Dustin Gardiner

The Republic | azcentral.com

Every week, The Republic asks Phoenix City Council members and the mayor to respond to a question about an issue affecting city government.

Question: Should Phoenix deny property-tax breaks to developers who demolish historically-eligible buildings?

Background: A developer’s controversial demolition on the Circles building downtown has prompted a debate about whether the city should withhold tax incentives from developers who raze buildings with historic characteristics.

The Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously recently to ask the city to develop a policy that would use the incentive — called a government property lease excise tax or GPLET — to aid the preservation of properties eligible for historic designation, and deny it to those who demolish them.

Aspirant Development LLC, part of the Empire Group of Companies, faced community outcry last month after it demolished part of the 1947 Circles building. The building is being torn down to build a mixed-use apartment tower. Aspirant has asked for a tax break for the project and would keep the building’s iconic facade.

Here are the answers of city leaders who responded to the question:

"In the recent Circles case, residents and historic preservation advocates negotiated in good faith with the developers, and the developer turned around and tried to negotiate with a wrecking ball. This was unacceptable, and I oppose any tax breaks for that project. Anyone trying to develop historic property should be prepared to have their plans examined with a fine-toothed comb, and understandably so. While we won’t always agree on every project, it is my hope that all parties involved will approach these delicate issues in good faith trying to conserve our community’s heritage."

— Kate Gallego , vice mayor (District 8), southeast Phoenix and parts of downtown

"If you look around the heart of Phoenix, you’ll find gems like the Newton, Federal Pizza, Uptown Plaza, and other places where developers have had the vision to keep the character of our older buildings. Properties have been saved, new businesses are flourishing and neighborhoods have become destinations. Interested parties who want to develop properties have many options to collaborate with the historic preservation community and the city toward meaningful solutions. The creation of positive and vibrant communities starts with the effective partnership between the city, businesses, and community advocates who wish to preserve the rich culture of our past."

— Laura Pastor, District 4, parts of central and west Phoenix

"As a previous co-chair of the 2006 Historic Preservation Committee, I have always supported historic building preservation and firmly believe these buildings belong in our evolving skyline. In District 7 multiple projects have been developed by preserving old and creating new. Engineering and creative architecture influence the expansion of mixed use spaces while also promoting economic development. I encourage city staff to enact downtown development guidelines addressing historic preservation, GPLET criteria, workforce housing, and adequate parking. Backdoor deals need to end, and the community, developers and city staff need to work together to preserve Phoenix history."

— Michael Nowakowski, District 7, southwest Phoenix and parts of downtown

"I have consistently opposed all property tax breaks (GPLET's) for all users."

— Sal DiCiccio, District 6, Ahwatukee and east Phoenix

Republic reporter Brenna Goth contributed to this article.

Got a question we should ask the mayor and City Council? Send it to me at dustin.gardiner@arizonarepublic.com or via Twitter @dustingardiner.