Statistics Made Up on the Spot

Dear Editor,
    After reading “Postmarks” [Jan. 29], I couldn’t help but wonder how Brian Rodgers came upon his numbers to claim the cost “of public infrastructure [for a home] is around $25,000” and the developer “picks up only around $2,000.” His fabrications give weight to the old joke, “95% of all statistics are made up on the spot!”
    The street, curb, gutter, storm drainage, water lines, sewer lines, and a portion of the cost for cable television, telephone, electrical, and gas service are all paid for by the developer, then the builder, and ultimately the homebuyer. To the extent that there is any cost to the taxpayer, it is for the use of the off-site improvements (major distribution lines and treatment plants) which are shared by everyone. In fact, the new home’s portion of that cost is the $2,000 (on average) referenced by Mr. Rodgers.