Council approves tax-incentive agreement for Zupardi’s frozen-foods redevelopment at 755 First Ave

The West Haven City Council voted to authorize a real-property tax-incentive agreement with Zupardi’s Frozen Foods LLC to support redevelopment of 755 First Avenue into a frozen-pizza production and multi-state distribution facility.

Terms summarized: The resolution authorizes a freeze of the property’s base assessed value for one year during construction; once improvements are completed the increased assessment will phase in over three years — 33% in year one, 67% in year two, and 100% in year three. The agreement applies to real property only (personal property unaffected). The resolution also specified that the agreement will become null and void if the company sells the property during the phase-in period, if taxes become delinquent, or if there is an unreasonable delay in completing planned improvements.

Economic rationale: Council members and the owner (a local business leader identified as Sherry, representing Zupardi’s) said the investment preserves a long-standing local business, makes use of underutilized industrial space, and represents a multi-million-dollar local construction and operations investment with new jobs expected. Members emphasized the value of retaining the business in the city and the potential for near-term construction activity.

Vote and next steps: The tax-incentive resolution passed on a council vote after committee approval; the mayor was authorized to execute the agreement and related documents. Staff will monitor construction timelines and tax-phase implementation per the agreement’s conditions.