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Old Posted Sep 24, 2014, 12:17 PM
McBane McBane is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 3,718
Yes, a tax code based on land value (in turn based on the zoning code and location) rather than improvements. Today, as I understand, under-utilized lots (parking lots, grass fields, and places like the Rite Aid on 21st and Walnut) pay less in real estate taxes than do owners of high-rises. This, despite the fact that high rises contribute FAR more to the city's economy than does an under-utilized lot. Taxing these speculators would force them to develop, sell, or at least pay a steep price for maintaining an eyesore.