Rochester City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to reauthorize a tax break that critics say has over-inflated luxury apartments downtown. It's not a sexy name: it's called 485-a, and it's designed to spur new development.
Mayor-elect Malik Evans said on Connections last week that he had problems with the legislation in the past, but it has been amended and improved. Other members of council question just how much it has improved, and critics continue to allege that this law offers a way for luxury developers to leave taxpayers covering their bills.
Our guests debate it:
- Ritti Singh, communications coordinator with the Citywide Tenant Union of Rochester
- Matt Drouin, partner at OakGrove Development
- Joe Hanna, owner of Hanna Properties and president of the Southeast Landlord Coalition
