Arkansas Blog

Is there more of a sure thing in Arkansas than opening a big-box/chain outdoors store?

I know why they want the breaks, but they sure don't need them.

On this issue, I actually agree with Asa. Use the money for education - both higher ed and workforce development. That will benefit all of us and raise all the boats in the harbor not just the ones that Mike Beebe picks based on which lobbyist is hired.

I believe that Memphis is in the process of luring a Bass Pro Shop into the Pyramid. It will be interesting to watch this.

What Memphis got a Bass pro shop without Mike Beebe slush fund. I thought that was impossible.

Thank you, Dustin.

Ok we need some Jim Holt supporters on here. Just what is your view of this stuff in Texas,

Corporate Communism !

and will lead on to all sorts of horrors, like hiring gays and giving them health care. Oh lord, save us from the commies who are taking over corporations.
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Well, that should help Buda's other two industries - bulk dry concrete and cattle. But, if you go to the new Cabela's, be sure to stop in at the Hat Store. They have fine handmade cowboy hats, and even make custom cowboy hats. Don't bother eating at the truckstop there, though. The food is worse than the Greasy Spoon.

I like your title Max. Little Rock may be desperately seeking customers. We are going to open the New Midtowne Mall and Sheckell's Hwy 1O mall within months. And Chenal Parkway and I-430 within just another year or so. I haven't noticed a real retail surge anywhere of late. Sure they will enjoy the curious and interested.

I got no bone to pick, no anger to share. I do wonder if now is not a good time to hold off a little and see how many of the big boxes are still standing.

As was pointed how here a few days ago, Little Rock's growth is mainly just statistical, not significant. Who are the winners and losers. Are we going to see a Walmart effect in higher end retail now where mom and pop pay the price?

If the net gain is zero or minus does it make any sense to use tax dollars?

That Cabel'as way out in exurbia is a different thing than the Bass Pro in NLR, Memphis (Pyramid), or Shreveport are in that these will spur bigger developments because of their presence. The Shreveport project spurred the development of a "boardwalk" outlet/retail development in Bossier City's downtown along the river. Memphis needs to find something to do with the Pyramid+. These are redevelopment projects and I think it's reasonable to consider TIF financing for this. However, for new development on prime undeveloped land in the heart of the city (Bass Pro NLR) or in exurbia (Cabela's in Buda), it makes absolutely no sense. Not even as much as building a TIF along I-540 in NWA, which needs no help at all in spurring development.

The best and only sure way to get these big companies in here is to 1. ax the state income tax 2. Ax the Death Tax. Then we will have the car plants and big retailers. Until then...It ain't gonna happen. They go to Texas & Tenn now because of the better tax situation. Neither have a State Income tax and neither should we especially with a $700,000,000 surplus.

Having lived in TN, TX and AR, I can tell you when it is all said and done, sales tax and property tax and tax this and that, what I pay in taxes here is much lower.

I almost fell on the floor when I saw how low my property tax bill was -- how in the world do we properly fund schools on that pittance?

Answer is, we don't

Your average Arkansan spends more on hunting and fishing each year than on state tax.

Anon 9:42...What the hell do you live in ? A cardboard box under a bridge?. We pay 6k a year. We also pay high five figure state income tax. I'd gladly pay even more real estate tax if we drop the income tax. Get Real man.