Pennsylvania To Allentown's NIZ- Show Me The Money!

'The Morning Call' had a rather interesting headline yesterday (01/09/2014) that read- State to ANIZDA: Stop building until you pay back tax money

To me most significant point made was the answer to the question how much tax money did the state receive before the NIZ redevelopment?

The amount was said to be $23 million. Although it's still too early to declare the NIZ a success or not there are a few things worth considering..* Not one of the new businesses came in from out of state. In other words no NEW future tax revenues have resulted from the NIZ investment by taxpayers.

* Each of those businesses were paying 100% of their taxes to the state in their prior locations. Not only has the state lost $23 million that was paid by businesses evicted from the zone but also much of the taxes these companies once paid in their prior locations which is now being applied to the repayment for the NIZ. Hence the $23 million is only a starting point.

* The article mentions PPL selling of it's generating company which could potentially be lost as a source of revenue. However I suspect the new company will find it an advantage to continue staying within the NIZ.

At A Glance
(1) It appears ANIZDA was trying to divert some of the funds to other projects that were never intended for by the NIZ legislation. (2) The money is going out faster then it's coming in with the assumption a year or two from now the buck$ will start flowing and everything will work out. (3) Up to this point not one new business has come in from out of state. In other words rather then additional revenue coming into the state, it's been shifted from one area at the expense of another. Much like robbing Peter to pay Paul. (4) There's not a doubt Allentown is doing better, but at what expense to communities, investors and taxpayers living in other areas of Pennsylvania?

If someone sees this otherwise I invite them to comment. What are your thoughts?