No more breaks for downtown deal

Re “$2-billion downtown overhaul in the red,” Nov. 17

These people do not deserve more tax breaks. These are people who already have billions hidden in their banks. Building something is the same thing as opening a new business and is always a risk. How many people open businesses every day and lose their dreams to bankruptcy because they took a chance? Did the city bail them out?

These guys downtown need to either take the chance and build, or not build, but not hold the city hostage. If they want another $40 million from the city, they should pledge $80 million of their initial profits to low-income housing.

VINCE WATSON

West Hollywood

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If the developers of the Grand Avenue project, before construction begins, are already behind schedule and over budget, why should their new request for $40 million in tax rebates be granted? Related California’s President Bill Witte refers to the delays and cost overruns as “hiccups” and says they are not unusual for a project of this size. If so, shouldn’t the developers have planned for them? I say that we keep the $40 million and get new developers.

MICHAEL W. BOGGS

Los Angeles