By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews
SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Redevelopment Commission learned a new business is looking at Syracuse and a location in Georgia as potential locations during a meeting held Tuesday, Oct. 20. The meeting was held both in-person and virtually. If the business comes to Syracuse it could bring 200 jobs to the area.
Alan Tio, executive director of Kosciusko County Economic Development Corp., told the redevelopment commission the business has asked for closer upfront assistance. Tio suggested working with the county in offering a training grant.
The proposal Tio suggested would be for the county and town to work together with the county providing funds from it’s special projects budget.
Councilman Larry Siegel asked if the business was located in Syracuse or near the town limits if the town could offer abatement on personal property. Tio said the town could abate the personal property or collect the funds in a tax increment finance district reallocation.
Siegel asked how would this business be differentiated from other businesses located in the TIF district. Tio said the town would work with the county auditor. After some thought, Siegel noted the county would have all the financial benefit, not the town.
After some more discussion, it was decided Tio would set up a conference call between himself, the business owner, Mike Noe, town manager and Siegel to talk about what is being considered.
Tio suggested taking the proposal to the county commissioners and then have a special redevelopment commission meeting. Vern Landis, town attorney, pointed out the town council would have to approve the proposal as well.
Noting the business owner had some time constraints, Tio suggested a conference call between himself, the business owner, Siegel, and Mike Noe, town manager to discuss what is being considered.
The commission approved an economic development package for Travel Star, a Goshen company that plans to expand into the Syracuse Technology Park. The commission also passed a commonwealth task order for road work in the technology park.
