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Council declares economic revitalization area for Lakeside Book Company site; public hearing set for abatement
Summary
Council adopted a resolution designating the Lakeside Book Company site as an Economic Revitalization Area (ERA), making the project eligible for a personal‑property tax abatement; the council will hold a public hearing and consider the abatement at a later meeting.
The Avon Town Council adopted a resolution declaring an Economic Revitalization Area (ERA) for Lakeside Book Company’s planned occupancy in the Avon Logistics development. The ERA designation is the preliminary step that makes the project eligible to request a personal‑property tax abatement.
What the resolution does The resolution designates the site (a space within a large industrial building in the Avon Logistics campus) as an ERA and authorizes staff to advertise and hold the required public hearing. The council did not approve any abatement amounts at this meeting; approval of a specific tax abatement would occur after the public hearing, at a subsequent council meeting if the council so decides.
Company and project details Staff provided supporting documentation from the applicant describing the planned investment and expected personal property. The proposed tenant is expected to occupy a large portion of the first building in Avon Logistics; the tax abatement request presented to staff was for personal property (not real property), and staff noted Chicago Industrial (the building owner) previously received a real‑property abatement on the site.
Council discussion and conditions Council members asked about enforcement and performance conditions. Staff and legal counsel noted the council will review annual certifications of compliance (a standard practice) and that the council can deny or void abatement benefits if the applicant fails to meet the stated investment or employment commitments. Council members also raised the possibility of adding clawback requirements; staff advised that such conditions would need negotiation with the applicant prior to final abatement approval.
Next steps Staff will advertise the public hearing and return to the council for consideration of the personal‑property tax abatement after the public comment period.
Ending The ERA resolution passed and staff will schedule and advertise the required public hearing; any abatement decision will follow after the hearing and any negotiated conditions are finalized.
