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Hope Mills board advances incentive for anonymous 'Project Shade' that would create up to 45 jobs
Summary
After a public hearing, the board approved moving forward with an incentive package for a U.S. manufacturer known as “Project Shade.” The performance‑based grant would pay $750 per job for up to 45 jobs and help fund a needed gas‑line extension; final agreements require town and county approvals and contract terms.
The Town of Hope Mills voted on June 16 to advance an economic incentive proposal for an anonymous manufacturer referred to in staff materials as “Project Shade.” The board unanimously opened a public hearing, heard presentations and public comments, and approved a motion to proceed with a performance‑based incentive arrangement and to refer the request to Cumberland County for the county share of funding.
Rob Patton, executive vice president of the Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, told the board the company is a U.S. manufacturer of household and office accent items and is proposing a manufacturing and distribution site in Hope Mills. Patton said the project is expected to create 45 new jobs by 2026 and increase Hope Mills’ property tax base by about $10 million.
As presented, the incentive package would be performance based: the company must install a new gas line (estimated a little over $67,000), document eligible stormwater expenses and other unanticipated site costs, and create the jobs to earn payments. The town’s portion would pay $750 per position for up to 45 jobs (maximum town payment $33,750 if all 45 jobs are created); payments would be made after milestones are met and the company documents hires and investments.
Board members asked about financial vetting and whether the town should review company financials before approving an agreement. Patton said the county economic development corporation has vetted the opportunity and the county will consider the request in August; board members asked that staff and the town attorney review final agreements and that reimbursement be tied to verified performance.
The motion to approve forwarding the incentive request and pursue an agreement carried (vote recorded as "motion will carry 3–2" in meeting minutes). The town manager and county economic development staff said a formal agreement would follow and would be reviewed by the town attorney before any funds are released.
Details and caveats • Company identity: not disclosed publicly at this stage (referred to as Project Shade). • Jobs: up to 45 new positions by 2026 as presented; town payments are contingent on job creation and documented site costs. • Estimated fiscal impacts: presenters estimated more than $50,000 in annual tax revenue and roughly $1.9 million in annual wages across new positions.
Next steps The town will negotiate agreement terms and the county will consider its portion; the town attorney will review any final contract before execution.
