Too often, open space that would provide recreation, preserve water quality, and protect wildlife is developed because it is feared a town will suffer loss of tax revenue. However, may papers have been published refuting this long-held concept. They suggest that open space not only enhances aesthetic and wilderness qualities, but also comes with its own set of economic benefits.

Below, a new spin is provided to illustrate these benefits. Though not to completely discourage commercial development, it is important to realize that ratables, despite what they promise, DO NOT cure the ills suffered in municipal budgets.

BENEFITS OF OPEN SPACE

1. Provides protection for natural resources such as drinking water, food and clean air. Protecting these resources reduces costs of remediation and purification.

2. Costs for preserving open space is finite and often has zero infrastructure costs, whereas commercial space has ongoing costs for necessary services.

3. Provides recreation space, which enhances property values and often serves as an outlet for the tourism industry.

4. Residents already pay to preserve open space through local, county, state and federal taxes. We should ensure Jackson profits from this investment.


CONS OF COMMERCIAL RATABLES

1. Industry and retail do not impact school populations, but there is a definite increased cost for services such as policing, roadway maintenance and enhancement, and a variety of infrastructure and government costs.

2. Introducing new businesses can have a negative impact on existing businesses.

3. Commercial ventures, especially larger companies, often enjoy tax reductions on property valuations.

4. Commercial development often spurs residential development, thus increasing schooling and other infrastructure costs.

5. Industry relies heavily on water and sewage costs, thus increasing these costs for local residents and adding strain to our current resources.