Explanation
BACKGROUND: The need exists to enter into an Enterprise Zone Agreement with Crafts Americana Group, Inc. (Crafts Americana). The Ohio Enterprise Zone law O.R.C. Section 5709.62 (C) requires the City to enter into a Council-approved agreement between the City and participating companies.
Crafts Americana began operations in 1975 as a supplier of decorative paint supplies. Today, the company has three divisions: The Artist's Club Division that distributes decorative paint supplies; the Connecting Threads Division that distributes quilting supplies; and Knit Picks Division that distributes knitting supplies.
Crafts Americana currently employs approximately 90 people and operates out of a 50,000 square foot corporate office building in Vancouver, Washington and a 30,000 square foot distribution center in Grove City, Ohio.
Due to business expansion, the company is proposing to relocate their distribution operation currently located in a leased facility at 2235 Southwest Boulevard Suite D, Grove City, Ohio 43123 to a new 60,000 square foot facility to be built on Bolton Field Street (on 5.772 acres of 10.1595 acre parcel 570-154754-00) in Columbus. Crafts Americana is working towards LEED Certification for their new facility. Their corporate headquarters will remain in Vancouver, Washington.
The Department of Development recommends a 75%/10 year Enterprise Zone tax abatement on real property improvements and a 75%/2 year Enterprise Zone tax abatement on personal property under the City's Enterprise Zone Program.
This legislation is presented as an emergency in order to allow Crafts Americana to begin investing and creating jobs as quickly as possible.
The South-Western City School District has been advised of this project.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an agreement with Crafts Americana Group, Inc. for a real estate...
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