Fantasy Island of Tax Breaks
Erie County Executive Chris Collins is taking a closer look at which businesses will receive tax breaks during his tenure and the manner in which they will be awarded.
(Collins questioned) the need for sales tax incentives for an expansion by Martin’s Fantasy Island.
The Grand Island amusement park had asked the Erie County Industrial Development Agency for $87,000 in tax breaks to help it buy new equipment for two new rides slated to open this spring. The equipment is valued at more than $850,000.
The park, owned by Martin Di- Pietro, has received similar benefits to install rides in 2006 and 2007, with no challenge. But this time it ran into opposition from an administrator who has stated his intent to apply a business approach to government.
Collins, a member of the ECIDA board, said at the agency’s monthly meeting that the park would probably go ahead with the expansion anyway because it needs to remain competitive. So, there’s no need for the county to give them an incentive to go forward, he argued.
A quick check of the Martin’s Fantasy Island homepage shows they are already advertising the addition of the two new rides.
FLIGHT: A new vertical swing ride. Passengers are seated in one of 12 double swings which are elevated to a height of 140 feet while rotating around the top of the tower. This provides not only an amazing ride sensation but also a spectacular view of the surrounding area (Who wouldn’t want a closer look at the toll booths and empty light industrial parks of Grand Island! - Geek). FLIGHT - it’s not just a ride, it’s an experience.
GRAND CIRCUS MENAGERIE: Brings vibrant color and excitement to the midway. Watch your children’s eyes light up as they select their favorite mode of transportation and relive the fun while enjoying the ride under the circus big top on the Grand Circus Menagerie.
Now, I’m all for adding the semblance of entertainment at an amusement park that lacks a certain sense of, errr, amusement, but tax breaks don’t appear to be necessary to make that happen.
Tax incentives should be awarded to companies that are either being lured here or or are contemplating closure or relocation to another metro area. Even then, they should be given with caution as fiddling with the competitive balance in an industry with tax breaks often has unforeseen consequences in the market.
It’s a nice change of pace to see an elected official taking a closer look at all budget lines and challenging established procedures and customs.
Tags: collins, erie county, fantasy island, tax breaks
January 20th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I had already hit on this without the shots at a business that is doing nothing more than excercising its right to grab money.
When your son is a tad older, you will change your mind about the level of amusement at the park that by the way, does quite a business without those rides.
You also forgot the available views of half empty mini plazas, partially started developments, and a HUUUUGE car lot.
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Finally, someone stands up against giving out tax incentives like candy. I understand doing business in Buffalo may be costly and tax incentives are used to cover this gap to remain competitive, however it seems like all the local IDA’s do this far too often to the point where business expect to get some kind of incentive.
Case in point, I think the Tops hq deal is a bad one for the area. Tops had already made it apparent that they were going to create/move corporate jobs here, so why did the AIDA have to give away over a million bucks in tax incentives to do so? A million dollar gift is no small detail, esp. in our area where it could go far and towards another need.