Why not restrict the commercial level of 422 Main St. to retail stores and maximize sales tax?
We believe this question reflects the outcome the PCDC was attempting to achieve with its final resolution. Sales tax is certainly important. But people taking a financial risk of the size we are contemplating must be guided by a highly realistic and continuing evaluation of the commercial marketplace. That means our perspective must differ from the viewpoint of a handful of people who press the sales tax issue. Fortunately for them and for us, sales tax is not the only way to evaluate the contribution of a company to the local economy. In discussing sales tax revenue we have found that the following information usually helps thoughtful people embrace our position on issues of retail trade and sales tax: • Lyons has not been particularly hospitable to retail business. That fact cant be a secret to banks, developers and merchants evaluating a location in the Lyons business district. Between 1991 and 2005 just in the 400 block of Main Street we can count 38 restaurants and retail shops w
