One of Amherst’s most powerful enemies, who seems to be working against the town, is our own Director of the Amherst IDA, Jim Allen. For years the AIDA ’stuck it’ to the little store owners by ignoring their pleas for help, favoring major developers instead.
The AIDA gives major developers all types of tax breaks but ignores the small business man who really needs help.
Councilman Dan Ward had a resolution passed by our Town Board which would enable the Amherst IDA to recoup tax breaks which were given to businesses that promised to create a certain number of jobs but failed to keep their word.
As usual Amherst IDA Director Jim Allen wouldn’t give Amherst the time of day. It appears Allen runs the Amherst IDA as his own little kingdom where he rules with a steel claw. His removal would improve the functioning of our Amherst IDA.
Remember Mr. Allen, it is OUR Amherst IDA.