Dear Editor:
As a councilman who has voted for tax abatements with the hopes of attracting new businesses and employment for Jersey City residents, it is arbitrary to assume my position is minimal on parking fees at Newport Mall.
It is not necessary to reiterate my position on the benefits of tax abatements for developers. My concern is with the legitimate shopper who is required to pay for the privilege to shop at Newport Mall. A privilege that comes free of charge to most New Jersey residents.
The developer has received a long term tax abatement, the benefits of residing in an Urban Enterprise Zone (ie 3 percent sales tax) agreeable pursuits, not necessary to mention.
Perhaps we should look into a system to disentangle the litigate customer from the New York commuter.
Conceivably parking validation may be a resolution for all concerned constituents. Let’s validate our hopes for an amicable solution along with our stubs for parking.
As always your attention is appreciated. By the way, we are still partnering in the Newport Mall.
L. Harvey Smith
Councilman at Large