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SpU TH 8F <br /> R R <br /> 1865 <br /> CITY OF SOUTH BEND <br /> PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR <br /> OFFICE OF THE MAYOR <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> March 19, 2012 <br /> Contact:Debra Johnson,Director of Communications <br /> Phone: 574-235-5853 <br /> RETAIL GIANT AJ WRIGHT TO PAY THE <br /> CITY OF SOUTH BEND $3.2 MILLION <br /> South Bend AJ Wright, one of the nation's largest retail and outlet stores, will pay the <br /> City of South Bend$3.2 million in penalties for leaving the city last year. <br /> The retail giant opened its doors in South Bend in 2004,but closed its doors, unable to <br /> maintain industry numbers for profitability. Last month,the City of South Bend received <br /> a check from AJ Wright for$354,000. <br /> "AJ Wright lived up to their side of this agreement without hesitation to repay the city for <br /> its investment. I think that's important for people to understand," said Don Inks, Director <br /> of Economic Development for the City. "AJ Wright keeps their property taxes current <br /> and pays their penalties on time. Their move was not because South Bend is not a good <br /> market,but it was a company decision." <br /> Before the company's move to South Bend,the City aggregated the site,performed <br /> demolitions and went through environmental remediation.AJ Wright agreed to a two <br /> phase project that included creation of 313 to 725 jobs over a period of five years. AJ <br /> Wright was subject to penalties if they did not create the number of jobs required in the <br /> agreement with a 90%benchmark for achievement.Those penalties were calculated at <br /> $460 per job. <br /> "AJ Wright owns a 500,000 square foot facility that remains in South Bend that is a new, <br /> modem warehouse that should attract future users," said Inks. <br /> The penalties will be paid annually.Nearly$3.2 million in penalties will be paid by the <br /> company until 2019. <br /> ### <br /> 1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING- 227 W.IEFFERSON BOULEVARD-SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601 <br /> PHONE 574/235-9261 FAx 574/235-9892 <br />