Letters to the Editor

Real economic issues in E.R.

To the Editor:

It sounds like politics as usual in East Rockaway, with little focus on the real economic issues facing the village.

Some say to slash the salaries of village employees. But whether we believe they’re overpaid or not, if you do the math, any realistic salary reductions will have very little effect on taxes that a resident would incur.

Opposition to the proposed multi-story apartment complex on Ocean Avenue? Although I publicly stated my opposition at the Rocco’s meeting last year, both of our mayoral candidates were silent, which seemed to be evidence of their approval.

Our candidates should work with the East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce and consider the following:

Strive for full occupancy of the commercial storefronts with a wider array of business types. Increased occupancy accompanied by an attractive range of consumer choices would spur shopping in the village, which would in turn raise sales tax receipts — of which the village retains a portion.

The village has a gold mine of economic potential with the area surrounding the waterfront, yet there is little development of that area — except for the paving of parking lots.

Identify and rezone unutilized areas where new commercial activity can be deployed. This would raise the tax base of the village, which ultimately lowers overall taxes  and raises services.

All of the above would provide a multiplier effect and create positive economic activity and would increase foot traffic, create additional business revenues and potential for expansion, allow additional hiring by businesses, provide an increase in sales tax revenue to the village and an increase in the commercial tax base — all of which lead to the lowering of taxes for the average taxpayer and an increase in village services .

During the previous administration, one of the current mayoral candidates circulated a survey to village residents asking for ideas on how to stimulate business. In turn, I submitted a two-page proposal of ideas and suggestions; perhaps many of the other village residents did the same. Yet I don’t recall ever hearing back with the results of the survey and actions taken, if any.