Category: Civil Fair Play 2016

Legal exactions or “platmail”?: The developer debate over proportionality

Posted on by ginger

BY BRANDI SMITH
info@rednews.com

The project seemed like it had “green light” written all over it: a three-phase, 247-lot residential subdivision planned in a small community that struggled to keep up with a recent population boom.

On the surface, it appeared to be a win-win for the developer and the town. However, before the town would approve the plat, it required the developer to rebuild an existing two-lane asphalt road with concrete, the modern standard. The cost of such an exaction was steep: roughly $500,000. Though the developer fought the requirement, the improvement was made by the developer, but under protest.

Click to read the rest of the Article.

 

Spotlight on Foreign Invesment: what’s driving overseas money to Texas?

Posted on by ginger

BY BRANDI SMITH
info@rednews.com

Right in the heart of downtown Houston, construction is underway on a 20-story tower, which will soon be home to 100 different residences. Marlowe Houston is situated in one of the most sought-after locations in a thriving market, making it an ideal investment opportunity and foreign investors took notice.

Marlowe is managed, in part, by Houston EB5, an organization based in Houston that works to connect interested foreign parties with projects and opportunities. Houston EB5 is working on five projects, two of which are still in need of funding: District Lofts in Sugar Land and Arabella Houston.

The developments are just the latest examples of money pouring in from other countries as foreign investment has skyrocketed.

Click here to read the rest of this Article.

Property tax roll back?

Posted on by ginger

By Brandi Smith

One Texas senator unveils his plans for rate reform

The ongoing tax code debate in Texas between private property owners, municipalities and state lawmakers continues unabated. Like the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, some parties indicate that their tax rate is just right, others indicate that their tax rate is too low, and others contend that their tax rate is  too high.

Click to read more…