(Posted June 6, 2019)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
West Jefferson village council approved tax incentive agreements to pave the way for a new distribution warehouse in the village’s commerce park.
Hillwood, a Dallas, Texas-based developer, plans to build an 844,000 square-foot building. Construction is slated to start in June and finish up sometime in the first half of next year. This is Hillwood’s first project in West Jefferson; the developer has done other industrial projects in the Columbus area.
Hillwood does not have a tenant for the West Jefferson building but hopes to attract a Fortune 500 company similar to those that already have warehouses in the area, according to T.J. O’Brien, Hillwood vice president.
On June 3, council approved a Community Reinvestment Area agreement that gives Hillwood a 15-year, 100 percent real property tax exemption on the assessed value of the new building. Council also approved a 30-year, 100 percent Tax Increment Financing agreement, through which Hillwood will be reimbursed for infrastructure improvements, such as installation of water service, sewer service and roadways at the site, that the company will pay for upfront.
In other business:
John Mitchell, public service director, reported that the new Amazon distribution center in West Jefferson received its temporary occupancy permit. He does not know when the center will be fully operational.
The village is working with a design firm on branding for the village, including a formal logo and advertising program.
Steve Johnston, council president, pointed to the city of Dublin as an example of how such programs can help a municipality get its name and message out to anyone from potential developers to potential residents.
“Dublin puts their shamrock on everything, and you know it’s Dublin,” Johnston said.
The new logo will appear on business cards, letterhead and other village materials. A brochure is in the works, too.
Council approved a donation of $3,000 in village funds to the West Jefferson July 4th Streetfest, a donation they make each year.
