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Councilmember David Catania (I-At-Large) today repeated his concern regarding promises made to the community in the stadium-financing plan that is on an ominous track toward approval by the D.C. Council.
In a hand-delivered letter to independent Chief Financial Officer Dr. Natwar Gandhi, Catania requested the CFO's analysis of how the District intends to pay for the Community Benefit Fund laid out in Mayor Williams' plan. As currently proposed in the stadium-financing scheme, a $450 million fund for community improvement projects will be backed by the sale of Tax Increment Financing bonds. These additional bonds will be supported by property and sales taxes in a small district surrounding the ball field. Catania remarked, "I doubt this area can generate enough taxes to pay the Mayor's travel budget, let alone millions of dollars for well-intentioned and desperately needed projects right here in D.C." In his request for information, Catania asked the CFO to certify the amount of anticipated tax revenues and when the District can expect it in its coffers. "I fear this is just another empty promise made by Mayor Williams and Councilmember Evans in order to make this bitter pill slightly easier to swallow," Catania concluded. Councilmember Catania called for an answer to his questions by December 10, 2004, 4 days before the final vote on stadium-financing legislation. For more information on this matter, please contact the Office of Councilmember David A. Catania by calling 202-724-7772. The text of Councilmember Catania's letter can be found at www.davidcatania.com. Text of Catania's Letter |
