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Hastings growth surveyed by city officials
The Hastings area has seen popular restaurants come and go recently. From the OK Café to Garden Café. So, what does this say about the city and its ability to grow?
News 5 spoke with Tom Hastings at the Chamber of Commerce. He says he's optimistic about the city's growth. But the size and population of Hastings is one of challenge the city faces in bringing in larger businesses. The closings of OK Cafe and Garden Cafe are just two landmarks Hastings residents had to let go in 2012. "When the numbers really get there we probably have more restaurants that opened than those that have closed," said Hastings. Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce President Tom Hastings highlights the 2012 openings of Applebee's & Napoli's plus, major retail outlet Dunham Sports. But, what impact does the growth have on the city's tax base? "You look at sales tax, the retail component is very important there, but then you also look at your property tax base, new industry, new housing and different aspects like that, add to your property tax roles," said Dave Rippe. According to the Adams County Assessor's Office in 2008, property taxes were based on an assessed valuation of $34 million compared to last year's $31 million. "We have a problem sometimes at getting larger businesses to come to the community because a lot of time when you're recruiting a big national chain store they will look at a community and they will look at the size and they will just immediately say ok that community is too small we will not go into a community under 35,000," said Hastings. Tom Hastings has received positive feedback from Applebee's. Dunham Sports also reports since open, sells have exceeded their expectations. |
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