land available is "cheap" farm land that is not for sale?
Cheap Land!
Cheap Land!
Cheap Land!
Is all Jim West is about!
But the Cheap Land comes at the costs of those who own the Land!
Let DCEDI members purchase the Land at rural rates...then permit their flunkies in local government to rezone the Land to residential or commercial...a tidy profit for DCEDI members...but what about those who originally owned the Land?
Or should they just be thankful for every little morsel DCEDI members throw their way?
And yet, there is still no answer to how the non-entity, the DCRSD, can finance its sewers other than by "forcing" hook-ups!!!
I guess the "Boogy Man" has the DCRSD's cheerleaders' tongues!!!
"And yet, there is still no answer to how the non-entity, the DCRSD, can finance its sewers other than by "forcing" hook-ups!!!"
What did you expect?
These DCRSD kids are planning to have their hands permanently sutured to "OUR" Cookie Jars!
If a commissioner and two realtors tried to buy land at farm land prices in the NW Quadrant before the Vieste plan was made public, does that constitute "insider information" and is that illegal?
It is in stock sales, what about land???
Jim West wants more land. What for? Has he sold anything yet?
What does he need more for, when has moved nothing at all in almost three years?
"If a commissioner and two realtors tried to buy land at farm land prices in the NW Quadrant before the Vieste plan was made public..."
This is just proof positive that the DCEDI, Vieste and the Chamber exists or existed only to line the pockets of the "politically connected" few!
Maybe we need an audit of Commissioners as is happening up in Clermont County, Ohio?
"I guess the "Boogy Man" has the DCRSD's cheerleaders' tongues!!!"
Apparently their "Boogy Man" has them by their vocal cords and their stones!
Those who have not been banded already by the DCEDI!
The DCEDI's endorsement comes with a manatory gelding!
Or have we become a community of "chicken little"s with out taking any chances?
The "chicken littles" are those who refuse to risk their own dollars for their projects, so they try to force the rest of us to collateralize their development via their political flunkies in county government!
We are expected to permit the rezoning of each and every farm the politically connected can get their hands on!
Of course, such rezoning must come after the politically connected buy these farms based upon rural land rates!
And it goes without saying, just what enforced sewer hook-ups are all about!
"I guess the "Boogy Man" has the DCRSD's cheerleaders' tongues!!!"
Still the sound of crickets!
While the DCRSD's Board, Attorney and their Bo Bo of a Secretary are "efforting" ways to force the rest of us onto their sewers to subsidize the development of others!
"Still the sound of crickets!"
I thought we were all just "paranoid" about hookups?
How easy it would be to prove our "paranoia" was unfounded!
I wonder why DCRSD enablers are not setting us "straight" with facts that "forced" hookups are just a figment of our overactive imaginations?
"I wonder why DCRSD enablers are not setting us "straight" with facts that "forced" hookups are just a figment of our overactive imaginations?"
They are liars! They are cheats!
Just like the lie and the bamboozle that the DCRSD is about helping people and not about development, preached by their now, ex-commissioner, facilitator and general flunky in charge of thieving from the citizen/taxpayer to afford her Masters an even more cozier life!
Thank the good Lord she was able to find another government provided paycheck, after her loss!
"Still the sound of crickets!"
Those aren't "crickets"...those are "dung beetles" making all that noise!
"Crickets" would have nothing to do with the "manure burrowers" that make up the DCRSD enabler hive!
People are critical of this fellow West. I don't know him nor do I wish to know him anymore than he'd wish to know me. However he is not the problem.
If he got fed up with his job or the DCDEI got fed up with him DCDEI would simply get another guy like him. There are lots of people out there who do this kind of work. He's being paid to do it. All they'd be doing is changing faces.
Now what we need is s drying up of the DCDEI's and the Chamber of Commerce's public funding. IT is rediculous for the taxpayes to help fund these people. LET THEM PAY THEIR OWN WAY! This is a very simple concept. It is difficult to understand the DCDEI and the C of C not adhering to the principals of capitalism, and risk taking when they try to come across as two fisted red blooded American entrepreneur capitalists who's mission is to HELP THE PEOPLE by saving them from all those dangerous septic systems, put factories in the back yards of the North West Quad's land owners etc etc etc ad nauseum.
"HELP THE PEOPLE by saving them from all those dangerous septic systems..."
Our wonderful, altruistic realtor/developers...always looking out for the rest of us!!!
We need to get a few more of them interested in local politics!!!
Think of all the “good” they could do???
What happened with the executive session DCRSD held to talk about the bad conduct of one of its' members? Or was Hankins resignation the result?
Why aren't the results made public? Protecting one of their own? Hankins? Dennerline? Fehrman? Maxwell?
Something smells in Dearborn County and DCRSD!!
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