RE: Subject : Why the California Crossing 2% CID Does NOT Burden Poor Shoppers – Here’s the Big-Picture Proof

Mr. McClure,

 

Email received. I will forward to the Governing Body.

 

Thank you.

 

 

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 3:33 PM
To: Brett Kell <bkell@topeka.org>; David Banks <dbanks@topeka.org>; Spencer Duncan <sduncan@topeka.org>; City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>; MCRE Media <mcre1.9999@blogger.com>; Charles Baylor <cbaylor1@hotmail.com>
Subject: Subject : Why the California Crossing 2% CID Does NOT Burden Poor Shoppers – Here's the Big-Picture Proof

 

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Dear Brett Kell and Topeka City Council Members,

I appreciate Brad Cale raising concerns about the 2% CID placing an extra sales-tax burden on low-to-moderate income shoppers at the California Crossing Shopping Center — especially at the new Supermercado Nuestra Familia grocery store. However, when you look at the full picture (extended trade-area demographics, actual dollar impact, and the services now being delivered), that argument simply doesn't hold up. The CID is actually the tool that brings better goods, services, jobs, and long-term stability to East Topeka.

Here are three clear reasons why the "burden on the poor" claim is untrue in the big picture:

1. The extra cost is tiny, voluntary, and spread across a much broader customer base A typical grocery trip at Supermercado Nuestra Familia might run $150–$200. The 2% CID adds just $3–$4. For a household spending $400–$500/month on groceries, that's only $8–$10 extra — far less than the gas and time it used to cost residents to drive to other stores. Importantly, this tax is only paid by people who choose to shop there. And because the extended trade-area demographics you referenced are strong (ZIP 66605 median household income near the city average of ~$57,000), a large share of the sales (and therefore the tax) comes from moderate- and higher-income shoppers across southeast Topeka, not just the immediate neighborhood. It's effectively a user fee from the full market that supports the center.
2. The real burden on low-income families was the lack of investment — the new grocery store and CID fix that Before Supermercado Nuestra Familia opened in December 2025, East Topeka residents had limited fresh-food options. Now they have a full-service Hispanic grocery with bakery, produce, meats, and culturally relevant items right in the neighborhood. Community reaction has been overwhelmingly positive — packed parking lots at the grand opening, residents calling it "wonderful" and saying they "love it." The 2% CID funds the public improvements (parking repairs, lighting, sidewalks, landscaping) that keep the center attractive and safe so more tenants and services follow. Without full reimbursement capacity, the developer can't finish the upgrades quickly. That means fewer jobs, declining conditions, and residents left driving elsewhere — the true daily burden on low-income families.
3. It delivers permanent neighborhood uplift with zero net cost to the city or general taxpayers The CID is temporary (up to 22 years) and self-funding — paid only from sales at the center. It creates construction and retail jobs (many filled locally), raises property values, and grows the overall tax base for everyone. Kansas already removed the state sales tax on groceries, so the added 2% is even less impactful. Long-term, better-maintained retail, more choices, and a safer environment serve low-to-moderate income families far better than leaving the shopping center to deteriorate. This is exactly the targeted economic development East Topeka has needed, and the strong extended demographics prove it will succeed.

Bottom line: We're not shifting a burden onto poor shoppers — we're using a proven Kansas tool (already approved at 1.5% and working elsewhere in Topeka) to leverage private investment and bring real services where they're needed most. The alternative is stagnation. The numbers work, the grocery store is already delivering, and East Topeka families are benefiting. A full 2% CID simply ensures the momentum continues full speed.

Thank you for your leadership on this project. I'm happy to provide more details or attend a meeting to discuss.

Sincerely,

Henry McClure Topeka resident

@mcre1 on X