Syracuse Town Council Approves Tax Abatement Request
Syracuse Town Council approved a declaratory resolution for a tax abatement request from Polywood, during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night. Attorney Steve Snyder explained the resolution is the first step in the tax abatement process.
Polywood is looking to construct a large building on the south side of Brooklyn Street. An existing building will be torn down to make room for the new building which will house production and warehouse space. The investment in real estate and personal property (equipment) will be $23 million during five years. Polywood is asking for a 10-year tax abatement on real estate and personal property.
The council also approved CF-1 which shows companies that already have tax abatements are in compliance. Statements of compliance were approved for Precision Automotive, Patrick Industries, Syracuse Property LLC, JP Inc., PW Realty and Polywood.
In department reports Town Manager Henry DeJulia requested $30,000 be appropriated for a video to market the town. The funds were set aside last year for the same purpose, but never used. Council approved the request.
The council approved an amendment to the town’s comprehensive plan for the riverfront district. DeJulia noted the comprehensive plan was done in 2006 and approximately 60 percent of the goals outlined have been accomplished.
A press conference with the lieutenant governor will be held at the Industrial and Technology Park May 14. DeJulia noted this is to highlight the park’s shovel ready status.
Police Chief Tony Ciriello reported things are going well in town except the railroad crossings. All of them are closed except at SR 13. The crossings will be worked on and should be completed by Memorial Day. The Oak Street crossing will be widened by 8 feet on the west side of the road. Officers are assisting after school by directing traffic.
Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported activity has picked up in the parks and the community center has rentals now through August. The third annual Safety Day will be held Saturday, May 2, at the community center. Farmers and Artisan Market will open for the season Saturday, May 9. Cruisin’ Cuse will be held May 15-16.
Clint Houseworth gave the public works report. The construction contract has been signed to begin work on the wastewater treatment plant. The water department will begin replacing residential water meters next week. And Houseworth, who works for Severn Trent, the engineering company that oversees the town’s water and street department, is looking for a public works superintendent to take Jeremy Sponseller’s place. Sponseller left last month to return to school.
Julie Kline, clerk treasurer, reported the change order on the bid for the wastewater treatment plant project has also been signed. She also reported the town has started to receive tax distributions which are going into the street operations fund.
On discussion from the floor, Tammy Cotton, executive director for the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, reported the Tour de Lakes will be held July 11 with proceeds going toward the trails project.
Cotton also introduced Sara and Kermit Kropf who purchased the old Leisure Pools building. The couple are renovating the building, beautifying the exterior. Plans are to rent the western half of the building and put in a specialty food store on the east side of the building. The specialty food store will offer cured meats, cheeses, pantry staples, spices, baked goods and grab and go items for lunch.
Recycling pickup will begin May 4 and go through Aug. 31.
The council also approved the Turkey Creek Township Fire Department to spend $6,000 on 12 ballistic vests. Firefighters have been in situations where they needed to provide emergency care, however the circumstances were not the safest. Ciriello, who had discussed the situation with Fire Chief Mickey Scott, endorsed the purchase.