Sales Tax

Jackson Bell Sales-tax revenues in this year's second quarter are much higher than projected, which officials largely attribute to the success of the Empire Shopping Center. With a 6.9% increase from the same time last year, Burbank made $5 million in revenues in the second quarter, according to studies by Hinderliter, de Llamas and Associates. Last year, the city drew $4.7 million. "It's not just doing better than expected," City Manager Bud Ovrom said.

Paul Clinton CIVIC CENTER -- Plans to include an auto dealership in the Burbank Empire Center development have collapsed, leaving city officials frustrated by the latest failure to bring car-and-truck sales to Burbank. Empire Center developer Zelman Development Companies continues to negotiate with CAG Investments to bring a Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep dealership to the $200-million retail center, city officials said. But the prospects of securing the deal look bleak.

When Walmart spokeswoman Rachel Wall claims those who are opposed to a Walmart in Burbank as being associated with special interests, she's right on the mark. How else would you refer to the dozens of multi-generational, family-owned businesses in Burbank? Before I so much as step foot in a Home Depot, you can bet I've already checked with Mark over at Burbank Paint and Hardware to make sure they don't carry the product and can't order it, because there's something to be said about the men and women who have held on to a family dream for decades without ever compromising a commitment to their customers or employees.

Paul Clinton CIVIC CENTER -- Lockheed Martin Corp. will protect Burbank from potential environmental law suits stemming from the development of one portion of the aerospace firm's former Plant "B-1" property. Los Angeles-based Zelman Development Companies purchased the land from Lockheed last year and intends to use the 103-acre former aircraft assembly property for a $200-million development with two hotels, retail stores, office space and an auto dealership.

Critics may call it an unnecessary bureaucratic roadblock for business, while proponents say it's a vital safeguard for the community. An economic impact report can be beastly, expensive and incredibly nuanced, but nevertheless it is the most comprehensive and scientific gauge the public has. In the case of Walmart, such a report studying the potential impacts on everything from child care and traffic to sales tax revenues and existing businesses would...

Word this week that Ashley Furniture and Burlington Coat Factory would be filling the voids left behind where Circuit City and Mervyn's once stood has brought a welcome sense of relief that we wouldn't have to once again see prime retail space taken over by a seasonal Halloween costume store — the tell-tale sign of economic blight. That this change over is occurring at a time when the economic outlook remains weak at best is also a testament to Burbank's viability and the overtures no doubt made by city development officials.

IKEA's surprise announcement this week that it was moving ahead with plans to expand in a huge way must have sent a collective sigh of relief through City Hall, where just days before a complicated, redevelopment-related land deal to hold on to the retailer was frosted by the state. The Europeans apparently know how to keep their ace card a secret, announcing a separate deal Thursday with a real estate company to acquire 22 acres less than one mile from the current IKEA location. Nearly double in size, the proposed new store will not only have more square footage for roommates to argue over shelving units, but will also bring in significantly more sales tax revenue.

I am pleased that the Burbank City Council stood up to outside special interests and continued to support Walmart moving into the vacant Great Indoors store (“ Walmart protest precedes council meeting ,” Feb. 22). Walmart has followed all city requirements and will fill a large vacant retail building. This is a good decision that will benefit economic development and is a win-win situation for Burbank. The proposed Walmart store will help transform a fallow building into a thriving economic center.

Transportation commissioners continue to examine ways to save money before a funding surplus is exhausted, and small fees for bus services for seniors and the disabled are among the possibilities. Officials say services like BurbankBus, BurbankBus Senior & Disabled Transit and Got Wheels!, which was retained only for the summer months, rely heavily on sales tax revenue that has steadily declined during the economic downturn. “We don't have the surplus we had in previous years in the Proposition A fund,” Transportation Commission Chairman Paul Dyson said.

DOWNTOWN — In a year marked by sluggish sales and a depressed job market, the city’s two main business districts still attracted new ventures into empty storefronts, according to a year-end report. The Downtown Burbank and Magnolia Park partnerships continued to serve as drivers in the city’s quest to promote economic development, particularly as holiday shopping figures fell again this winter. Fourth-quarter receipts in 2009 were down 12.5% compared with the same period in 2008, but officials said several factors, including refunds of taxes paid over multiyear periods, skewed the data.