Transportation SDC Suspension

Co-owner of Obelisk Beer Co. said a food cart there was initially billed $32,500 — more than the project's entire budget — and urged suspension.

Called the current rate untenable; supported suspension to allow a redesign, but worried about permanently losing a funding source.

A lender who has financed Astoria businesses for 20+ years said high upfront charges can kill promising startups, citing the Coffee Girl story, and urged suspension.

Speaking for the Chamber of Commerce, said developers want predictable charges; his board favored a reduction, but he personally supported suspension and redesign.

Owner of a property at 397 Marine Drive said his convenience store SDC estimate fell from $344,000 to $161,000, making the project infeasible; he said he would not open the store if the fee stands.

President of the Uppertown Business Association urged revising the program so charges reflect project size and actual impact, warning excessive fees keep vacant buildings empty.

Cited two young Astoria natives whose business plans died under $20,000–$30,000 charges; supported suspension.

Developing the former Roby's building at 1535 Commercial with $7 million in improvements; urged reconsidering the ten-year prior-use lookback.

Supported temporary suspension and redesign with input from local business owners; not opposed to SDCs generally, just the excessive transportation charges.