City Approves Flexaust Abatement, Revitalization Area
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Warsaw City Council approved a resolution for an economic revitalization area and tax abatement for Flexaust Company during its meeting Monday night. A public hearing was Monday for the resolution to create an economic revitalization area at a Center Street property formerly occupied by Midwest Rake, in order for Flexaust Company to expand its manufacturing facilities in Warsaw. Councilman Charlie Smith made the motion to approve the ERA, seconded by councilwoman Diane Quance. “This makes sense to me and I think it is something we ought to strongly consider,” Smith said. The ERA allowed Flexaust to apply for a three-year tax abatement on real property at 1605 W. Center St. and a 10-year tax abatement on personal property at that location and 1510 Armstrong Road. Rick Helm, attorney representing Flexaust, said the company is anticipating the purchase of the vacant property at 1605 W. Center St. as well as the purchase of new manufacturing equipment. Flexaust is estimating the real property purchase to cost approximately $85,000. Helm said Flexaust proposes to add 40 employees and $3 million in new equipment over the next 10 years. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, said the city is strongly in favor of the ERA and tax abatement. “Flexaust has been a strong asset to this community and this is their third set of tax abatements and they have continued to grow,” Skinner said. In other business, the council held a public hearing for a petition for vacation of a public way for Brubaker Street for lots 215 and 216 in Lakeside Park Addition near Pike Lake. Steve Snyder, attorney representing Sharon Cess, who is owner of lots 215 and 216, said the area between the lots and Pike Lake was originally platted as a public street. “To clean up the area a portion of the street needs to be vacated,” Snyder said. Quance made the motion for the public way vacation, seconded by Smith. In other business, Quance said a constituent asked her where they could find information on the new council districts and which council representative represents what district. Skinner said he will make a PDF and put the council districts on the city’s website. Councilman Jeff Grose suggested the council map be placed under the elected officials tab on the city website. Also during the meeting Craig Nayrocker, Warsaw resident, thanked the city for snow removal efforts.
