A request for a tax abatement by Poly-Wood was approved by the Syracuse Town Council during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night. Attorney Steve Snyder briefly outlined Poly-Wood intends to invest $7 million in real estate with a new building on its property and $16 million in equipment. The company also intends to keep its 250 employees while hiring an additional 200 people during the next five years. George Robertson, representing Kosciusko County Economic Development Corporation, spoke in favor of the abatement. “We celebrate entrepreneurship in this county. Two friends started in their garage and now plan to double in size in the next four years,” he told the council.

In department reports Town Manager Henry DeJulia told the council he is researching a proposal to do a video to promote the town. He has questions about the cost and will bring an analysis to the council at the June meeting. He also showed the council the “Golden Shovel” award he received from Elkhart Economic Development Corporation and photos from the press conference last week announcing the technology/industrial park as a shovel ready site.

In the police report, Chief Tony Ciriello reported officers are seeing an increase in traffic. There was a great crowd at the cruise-in Friday night. The council approved the department spending $3,878.40 on four new radios. The cost will be reimbursed by a Homeland Security grant. The new radios were ordered and should be available within 30 days.

Councilwoman Kathy Beer asked about how traffic will be detoured with the railroad working on the SR 13 crossing. Ciriello explained the detour will have to be on federal and state roads so the detour will be SR 14 to US 30 and then back up SR 13.

Councilman Larry Siegel asked about addressing blighted homes in the area. Ciriello explained the police department is responsible for issues outside the home such as trash, lawns needing mowed, etc. DeJulia said there are federal and state laws that need to be looked at. Councilman Bill Musser requested a list of properties needing to be addressed.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported the Artisans and Farmers Market has started and this weekend should be a busy weekend for it. The Cruise-In ‘Cuse had a good turnout Friday night but the car show itself only had about 40 participants due to the threat of rain.

Lifeguards will start this weekend and the pavilion at Lakeside Park will be replaced in mid-July. The park department will partner with the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation for a mud run in June.

Councilman Brian Woody asked Clint Houseworth, public works superintendent, about renovations to the wastewater treatment plant. He was under the impression construction was to start last month. Houseworth said he would check, but he suspected equipment is still being ordered.

In new business, the council approved the Turkey Creek Fire Territory spending $14,558 on three new computers for the ambulances and new software. The equipment is being required by the state.

Siegel also brought up an issue where a fire territory board member told him it was the board’s understanding the town did not want Station I painted. He said it should be and the funds should come out of the fire territory’s repair and maintenance fund. The rest of the council agreed.

Front Street bridge will be open Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25. It will close for paving next week.

Related article: Poly-Wood Expanding, 250 New Jobs