More on paying for the Strip

An old law lets the government tax without consultation and maybe without benefit. and a rose and thorns

DAVID YOUNG OUR MAN IN PANAMA
ourman@laestrella.com.pa

A law introduced during the dictatorship, allows the government to charge businesses or residents located near a new “improvement” to the cityscape for the cost of the project, without consulting them. The latest improvement is the Cinta Costera (Coastal Strip).. that “green” belt lining the Bay of Panama that will actually have four times as much concrete and tarmac as grass, when the new roadways and parking lots are finished.

But whether or not you relish looking down on parking lots and overloaded highways the government believes that the development will raise property values in the area. So residents and businesses as far away as Calidonia, or the distant reaches of Bella Vista and San Francisco will be told to cough up a special tax for the next 10 years. The price tag for some apartments could be over $14,000.

Using the same measuring stick, of increased land value, it would seem that the Fishing and Yachting Club has received a multi-million dollar hand out in the shape of a newly created piece of landfill on which to build their new facilities. This for a select few who got the original site for free in the first place.

The law (94) allowing the government to foist, much of the price tag onto local citizens without consultation (including the extra work to make the Fishing Club members happy) was introduced during the dictatorship. Rien ne change.

As a story on page one indicates, not everyone is happy with the past connections of some of our leaders with the dictatorship.

But it all begs the question: ”What if property values fall?” because of the economic crisis and/ or the lack of sales of the new mega condominium towers under construction (including one called The Yacht Club).

Another unanswered question: “What is the benefit of the Cinta Costera to a small business renting property far from Avenida Balboa? The owner of the property (allegedly up in value) will pass the taxes to the tenants, who will pass them to their customers.

GO FIGURE You can visit the John Hopkins, Paitilla and National hospitals clad in shorts. But don’t take the same satorial approach when dropping by San Tomas. There, baring manly knees, is verboten.

When faced with the sight of some over filled paunches hanging over tightly belted shorts, and the blanched stalks protruding beneath, I think San Tomas might have a point.

THE ROSE OF THE WEEK goes to the wait staff at La Comedia , the recently opened Mexican restaurant in the heart of Casco Viejo (in front of Plaza Herrera). Their efficient, friendly and courteous (without being obsequious) service sets a fine example to many overpriced locations across town.

THE THORN from the rose bush goes to a no. show doctor who was to be interviewed about a research project. It had taken many contacts to set up the 8 a.m. meeting.

No show, no phone call, no apology, NO STORY.

Publicidad