An effort to convert much of Columbia to an enhanced enterprise zone is underway, but not everyone is pleased with the idea. At issue is a blight decree that has some concerned. Panelists explain what goes into making an enhanced enterprise zone and discuss what it’ll mean for the city.
_Panelists: Bernie Andrews, executive vice president, Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) Greg Williams, director, University of Missouri Research Parks Tracy Greever Rice, interim director, Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis
I listen to talk about blight and the need for more development and I wonder what Columbia these people are talking about? I see new businesses opening or being built everywhere I look. At the same time I know that our schools are overcrowded and underfunded because the population has grown too fast. I think we should let capitalists play by the rules of the free market they are so fond of upholding when regulation is suggested. Let businesses grow to meet demand and let those who profit from it pay their taxes to support infrastructure improvement.