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s I have found it difficult to make a decision based on the facts presented in these hearings. There have been many emotional statements made here, but few factual statements that could be the basis for a good decision. I want to emphasize that it will be facts and reason that will persuade me, not yelling, and shouting. What are the facts? It seems clear to begin with that something should be done to improve our downtown area. The need seems clear for two reasons. First, this aaea occlapies 10% of the area of the city while producing only 7,5% of the taxes of the city. MMM The taxes are not being produced, not because those business men are not paying their fair share, but because of empty land and old and unusad buildings. The high taxes th#t people have old us about are high because this area is not carrying its own weight financially. �.7 this area needs a face-lift. Thad} doesn't mean removing businesses. That means fixing up the buildings those businesses are in. This face-lift will make the buildings more valuable for greater tax refutn and will make it a more attractive placd to shop for all the citizens of New Brighton. If something needs to be done; how should we do it? I am not persuaded that the busipz6p people of the downtown area can do it themselves. First, financially it is a big chun(K to swallow. I don#t think any of them colld handle it individually, or in a group. Second, there are soil conditions which make such a change an expensive proposition, one that should be taken on by an agency with far more resources than any one business or council has. That means the HRA can do the job. They have presented us with a plan that has its failings. For instance, I think it is obvious that we should remove the potion of the plan west of Old Highway 8 because of the costs involved, and the minimal benefit that would come from moving these businesses. I think the downtown core amox can