Redevelopment a Fiscal Shell Game

In his column “Redevelopment Is Paying Off for Fullerton” (Oct. 14), G.J. Brown fails to look at the big picture.

Yes, redevelopment-aided projects have produced sales tax revenue, but how much of it was simply shifted away from other parts of the city?

The Metro Center, which Brown so proudly cites, is anchored by Loehmann’s clothing store, which moved there from its previous site in north Fullerton. So, its sales taxes represent no net gain for the city. The subsidized Toys “R” Us store in the Town Center led directly to the shuttering of nearby Toy City, a longtime Fullerton business for more than 30 years. Similarly, the heavily subsidized Knowlwood’s fast-food restaurant was open only six months when nearby Zono’s went out of business.

Is it fair to ask small businesses receiving no handouts to compete against government-subsidized competitors?

On an even broader scale, adjacent cities’ predatory use of redevelopment has lured away shoppers and entire businesses that would previously have stayed in town.

Meanwhile, hundreds of millions in property taxes that would have funded needed county and state services are diverted by cities to outbid each other for department stores and auto dealers. The (Santa Ana Freeway) is strewn with vacant and half-empty auto malls, all assembled at public expense.

Brown is right in that closing Fullerton’s Redevelopment Agency alone would not solve the problem. Reforms are needed at the state level to restore a level playing field for businesses and cities and put a lid on the wasteful fiscal shell game that redevelopment has become.

CHRIS NORBY

City Councilman, Fullerton

Chris Norby is director of the Municipal Officials for Redevelopment Reform.