Beaver Dam Approves New TIF Around Heritage Village Mall

(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Common Council Monday approved the establishment of a new Tax Increment Finance District around the Heritage Village Mall. The mixed-use TIF District #8 will include residential, commercial and industrial zoning encompassing 18 parcels on 86 acres with a base value of $6.2-million dollars and a life expectancy of up to 20 years. The TIF is expected to realize $18.2-million dollars in new value over that time. The tax revenues from any growth above the base value could be directed to expenses within the district; $7.1-million in tax increment is expected to be collected over the life of the district. After expenses, officials with MSA Professional Services says the TIF is expected to close no later than 2038 with a positive cash flow of $2.5-million dollars.

There are three driving forces for the creation of TIF District #8. That includes prevention of blight with the concern that the loss of the Boston Store could lead to a snowball effect of additional store closures. Also, the purpose of the TIF is to promote interest of development activity; talks, for example, are underway with a hotel and multifamily apartment developers. Finally, infrastructure could be addressed with TIF revenues. While underground utilities are said to be in good shape, the funds could also be directed to badly needed road and parking lot improvements.