From: geer@world.std.com (Dan Geer)
Newsgroups: ne.politics
Subject: Lotus as a public charity
Keywords: zoning,public.policy,taxes,subsidy
Date: 8 Sep 92 02:41:25 GMT
Followup-To: ne.politics
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die



My name is Dan Geer, and I am the Co-Chair of the coalition of all
neighborhood associations in Cambridge, Mass.  I am soliciting your
thoughtful commentary on Lotus Development Corp.

The occasion is that Lotus is engaged in the the modern kind of
corporate blackmail - "Give us a huge whopping tax break or we'll move
out of town".  In addition, Lotus seeks abrogation of Cambridge's
zoning ordinance with respect to bulk, density and open space
requirements, so as to build a new, fortress-like headquarters building
on land otherwise reserved for affordable housing.  Lotus also seeks
nullification of the ordinance limiting the size and kind of signage on
buildings.  Lotus makes none of these claims itself, preferring to
speak through its developer (Boston Properties).

I need to cast some doubt on the desirability of Lotus as the object of
such governmental largess.  One line of reasoning I am pursuing is that
Lotus' idea of how substantial its competitive disadvantages are must
be reviewed in light of its intellectual property stance.  Another is
to question whether this subsidy ($800,000 per year for 15 years, plus
the regulatory and housing costs) is, in fact, a sufficient and fair
exchange to ensure that Lotus will remain a taxpayer and important
employer in Cambridge.  That Lotus is, for all its financial success,
still largely a one-trick pony is another angle possibly worth pursuing
as we evaluate the long term viability of this company.

As you may guess, the City Council is singly and collectively eager to
be thought of as "pro-business" and views this as a purely political
equation relating purely to their own reelection 16 months hence.  We
of the neighborhood associations view the control of developmental
pressures and the precendent setting nature of this proposed deal with
mortal dread.

I hope and imagine that there are other computing professionals who
might wish to provide statements to the Council indicating, say, that
Lotus may not be a viable company in its present configuration for long
or that its posture on innovation and intellectual property are
distinctly at odds with community standards.

We very much need your assistance.  Hardcopy letters addressed to the
Cambridge City Council but sent to me at the address below are the
potentially best, but they must be sent immediately.  Next best are
email messages that you would permit me to render on paper.  Telephone
calls and private email are also very welcome.  Confidences will be
observed when requested.

I must have this in hand by Monday the 14th of September at noon.  I
shall reply to all who ask with what the outcome of this episode is.

Thanks in advance.  If you want more details, ask.

--dan

formalities:
		Dan Geer, Co-Chair
		Cambridge Citizens for Liveable Neighborhoods
		P.O. Box 19
		Cambridge, Massachusetts 02238

		Email:     geer@world.std.com
		Telephone: +1 617 367 2010
		FAX:       +1 617 367 6131
		Residence: +1 617 492 2129
Newsgroups: ne.politics,alt.politics.clinton,alt.politics.bush,talk.politics.misc