Not sure how I feel about this one....

[michaz]

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20110819/NEWS05/708199928

Chinese investors buy ex-Academy at Ivy Ridge, plan English school
ENGLISH SCHOOL PLANNED: Businessman and his group eyeing other investments in Ogdensburg area

[Ineeda]

1. From what I read at the link...

this was a private school, no longer in operation and vacant. Now it will be repaired and renovated and used. I assume taxes will be paid; students and families will spend money in the community. So where's the downside?

[dddem]

2. schools don't pay taxes

As far as I know. My brother used to live in the same neighborhood as a private school, and they would buy up houses for staff and students, and not have to pay property taxes. At that time, the neighbors resented the fact that the school used all the town's faciities, and were not required to give back anything. Since then, I know that facilities like the hockey rink are used by the town teams, so I think the school is trying to be a good neighbor.

[Ineeda]

3. You may be right, but I believe private, for-profit schools do

pay taxes.

[Shagbark Hickory]

4. You're going to see a lot more Chinese investment in this country. They seem to think it's on the

up & up while their country is headed towards bubbledom.