Letter to the Editor: Vote Against Proposed Tysons Tax

This is a letter resident TJ Crane wrote to local officials and Patch about the proposed Tysons Tax District. It remains unedited.

I am writing to request you vote against the proposed Tysons Tax.  

My wife and I have been owners in The Colonies Condominiums for the past eight years.  The tax will have a disproportionate impact on existing residents of Tysons Corner, particular those that chose to live in condominium or apartment communities as a method of hedging their risks because of fixed incomes.  

This 40 year tax is a major financial burden on existing residential and small business owners and merely serves to decrease the desirability of living inTysons Corner.  This tax will force people to live in a nearby community that is not in the service district, while still taking advantage of the amenities of Tysons.

Taxation of residents was not part of the financing included in the 2010 County Comprehensive Plan ofTysons.  The County never reviewed or requested an impact or cost/benefit analysis study regarding the need for this taxation.  This tax was not discussed publicly during the several years of planning leading up to construction of the Metro or during the construction.  It appears as though this was just a last minute “grab” of potential tax revenues for supervisors who would not face the votes of residents in Tysons Corner.  

The fact that a public meeting was held to discuss this at 4:30 in the afternoon, while most people were still at work, further shows the underhand nature with which the Board of Supervisors proceeded with this plan.  I strongly request you vote against the proposed Tysons Tax. Clyde Crane

TJ Crane

McLean, Va.