Bend City Council approves the Jackstraw Project tax break
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- During the Bend City Council meeting Wednesday evening, City Council was presented with a resolution to approve a 10-year exemption from ad valorem taxes for property, located at 310 & 350 SW Industrial Way, under the city’s multiple-unit property tax exemption program, known as MUPTE.
The resolution was approved.
However, a community business says this project and tax break will be “massively destructive” while another city-based member says it’s a positive step.
Under MUPTE, among qualifications, the Jackstraw Project must demonstrate that it would not be financially viable without the exemption; and the project should include more than three residential dwelling units and be located in eligible areas.
The city has deemed that the Jackstraw Project has met all requirements.
It’s important to point out, Killian Pacific, the developer of the new jackstraw project, is also the developer of the box factory. Immersion Brewing, who occupies space at the box factory, is thoroughly opposed at giving their landlord, Killian, millions of dollars in a tax break. In addition, Immersion believes the Jackstraw Project will be just another unaffordable, luxury condo building out of reach for local workers, employers and community members.
Another community member says it’s a positive step for the city.
Sean Lampe, Immersion Brewing: “Taxpayer money is going to be denied and the community is going to be denied like their fair share. We are subsidizing the luxury apartments. This is not going to address the problems of our community.”
David Welton, YIMBY: “It's brand new housing that's being built in Bend. There's no doormen. There's no, you know, big luxurious pool. Economic research here is very clear that when you don't build that new housing, what happens is people with money are still moving to Bend.”
It’s important to note: during the Jackstraw presentation Council Members Anthony Broadman and Mike Riley admitted to accepting money from Killian Pacific, either through campaign donations or, through organizations they were a part of. Broadman abstained from voting on the Resolution. Riley voted.
The City of Bend approved its ad valorem taxes. The full approval is received by the governing boards of taxing districts whose tax rates, when combined with the city’s is at least 51% of the total tax levy. One of the taxing districts is the Bend-Lapine school board. They are scheduled to consider a Resolution on January 9th, which, if approved, would result in approval exceeding 51%, and the Jackstraw Project would then be eligible for an exemption from the ad valorem taxes of all taxing districts.
