Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) Plan rejected

     TIF was rejected by voters by a large margin.  This should send a signal to the Economic Development Commission and, in particular Dan Chartrand, that either voters are not interested in pursuing a TIF, or not enough information was available to favor such a move.  It is imperative that the EDC do some thorough research into voter sentiments before pursuing the matter further.  In the past Chartrand, on more than one occasion, has pronounced that he "knows the intent of the voter."  Unless one talks with a large cross section of voters, one can never be certain one understands their intent.
     It is clear that the long term goal of the TIF subcommittee is to define a downtown district and plow development money into selected beautification projects within the downtown.  While they proclaim TIF as just one tool in their tool box to encourage development, there is scant little land available downtown to ultimately increase the tax base in any significant way.  However, there is plenty of undeveloped land along the Epping Road corridor where a TIF might make sense.
     It is utter nonsense to think that creating a downtown TIF will result in more visitors to Exeter to spend money in downtown shops.  Where is the data to support such a notion.  However, the development of property along Epping Road has been slow, particularly in the outlying region.  Perhaps focusing some attention there would bear fruit.  Encouraging light industry,  high value businesses like Cobham would make a significant, positive impact on our tax base.