Letter to the Editor: Establishing TIF South will keep downtown Quincy vibrant, thriving

Tax increment financing is effective. It has led to economic development and increased growth in our historic downtown business district.

As mayor, I was proud to propose and implement TIF East in 2010 with the help of our terrific city planner, Chuck Bevelheimer. A multitude of infrastructure improvements have occurred since then, and private investment has skyrocketed.

The resurgence of Sixth Street from Maine to Vermont, the improvements made to the Patio restaurant and the neighboring Armory building, the transformation of the former Phoenix Nightclub building, and the new construction of the Brewhaus Townhomes are just a few of the fantastic developments that have occurred recently in the downtown.

The city’s role in making infrastructure improvements and providing development incentives as a result of TIF encourages private investment. Let’s keep the downtown on the right track and extend the TIF zone to the south to include the State and 8th/Calftown area and the Dick Brothers Brewery neighborhood.

I urge the Quincy City Council to establish TIF South to keep downtown Quincy vibrant and thriving.

John A. Spring
Quincy, Illinois