Happy Valley plan not a mall, but an 'experience'

Letters: Tax breaks and towns halls

, Feb 2, 2010

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To the Editor:

As a resident of Oregon for more than 20 years, I purchased a town home within the Eagle Landing community close to a year ago. A homeowners meeting was called, and the developer of the proposed Eagle Landing project was in attendance. He explained his vision. I, like others, were enthralled at the possibility of having this included in our community.

The existing Clackamas Town Center across the highway, Bridgeport Village in Tualatin and Washington Square in Tigard are filled with the same retail stores and restaurants. I dread the thought of going to a "mall," and for everyone else that lives on the east side, there are the options to shop at the Clackamas Town Center and Promenade. But with this project, east side residents would have both choices. I don't see this as just a development but an "experience."

My issue is that there is not one unique quality, with the exception of Portland’s Pearl District, which is geared more for the "Baby Boomer" generation and business consumers. We are limited to chain restaurants, and the same shopping experience we could find elsewhere. This is a welcome option here on the east side of Portland that will stimulate our economy.

I support this intuitive, creative venture 100 percent. With new businesses, a five-star hotel, unique shopping, an amphitheater that brings numerous events, all styled in the same atmosphere as the homes and exquisite quality. The vision I share with the developer, is creating a self-sustaining environment meant for family entertainment, business consumers, and to quote the movie "Field of Dreams," "if you build it they will come."

This development is not a "mall" but an "experience" that will bring people from all over Oregon and not to mention the out of state visitors.

To be honest, as a resident of Happy Valley, I encourage the city and county to approve this application. There is nothing in the Portland area that intends to offer so much, and gives the east side a sense of community.

Laura J Scmidt

Happy Valley

Doing your taxes? You could be eligible for a big break

To the Editor:

Every penny counts in today’s economy, yet many working people are overlooking an important tax credit that could put up to $5,600 or more in their pockets. The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, can be the needed financial boost for working people hit by hard economic times.

Many people will qualify for the EITC for the first time this year because their income declined, their marital status changed or they added children to their families. Families with three or more children get an extra boost with a larger credit this year.

But, IRS estimates that up to one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out because they don't check it out. Eligible taxpayers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns — even if they are not otherwise required to file — and specifically claim the credit.

Anyone with income under $48,000 from wages, self-employment or farming in 2009, should see if they qualify. Area residents can find more information at www.irs.gov, keyword: EITC. IRS’s online EITC Assistant can help determine their eligibility and compute the amount of their credit.

Taxpayers also can get no-cost help computing their EITC and preparing their returns. Residents can locate a volunteer assistance site by calling the IRS at 1-800-906-9887. Free help is also available at the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center located at 1220 S.W. 3rd Avenue in Portland.

To help accurately determine their EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, taxpayers should bring:

• Photo identification

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