Mayor Bloomberg call your office: Fast food gets a tax break in Mass.' most obese city

http://www.eagletribune.com/local/x694484383/Fast-food-gets-a-tax-break-in-the-states-most-obese-city

July 8, 2012

Fast food gets a tax break in the state's most obese city

State's most obese city gives eatery $117K credit

By Keith Eddingskeddings@eagletribune.com

LAWRENCE — 

On Wednesday, Gorn will ask the health board to approve a resolution asking Mayor William Lantigua to step up the city's battle against obesity, including by amending city zoning to limit fast-foot restaurants.

The City Council on May 15 voted unanimously to approve the tax break for Pollo Campero. The state Economic Assistance Coordinating Council signed off on the credit June 26.

Patrick Blanchette, the city's economic development director, said he was focused on jobs, not the city's record-high levels of obesity, when he recommended the tax break to the council.

"We also have the highest unemployment rate in the commonwealth," Blanchette said. "That's where the focus has to be. There are other agencies that look at obesity."