Explanation
BACKGROUND: Columbus City Council (COUNCIL), by Ordinance No. 2349-2020, passed November 9, 2020, authorized the City of Columbus (CITY) to enter into an Enterprise Zone Agreement (the “AGREEMENT”) with Middle West Spirits, LLC (hereinafter referred to as “ENTERPRISE”) for a tax abatement of seventy-five percent (75%) for a period of ten (10) consecutive years in consideration of an investment of approximately $6,205,000.00, which included $3,920,000.00 in acquisition cost, $2,000,000.00 in real property improvements, and $285,000.00 in machinery and equipment to renovate and redevelop a vacant industrial warehouse site for the purposes of relocating and expanding its corporate headquarters and warehouse operation. The proposed industrial site included five (5) parcels: parcel numbers 010-113456 and 010-112129 at 1165 Alum Creek Drive (approximately 35,189 sq. ft.), parcel number 010-009409, a vacant lot parcel at 1185 Alum Creek Drive (0.89 acres), parcel number 010-114985 at 1195 Alum Creek Drive upon which are located two vacant warehouses (totaling approximately 17,044 sq. ft.) and parcel number 010-099174 at 1221 Alum Creek Drive (approximately 47,139 sq. ft.), Columbus, Ohio 43209 (collectively, and hereinafter referred to as the “PROJECT SITE”). Additionally, the ENTERPRISE committed to create thirteen (13) net new full-time permanent positions with an estimated annual payroll of approximately $668,000.00 and retain fourteen (14) full-time jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $897,200.00 at the PROJECT SITE, to preserve or create employment opportunities within the Columbus Enterprise Zone, (hereinafter referred to as the “PROJECT”). The AGREEMENT was made and entered into effective June 17, 2021 (EZA #023-21-01).
In a letter received by the CITY from the ENTERPRISE, dated March 13, 2024 and through ensuing correspondence, it was confirmed that Middle West Spirits, LLC has not received any benefit from the tax abatement and requested ...
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