The Nov. 27 letter from Henry Hall of Reno regarding Cornell
University and its fiscal responsibilities contained more than its
share of errors.
1. Hall writes, "Why doesn't Cornell pay taxes? "
In fact, Cornell does pay taxes. Cornell's taxable property in
Tompkins County places it in the top three property-tax generators
in the county -- over $1.7 million this year with nearly $1 million
of that in local school taxes to three school districts.
In addition, Cornell voluntarily contributes considerable sums
every year to the City of Ithaca, the Ithaca City School District,
and several nonprofit organizations, including Cayuga Medical
Center, the Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins
County and the Tompkins County Public Library, to name a few.
2. "Come on Cornell, are you really nonprofit? With property like
Cornell Business Park? "
Contrary to Mr. Hall's assertion, the Cornell Business and
Technology Park is entirely on the tax roll, even the portion that
Cornell uses for offices and that it could rightfully claim as tax
exempt. About $868,000 in real estate taxes was paid on properties
located in the B&T Park this year. It will soon be generating
over $1 million a year in local taxes. More than 1,600 people are
employed at the park, adding greatly to Tompkins County's economic
engine.
3. "And now building hotels?"
Cornell University isn't building any hotels and has no plans to
do so.
4. "What Cornell is doing should be illegal. Enron did basically
the same deal."
Ludicrous claims like this do nothing to enhance the pursuit of
the common good in Ithaca and Tompkins County.
