Committee forwards final-year CRA extension for 1303–1305 North Main to council ahead of March 31 deadline

A North Canton council committee voted to forward an ordinance that continues a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax-incentive for property at 1303–1305 North Main Street to the full council, with members stressing the measure must be enacted by March 31 so the city can submit its CRA report to the Ohio Department of Development.

The committee’s discussion identified this extension as the 12th and final year of the residential CRA for the site. A committee member noted, “This is the 12th year. This is the final year of this particular residential tax appearance,” and said the Housing Council recommended continuation after its Feb. 24 review.

City presenters said the ordinance also directs that a copy be sent to the Ohio Development Services Agency as part of the required filings. Officials explained the item reached the committee late because auditor materials arrived in mid‑February and legal review followed, which delayed inclusion on earlier agendas.

Committee members used the discussion to urge that the Housing Council become more active in evaluating whether CRA incentives are achieving their goals. One member suggested inviting real-estate expertise to future Housing Council meetings to assess whether incentive design is working and whether adjustments are needed.

A motion to add the ordinance (item 3A) to the council agenda was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The committee did not vote on final adoption; the item will proceed to the full council for further readings and a final decision.

If adopted, the ordinance would allow the city to complete and file the CRA report required by state development authorities by the March 31 filing deadline.