After losing $277 million in 5 years, Colonial Williamsburg is asking for a tax break

[TexasTowelie]

Colonial Williamsburg might have a new spin on the Revolutionary War’s “no taxation without representation” rallying cry.

“No taxation … until we can get our finances in order” is the gist of a request from the executive director of the 18th century living town to the elected leaders for the city of Williamsburg, York County and James City County.

Mitchell Reiss, executive director since 2014, wrote to each of those local governments asking that the nonprofit get a three-year reprieve from paying real estate and personal property taxes as well as service and business license fees. That’s in addition to Colonial Williamsburg’s opposition to the city of Williamsburg’s proposal to levy a new 7 percent admissions tax and raise the hotel and meals taxes from 5 percent to 7 percent.

“I recognize that this is a significant request, and I do not make it lightly. But I believe that this contribution by the City to our efforts is critical to our success,” he wrote in the letters sent Friday but dated June 27.

Read more: https://pilotonline.com/business/consumer/after-losing-million-in-years-colonial-williamsburg-is-asking-for/article_6fbcf072-7142-5590-a9c8-c9fb74e5f5eb.html

[applegrove]

1. I thought it was well worth it as a kid.

[underpants]

2. Too hot and too boring in the peak summer season

Lots of talk about this here. I'm not sure what the other attractions in "The Burg" are seeing in terms of traffic but CW is understandably hurting. I guess all those years of having an exemption on minimum wage wasn't enough.

[Duppers]

3. Busch Gardens is still doing well, I think.

I live here but haven't been to Busch in years. Yawn.

We were at the Winery a couple of weekends ago and stocked up - love their Rose`.

And we're in CW at least once a year, in cooler weather when the tourists crowd slow. They have shops, you know.
I don't begrudge their tax breaks, btw.