When a property is granted tax abatement for a developer, a key criterion is what many refer to as the “But for …” clause, as in, “The economics were such that the project would not have gone forward, but for the tax abatement.”
As we enter 2018, I think we as neighborhoods might take stock of some “But fors” related to neighborhood betterment.
But for the foresight of Public Works Director Dan Smith and his staff in creating the Neighborhood Works program, and its facilitation via the passage of the 1/4- and 1/8-cent sales tax renewals in 2016, many needed improvements to parks and other public infrastructure in neighborhoods would not be happening.
But for the many years of effort by retiring director of building development services Chris Straw and his staff to recast many property ordinances, we would not have near the level of protections for neighborhoods that we do related to nuisance properties and dangerous and unhealthy buildings.
But for the access afforded to NAC by retiring deputy city manager Tim Smith and his thoughtful consideration of various concerns and willingness to convene discussions about them, many advances made in support of neighborhoods likely would not have occurred.
But for the leadership in launching and advocating the Zone Blitz by outgoing City Manager Greg Burris, City Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson, Public Information and Civic Engagement Director Cora Scott and many others, we would likely not have the many public infrastructure improvements that have recently been made nor the launch of several major programs addressing the plight of those in poverty in our city.
But for all those responsible for launching and running The Northwest Project, we would not be seeing the movement out of poverty of the at-risk families they are serving.
But for the continuing support of Police Chief Paul Williams, we would not have the stability of PAR officers who assure a strong and personal connection between neighborhoods and the police that we have today.
But for the years of effort put forth by Mary Ann Rojas, Isaac Weber and the Missouri Job Center staff, we would not have a Job Center outpost on the north side nor would we have the many success stories of training leading to jobs such as the Green for Greene training program and many others.
But for the many planning and development staff over decades of effort, we would not have seen the passage of a rental registration program and the accountability it will advance for owners of unhealthy and unsafe houses and rental units.
But for the efforts of so many volunteers, donors, and business and community leaders, most of the accomplishments above and many others would not have occurred.
But for a mayor and City Council willing to take on tough and contentious issues, we would not be on a path to neighborhood improvement as we are on now.
But for the growing involvement of many thoughtful neighborhood representatives in their efforts within their neighborhoods and collectively via NAC, our community would be far diminished from where it is today.
Sure, one could sharp shoot virtually every one of the accomplishments above. Maybe say it didn’t do all that it might, or that a given new initiative might result in unintended consequences, but such criticisms are somewhat beside the point. Few actions are perfect and almost none make everyone happy. The point is that as we enter 2018, we should celebrate that fact that from many sectors, our community is a “Do Something” bunch of caring folks, and for a lot of us, participation starts with our neighborhoods.
For those who maybe haven’t been involved in the past, but might have interest, come to a neighborhood association meeting and see what that’s all about. Heck, a lot of these meetings offer free food, so there’s little to lose. Maybe down the road you’ll be able to look back and realize that you played a part in some future “But for.”