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Cutting DSA funding is mistake
To the Editor:
We read of the Sylva Town Board’s recent cut in funding to the Downtown Sylva Association.
As full-time residents of Sylva for the past six years, we are ardent supporters of the town and love living here. We like to think we are contributing the the community through our participation in various government and civic groups. We very much believe in the ancient saying “what you sow, so shall you reap,” or words to the effect. We want to see the best possible seeds sown in Sylva.
Having lived in Fayetteville through its worst years and participated in efforts to improve that community, we are completely convinced that the center of any city defines it to all comers. If its downtown is vibrant, the whole town tends to be vibrant. If it is blighted, no fine shopping center or high-quality residential area can turn it into a place people want to come, visit or live. Downtown belongs to all of the citizens, and it defines what they think of their city or town. If you don’t believe me, just ask any economic development agency, anywhere in the country, what the downtown says about a city to businesses considering locating there. Other than the site or sites they are considering, the downtown is high if not at the top of their list of qualifiers.
Now to the bottom line. We have been very impressed with the work of the Downtown Sylva Association. They seem to do a lot with very little and are involved in most of the events and activities that promote the entire town of Sylva. Cutting their allocation from the town is, in our opinion, tantamount to cutting the town’s own wrists, or at least handcuffing them. No worthwhile work can be done without some help from the government(s) that benefit from those efforts. We feel strongly that Sylva board members need to reconsider their allocation to the Downtown Association, giving them no less than before, and if at all possible even some more.
The obvious retort is – we can’t afford it. I say the town can’t afford not to. There are ways of raising the needed funds without hurting the poor. The taxpayers should know it is good business to have a good downtown.
Milt and Lucy Wofford
Sylva
Sylva leaders were right to cut DSA funds
To the Editor:
Responsibility is a word most of us can define; unfortunately, the Downtown Sylva Association seems to have no concept of responsibility toward taxpaying homeowners like myself and others. Yet we are among the people that patronize them and keep them in business. We are the base population: repeat business, not occasional drop-ins, that keep businesses viable. The businesspeople outside of downtown Sylva also support and patronize our downtown. Would these businesses be able to exist on just summer people here to play and occasional tourist drop-ins? Main Street would fold like an accordion.
Many people I know, including myself, and certainly town board members Harold Hensley, Ray Lewis and Danny Allen, have made it abundantly clear that there comes a time when “enough is enough.” These board members are neither deaf, dumb or blind to the fact that Sylva comprises 2,500 people needing a fair share of limited tax funds or to the fact that blatant partiality has been exercised for Main Street, though most of the business owners do not live in Sylva to “enjoy” the burden of double taxation that the rest of us must put up with. These board members have had to face the fact that the town has little money as indicated by the annual budget reports; revaluation is pending, and unless the budget is cut, taxes will have to be raised to furnish mandated services. There will be no choice. I am looking at the proposed 2005-06 budget that Hensley, Lewis and Allen cut, and it points out clearly how little money is even being put on old debts. For example, the “general fund” cannot contribute towards UDAG per the 2000 resolution regarding repayment to UDAG for the swimming pool renovations.
I object to the tax unfairness in my area for myself and others compared to what has been given to Main Street. I waited 46 years for some asphalt to be put on my street’s original paving and for the town to stop water drainage from all the streets down on my property. John Bunn (on Lloyd Avenue) lives on a feeder street (comparable to a wide pig trail) that carries people to First and Second avenues. After probably 40 or 50 years he has yet to have any asphalt on the original paving. Lack of storm drains, worn and broken streets and broken sidewalks are very prevalent in Sylva despite our high taxes.
The amount of tax money that has gone to SPIR/DSA/Main Street is astounding – almost obscene – compared to what other business owners and the homeowners receive. The record speaks: Main Street renovation, $752,000; Mill Street, $350,000; and an annual contribution of at least $20,000 from 1995 to 2005 ($210,000 total). The town of Sylva gave a total of some $1.3 million. It pays to have special friends in high places whose concern is definitely not about a fair and equitable distribution of our tax funds. I repeat the following: Richard McHargue (former town manager) told me that, due to changes in requirements for UDAG money, other uses for these funds was now possible. If we take a look at Main Street and the actual business makeup, how many pay sales tax for the town? How about four banks, churches, numerous offices, apartment rentals and beauty parlors? These are facts.
It is more than time, based on the facts, for DSA/Main Street businesses to face the realities of life and accept the responsibilities of maintaining, advertising and paying to enhance their own earning capabilities. As good capitalists, you are on Main Street to earn as much money as possible, which you do. As a business community you have a responsibility to each other to keep your property attractive and not degrade your neighbor’s property. You take a tax write-off as part of your business expense to do that. You also have responsibility to other Sylva taxpayers to share the small amount of tax money.
Board members Hensley, Allen and Lewis examined the budget and past budgets, and acted responsibly and fairly toward the 2,500 residents of Sylva. Isn’t this what good government is about? The Sylva Herald is a moving force towards a good government by exercising the rights of a free press, no matter how unpleasant the truth is for some as rhetoric and rationalization do not meet the facts. The Herald as well as board members have made the right judgment calls based on facts. They have my vote of confidence and support.
Marie Leatherwood
Sylva
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