FAST FACTS:
Scott.Noll@wreg.com
( Memphis 10/20/2009) Will they, or won't they?
That's the question as the debate continues over whether to donate 140 vacant, county-owned lots to a developer.
Harold Buehler is promising to build homes for low-income families, but opponents point out Buehler owes more than $1 million in back taxes.
The developer has been approved for more than $30 million in tax credits for his projects.
Now, WREG On Your Side Investigators have learned Buehler is getting even more of your tax dollars despite the debts.
New numbers released by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency show Buehler's companies have been paid more than $628,000 in Section 8 money between January 1, 2007 and September 1, 2009.
The Section 8 funds are federal dollars paid to Buehler only for his low-income tenants.
The payments come at the same time, city and county records show Buehler was behind on his taxes.
As WREG On Your Side Investigators first told you, the Memphis-based builder also received more than $30 million in federal income tax breaks for his projects.
Buehler says that money is earmarked for building.
According to figures from the end of September, Buehler, and his companies, owed nearly $1.25 million in back taxes, interest and penalties to Shelby County and the City of Memphis.
The builder says he's appealing the $322,000 he owes Lauderdale County for taxes dating back to 2005.
Buehler blames the delinquent taxes on copper thefts.
He says thieves cost his companies hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Buehler is also vowing to be paid-up, with interest, in the next 18 months.
Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey admits, he first opposed giving a developer delinquent on his taxes, nearly-free land.
But now Harvey's had a change of heart.
The commissioner believes the need for new development, putting vacant lots back on the tax rolls, and the possibility of job creation is worth taking a chance.
"We have to be realists," explained Harvey. "When the people are outcrying, there are no alternatives that are available today."
Commissioners are expected to debate turning over the properties to Buehler at a Wednesday meeting.
- Just released figures show developer took in more than $600K from housing program despite owing taxes
- Harold Buehler wants Shelby County commissioners to turn over 140 vacant lots and allow Buehler to build
- Figures show Buehler owed nearly $1.25 million in back property taxes
Scott.Noll@wreg.com
( Memphis 10/20/2009) Will they, or won't they?
That's the question as the debate continues over whether to donate 140 vacant, county-owned lots to a developer.
Harold Buehler is promising to build homes for low-income families, but opponents point out Buehler owes more than $1 million in back taxes.
The developer has been approved for more than $30 million in tax credits for his projects.
Now, WREG On Your Side Investigators have learned Buehler is getting even more of your tax dollars despite the debts.
New numbers released by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency show Buehler's companies have been paid more than $628,000 in Section 8 money between January 1, 2007 and September 1, 2009.
The Section 8 funds are federal dollars paid to Buehler only for his low-income tenants.
The payments come at the same time, city and county records show Buehler was behind on his taxes.
As WREG On Your Side Investigators first told you, the Memphis-based builder also received more than $30 million in federal income tax breaks for his projects.
Buehler says that money is earmarked for building.
According to figures from the end of September, Buehler, and his companies, owed nearly $1.25 million in back taxes, interest and penalties to Shelby County and the City of Memphis.
The builder says he's appealing the $322,000 he owes Lauderdale County for taxes dating back to 2005.
Buehler blames the delinquent taxes on copper thefts.
He says thieves cost his companies hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Buehler is also vowing to be paid-up, with interest, in the next 18 months.
Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey admits, he first opposed giving a developer delinquent on his taxes, nearly-free land.
But now Harvey's had a change of heart.
The commissioner believes the need for new development, putting vacant lots back on the tax rolls, and the possibility of job creation is worth taking a chance.
"We have to be realists," explained Harvey. "When the people are outcrying, there are no alternatives that are available today."
Commissioners are expected to debate turning over the properties to Buehler at a Wednesday meeting.
