OK. Now add up all the values of the properties which will increase the tax base due to the new construction (Acorn Alley, Davey Tree, Ametek, Hotel renovation, etc.). That would be an interesting comparison.

I don't think it helps the conversation at all for us townies to constantly pit the university against the town. There is give and take in both directions. (And, no, I'm not an employee of the university.) And, while it will drop some tax revenues, let's be honest: a good number of those properties were eye sores where a lot of the May partying always took place (which had its own costs to the city). So, yes, it's a valid question to ask about those revenues for our schools (which I have two children in) but must we ALWAYS slant it in the worst possible direction?

Who is hiding behind the name "MCP Willow 209 LLC" (now $570K richer)?

And why did realtor Christopher Smeiles make so much more than everyone else for his properties?

Thanks for the explanation Matt. I was wondering about the tax status of the new construction. I think it is still best to compare the "bottom line" to the schools when all the construction is finshed.

Patch's own article from February stated that the Province at Kent on South Lincoln Street would generate around $240,000/year in property tax. Not sure if that's still (or ever was) accurate (the article was about the complex's initial zoning denial), but if it is, then that more than offsets the losses from KSU purchases. http://kent.patch.com/articles/south-lincoln-apartment-complex-rezoning-denied-by-kent-council.

I hope no one is surprised that KSU buying property takes it off the table as far as property taxes go, though it doesn't take it off automatically. Many of the houses the KSU Foundation bought were still occupied and thus, the KSU Foundation was still paying property tax on them until they became vacant. Kent State also owns the properties along East Main where Wordsmith's, Cutler Real Estate, and Kent Outfitters are located. Those most definitely pay property tax according to the Portage County Auditor's website. .

If you want to get upset about tax-exempt land in the Kent City Schools, look up how much land the city of Akron owns in Franklin Township for their water supply and treatment plant, something that often gets overlooked. It's an area as large (if not larger) than campus and unlike KSU, provides zero economic trade-offs for the area.

@david badagnan, I don't think Smeiles made the most off the two properties that he listed.

And the reason some made more than others is because they didn't jump at the first order from KSU.

And the reason some made more than others is because they didn't jump at the first offer from KSU.

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Anybody know who the Clarissa is who decided to make an inaccurate comment about me that is certainly defamation of my character? If so, please give me a call at (330) 678-6984. Thanks, Chris