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Council approves 7‑year, 70% abatement for JLBS downtown redevelopment; city told project brings 56 jobs
Summary
The council passed Resolution 2-26 granting JLBS Property LLC a seven‑year, 70% tax abatement for a downtown block renovation that officials say will move a stone-and-cabinet business to Anderson, create about 56 jobs and more than $3.7 million in payroll annually.
The Anderson City Council voted to confirm an economic revitalization area and approve a 7‑year, 70% tax abatement for JLBS Property LLC’s downtown redevelopment project under Resolution 2-26.
Mr. Winkler, speaking to the council during a public hearing, presented the company’s record of renovating older downtown buildings and said the firm plans to bring both its redevelopment work and a stone-and-cabinet business to Anderson. Winkler told the council the project would bring 56 jobs and an annual payroll of about $3.7 million: “they will be bringing 56 jobs to the community with a annual payroll of just over $3.7 million,” he said.
Winkler also provided valuation figures: the current combined assessed value of the properties is about $339,000, and the company estimated an additional investment of $450,000 (Winkler said actual investment already exceeded that), which could raise assessed value to roughly $789,000. With the requested abatement, Winkler estimated savings to the company at about $16,000 per year and roughly $115,000 over seven years.
Residents asked whether JLBS would hire locally, partner with schools for training and whether the jobs would be union positions. Winkler said many employees will relocate with the business and that the operation is not a union shop; he and council members encouraged the company to formalize opportunities for local workforce training and partnerships with local schools.
After public comment, the council approved the resolution by roll call. The measure passed with the majority of members present (one member absent) and now moves forward per the city’s abatement procedures.
