Park Plan Gets $20 Million Break

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has promised to forgive a loan of $20 million to the Seattle Commons park project if voters approve higher property taxes to help pay for the plan, the Commons board said Monday.

Allen made a loan of $20 million in 1992 for purchase of property, board president Gerry Johnson said, and will forgive repayment of the loan in 1997 if the levy passes on the Sept. 19 ballot.