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Editorials
Supervisor Robert Giza recently informed the council members at a recent Town Board work sessions that Harper International, 100 W. Drullard Avenue, has expressed interest in expanding their business in Lancaster and were particularly interested in the 3949 Walden Avenue police facility.
Giza declared that Harper made fiber optic materials and that the business was booming, especially in the airline industry. “They are looking for a building or a lot that is long and narrow and has to be 30-feet high,” he said.
Oharmarajan Iyer, Environmental Group consultant, informed the board that Harper is headquartered in Lancaster, has been in business here for 18 years, has projects all over the world and wants to build a pilot plant in Lancaster.
Iyer stated that the carbon fiber business is a fast growing business. Whereas they now employ 50 workers, should they build a facility in Lancaster, that number would increase by 120 employees. “Could be up to 200 next year,” claimed Iyer.
Iyer added that they would like to be up and running within a year. He said that Supervisor Giza showed him 12 options and the one found most promising was the Walden Avenue police building that houses only the detective bureau.
Iyer claimed that the building was right sized at 75,000 square-feet and adequately dimensioned to facilitate the operation. “Only the roof would have to be raised to 30’,” remarked Iyer.
Harper is willing to spend $3 to $4 million for the pilot facility. “If the price were right, the building would be a perfect fit,” Iyer stated. “If the town could get the cost down, the economics are good for the town.”
Giza interjected that they have been recently looking at leasing or selling the building.
Councilman Dan Amatura cautioned that before they think of selling the building that the town would have to advertise the sale. “I think at minimum that we have to advertise the building is up for sale.”
After Giza interjected that it would create a lot of jobs, Councilman Donna Stempniak responded that it was a good idea in that it would get the building back on the tax rolls.
Giza declared that there is a problem concerning all the materials stored in the facility. Stempniak suggested storing the materials in the vacant library.
Iyer asked whether the project could go through the IDA. Giza replied that was not doable, but that if you were going to bring a business into town that adds 100 jobs, “we would give you a PILOT (Payment in lieu of Taxes).
Councilman Ronald Ruffino voiced that price was still an issue. “The price has to be right. It has to make sense to us.”
Giza added that it was important to make sure the town got it’s money back; and perhaps make a little profit. “It’s a good location for you, only a few minutes from your current location. This has to be a win/win. If you (Iyer) are interested, we can set a minimum bid and begin the process.”
Iyer replied that cost and time are a factor.
Amatura declared that detectives were stationed in the facility and Ruffino added that they might be uncomfortable working around the situation. Stempniak suggested they go into the town-owned vacant Depew library building.
Giza asked Iyer whether he wanted the “town to get the legal ball rolling”?
Iyer responded that he would like to be told of the minimum bid and that he would take the information back to Harper for them to decide.
Lease or sale of building
When asked several times on the status of the Walden Avenue police building, Supervisor Giza has told resident Dan Beutler that he has had interested parties inquire on leasing or selling the building.
Many considered the purchase of this white elephant in early 2003 to be ill conceived, a waste of taxpayer money then, and with its limited use and associated maintenance costs remains controversial to this very day.
Taking this property off the tax rolls for five years and spending untold sums to repair and maintain the building for the purpose of housing just the detective bureau was and continues to be absurd and a waste of taxpayer money.
The police deserve, and should have had a new facility built years ago, one that is state of art but not a Taj Mahal as was being proposed for the renovated Walden Avenue Colecraft building.
Putting the detective bureau in the vacant library might not be possible, as the Civil Service Employees Union (CSEA) has shown interest in purchasing the property. Several inspection visits have been made to determine building viability and inquiries are also being made to determine whether the Village of Depew will grant zoning approval that would allow the property to return to the tax roll.
© Copyright 2008 by Speakupwny.com
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