Will the Gold Line use eminent domain against Monrovia ( http://goo.gl/txtey )? And today's Star-News editorial whacks Monrovia in its property dispute with the Gold Line: http://goo.gl/yD6Fs
OPINION: While not totally in disagreement with the Star-News editorial, there are three things I'd like to mention in Monrovia's defense:
1. The S-N says Monrovia will benefit from the proposed maintenance yard, which is undoubtedly true, but it will also be hurt by the maintenance yard because - as I seem to recall Councilman Tom Adams saying - part of the land is now private (read "taxable") and once it is transferred to the Gold Line (a governmental entity) it becomes non-taxable, meaning no more tax from that land going to the city from now until, well ... forever.
2. The S-N correctly points out that the maintenance yard could bring jobs and people to Monrovia. Yeah, but if a private developer opened a large business in the same location, that would do the same thing, so I'm not sure there is a net benefit from a maintenance yard.
3. If it is - all things considered - a benefit to Monrovia, why did no other city along the line volunteer to have the yard?
Still, I agree with the general thrust of the editorial, which is that we really need to see this fight resolved.
- Brad Haugaard
UPDATE: Councilman Tom Adams responds:
Brad,
Please keep in mind that there are always alternatives to Monrovia giving in on this.
1) The maintenance of the trains could continue right where it is today, in Los Angeles. That yard serves the MTA rolling stock well and can for many years to come.
2) The yard could be built in one of our neighboring communities rather than our neighbors ganging up on Monrovia and threatening to file a lawsuit for our unwillingness to do what they won't.
As for the S-N talking about jobs, far less will be created at the yard than would be created in a business other than the yard, so Monrovia actually would lose jobs by taking the yard. Taxes, well none will be paid. 50 years from now when someone calls the paramedics to the yard, that cost will be subsidized by the Monrovia taxpayers, no one else.
We all want the Gold Line to come but at what price? Does the S-N and others really think that Monrovia should bear this burden alone? Let's see, Los Angeles says it wants the current yard out of their city, none of the cities on the extension want it, everyone seems to want the yard in Monrovia and they all know at what price we should take what they won't.
I don't think this passes the smell test.
The "jobs" the Gold Line maintenance yard might bring to Monrovia are going to be a net blessing only if the Gold Line is profitable without continuing subsidies from taxpayers. Otherwise, these jobs are not creating economic value in line with what they really cost, and are an overall drag on taxpayers and the economy. Government generates no revenue it doesn't take from the private sector. Even taxes "paid" by government employees start with taxpayer money, from their salaries. Light rail systems across the country are reliant on annual taxpayer support, and represent economic failure. I see no reason the Gold Line is going to change this record. Even "coercing" (DOT Secy Ray La Hood's exact words) people out of their cars is unlikely to change this outcome.
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