05-08-95 Community & Economic Development

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• Committee Report Community and Economic Development May 8, 1995 Page 2 The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 95-26 which is a Personal Property Tax Abatement request for the property located at 650 North Wilber Street. Mr. Mike Beitzinger reviewed the April 19, 1995 Memorandum from the Community and Economic Development Department(copy attached). Ann Farcus, Richard Ludwick and James Scarpone then made the presentation on behalf on Ludwick Graphics Inc./Ludwick Leasing Group. They noted that their company was established in 1920 and believed that a Tax Abatement incentive is necessary to maintain their operation in its current location. Council Member Luecke commended the petitioners for their long term commitment to the community.He stated that they are anchored to the neighborhood. Following discussion, Council Member Zakrzewski made a motion, seconded by Council Member Washington that Bill No. 95-26 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. The Committee then reviewed Bill No. 95-27 which is a 10 year Real Property Tax Abatement request for the property located at the South-East corner of Lafayette Blvd. and Bronson Street. It also reviewed Bill No. 95-28 which is a Personal Property Tax Abatement request for the same location. Mr. Mike Beitzinger of the Community and Economic Development Department reviewed the Memorandum dated April 18, 1995 regarding both requests (copy attached). Mr. Jack Smith the petitioner showed a framed artist rendering of the new building which would be constructed. He noted that there would be extensive landscaping, that the building would be sprinkled, and it would be entirely fireproofed to class 2 standards. It would have ADT Alarm Systems also within the facility. He noted that he has been working for approximately 5 years with the the staff member of Community and Economic Development Department. In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman, it was noted that Design Packaging Inc. is currently located on Niles Ave. and has approximately 16,000 square feet in warehousing and an additional 3,000 square feet in office space. In response to a question raised by Council Member Ladewski it was noted that the current building where design Packaging Inc. is located will probably be torn down so that a more compatible use for the area would be constructed. Mr. Gene Oakley voiced concern with regard to the approximate 1.4 million dollars of tax payers money being used in this overall transaction.He noted that Design Packaging Inc. has been an excellent business for the community, and was not faulting the business but however was faulting the forced relocation of the business. Council Member Luecke noted that many possible uses for the old TransWestern Building where discussed in detail. He noted that the Eastbank Development has been a very positive program and thanked the petitioner for continuing his commitment to our community.