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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 5, 2014 01:13 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Daniel J. Deasy |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Establishing Cultural Development Districts |
| When we return to Session in January, I intend to reintroduce HB 1497 of the 2013-2014 Legislative Session. This bill would establish a Cultural Development District program as a means to create jobs, reduce blight and revitalize distressed communities within the Commonwealth. The arts not only offer important educational, social, health and environmental benefits, but are also an important economic development tool. Studies have shown that the arts, and a vibrant cultural life, help to bolster the economies of older communities that have become hollowed out by the out-migration of residents and retail establishments to the suburbs. Under my legislation, municipalities would be able to propose the establishment of so-called “cultural development districts”. The districts would be defined, geographically-contiguous areas surrounding a cultural anchor, such as major art institutions, community arts centers, entertainment businesses, museums, markets, theaters, and similar entities. The program would be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The DCED would review the applications submitted by municipalities and make a determination as to whether the area meets the criteria for designation. If approved, all businesses and residents within the district would be exempt from state taxes for five years and then would be responsible for a portion of the taxes for the next four years, with an increased percentage being due each year until fully reinstated. Priority consideration would be given to municipalities that have existing Main Street or Elm Street programs. Neighborhoods in which cultural facilities are present have a great potential to become vibrant communities as visitors to such facilities may also patronize nearby businesses. The tax credit provided under this bill would be a catalyst for the establishment of new businesses and housing that would result in increased occupancy, commerce, jobs, and sense of community identity. Previous co-sponsors: COHEN, BISHOP, V. BROWN, THOMAS, KOTIK, HARHAI, STERN, GIBBONS, FREEMAN, PASHINSKI, LONGIETTI, YOUNGBLOOD, MAHONEY, MURT, SAINATO, D. COSTA, MIRABITO, DAVIS, DeLUCA, READSHAW, MOLCHANY, KORTZ and SCHREIBER |
Introduced as HB1193