Pioneer Press: Taxpayer Subsidies for the Mall of America?
I hate the Mall of America.
It’s isn’t just because it’s just a steroidized collection of all the usual chain stores you can find in malls all around the country.
I just think it it is too damn big. It’s just a pain to shop there. (BTW, Mrs. South Dakota Watch loves going there.)
And according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, it wants to get even bigger—with taxpayer help.
Read:
Here’s the deal the Mall of America is pitching to Minnesota legislators: Invest $222 million in public money now to expand the giant shopping complex, and in return the enlarged megamall will generate $80 milliona year in new state and local tax revenue. Full Story
A year or so ago, Brookings had a vote as to whether the city should subsidize the new Lowe’s lumber yard/home do it yourself store. I thought that was a bad idea as voters would essentially be voting to put their local businesses out of business.
This taxpayer funding, however, would make that look like a koolaid stand in comparison.
What think you, fair readers? Is this genuine economic development and good for the public or crony corporate capitalism run amok?
technorati tags:Mall, America, malls, capitalism, taxpayers, subsidies, Minneapolis
Todd Epp
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Reader Comments (2)
I'm generally opposed to taxpayer funding of private enterprise. It usually indicates that no one but politicians will buy the line they're selling.
William
That's my position on the DM&E rail expansion / improvement, as well.
While I'm generally in favor of it, I don't support taxpayer funding of it.
If there's a market for it & it's a sound plan, the money will become available. If not, then we're better off without it!
William