Why Yes?
Vote YES for Late-Night Hours (Referendum #1)
The voters of Frisco face a critical decision as they go to the polls on May 10, 2008. On election day, they will cast votes for the FISD school board, the City Council, and the next Mayor of Frisco….all decisions that will greatly impact the future of Frisco.
However, with no ties to any particular candidate, the voters also face another very important decision which will affect the future of our community for many years – Vote YES for Late-Hours in Frisco!
Opponents of this measure state “It’s not about drinking, it’s about Frisco!” and they are absolutely correct. Voting for the Late-Night Hours referendum on May 10 will allow restaurants, clubs, and hotels (with the proper late-night permit) the option of serving alcoholic beverages until 2:00 a.m.
This referendum is NOT about drinking. Beer and wine, and mixed-beverages in restaurants, has been available for many years now with no negative consequences.
Passage of this referendum IS about Frisco and its future. Passage of this measure is critical for several reasons:
- Continued economic development and business growth
- A level business playing field vital to continued growth
- Helping to keep residential property taxes as low as possible
- No proven safety or quality of life concerns!
Continued Economic Development & Level Playing Field
Being progressive, business-friendly and responsible has allowed Frisco to attract economic successes such as:
- Frisco Convention Center
- Dr Pepper Ballpark
- Pizza Hut Park
- Hall Office Park
- T-Mobile
- Frisco Square…..and many others.
All of these projects were initiated BEFORE adjacent communities like Allen and Plano adopted late-night hours. To not remain competitive with them will put Frisco at a great disadvantage.
Opponents to this measure have said that passage of this measure could impact our quality of life and economic development.
FACT: The City of Frisco was recently recognized as being one of the Gadberry Group’s most notable places in the U.S for 2007. Of the seven top cities listed, Frisco is the only community with sales stopping at midnight. All other communities have late-night hours ranging anywhere from 1:30 a.m. until 3 a.m.
Opponents claim that Frisco has had great economic development without the aid of late-night hours.
FACT: Allen and Plano have only recently passed such ordinances (within the last three years) and true economic development disadvantages do not become apparent overnight…or does it? Look at the development occurring around the Shops at Legacy. Notice a great increase in quality development over the last year and a half (ever since Plano adopted late-night hours)? How many points do you want to “spot” Plano? It is time to keep a level playing field by supporting late-night hours and keeping us competitive with other surrounding communities that have done that already.
Opponents claim it is not automatic that Frisco will have late-night hours in 2010.
FACT: That is true. While likely that we will surpass the threshold number and it will be automatic, changes in the law or slowed growth might not make that possible. Do you want to take the risk of keeping Frisco at a disadvantage compared to our neighbors for the next 12 years or more? How far behind might we fall in 12 years? How much has happened in Frisco over the last 12 years….are you willing to risk this?
Low Property Taxes
This issue is certainly about more than just money; however, with the slowing economy, reduced building permits, and other economic factors, the finances of the City, and your taxes are an important part of our future.
Various taxes combine to help offset city costs….and reduce the burden on the average resident. These taxes include sales taxes, they include commercial property taxes, they include personal property taxes for businesses, and other permit/license fees as well.
The City of Frisco has a goal of being roughly 60% residential and 40% commercial. The reasoning for this is a greater reliance on commercial partners to bear a higher than average share of the tax burden and reduce the tax burden on YOU. No, the late-night hours, and the increased sales at your neighborhood restaurant are not going to have a huge impact on your taxes. However, commercial development of hotels, retail, mixed-use developments, property values will all combine to help keep your taxes the lowest in the area.
Passing the late-night hours ordinance will help keep us competitive with adjoining cities in many ways….property taxes….YOUR property taxes being a big part of the picture.
Currently, the commercial tax base comprises about 26% of the tax base; the stated goal of the City is to try and increase this closer to 40%. Putting a greater emphasis on commercial development has a direct impact on the amount of property taxes paid by residents.
Opponents claim that the tax revenue generated by alcohol sales is not significant and does not warrant passage of this measure.
FACT: Passage of the late-night hours referendum IS about so much MORE than just sales tax dollars. It is about economic development, it is about jobs for Frisco residents, it is about increased property values, it is about keeping YOUR property taxes as low as possible.
Passage of the Late-Night is about Safety and Quality of Life
Opponents of the late-night measure claim that passage of this measure will hurt the quality of life and overall safety in our community. In FACT, passage of this ordinance will eitherhave no effect on such issues or….actually be the safer alternatives!
Opponents claim passage will mean increased costs for our Police Department.
FACT: Frisco Chief of Police Todd Renshaw was quoted at the City Council meeting where this ordinance was passed by the City Council in August 2007 a basically saying the passage of the late-night ordinance will not have an impact on my budget and manpower. The fact of the matter is our police department will be on the streets watching for drunk driving regardless of whether patrons are coming home from their neighborhood establishment or from Plano, Addison or some other distant location.
Opponents claim passage of this measure will bring strip joints (SOB’s) to Frisco.
FACT: Frisco has one of the most stringent SOB Ordinances (laws) anywhere around.
FACT: The SOB ordinance does not allow ANY alcohol in ANY SOB at any time. No sale, no consumption, no bringing on the premises. This measure has no connection whatsoever to SOBs and the consumption of alcohol.
FACT: The SOB ordinance requires all SOBs to close by midnight; thus, passage of the late-night hours does not impact any SOBs.
FACT: Any such establishment would require a Private Club Permit, and not a Food/Mixed-Beverage permit as is allowed under the late-night ordinance. Such permit is not automatic and would need to go before City Council.
FACT: Surrounding communities that have adopted late-night hours have the following SOBs that have opened since passage:
Plano None
Allen None
Addison None
Lewisville None
The Colony None
Carrollton None
Opponents claim it will increase drunk driving.
FACT: MADD supports uniform and consistent closing times. Given all but one other developed city in the surrounding areas has been or recently went to 2 a.m., the safest choice to avoid drunk-driving is to pass the late-night hours ordinance.
FACT: Will rushing to another city, and then having to drive home be safer or more dangerous that it would be to be here in Frisco where the establishment know what you have had to consume, likely knows you as a past patron, AND you have the ability to call on friends and/or family only a few blocks away to drive you home…and keep all roads in the area safer?
Opponents claim it will hurt our quality of life.
FACT: What problems have been evidenced by late-night hours in communities such as Plano, Allen, Carrollton, Addison and many others? They are all viewed and constantly recognized and given awards for their high-quality of life.
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