Members of the Plymouth Common Council took the first step in the Tax Abatement process for two local businesses during their meeting Monday evening.
Weir Enterprises LLC, commonly known Carey’s Child Care owned and operated by John and Carey Weir at 1717 Lake Avenue was declared to be within an Economic Revitalization Area. The Weir’s have built a new early learning facility near the hospital and will increase their services from 32 children up to 64 kids, accepting those from birth to age 6. Their investment in the new facility is just over $500,000.
Carey Weir told the Council she has been in the child care business for over 20 years. She is accredited and will accept vouchers and On My Way Pre-K when they open. The expansion of services will increase her employees from 5 to 10 when they are at capacity. Weir said accepting the vouchers will allow more parents to go to work, having a positive effect on economic condition in the area.
Pretzels Inc. at 2910 Commerce Drive opened their doors in April of 2017 and is ready for an expansion already. They too were declared to be within an Economic Revitalization Area. Craig Anderson, CFO told the City Council they will invest $9 million to bring in a second product line and additional packaging opportunities.
Expecting to have 40 to 45 employees they are nearly at 70 now, working 24/7. Anderson said a growing customer base has caused the need for this expansion. The new equipment will require the hiring of an additional 35 to 40 employees. The average hourly wage is $18.90.
The Plymouth Common Council passed both resolutions at the first step in a two step process. At the next city meeting on April 12th public hearings will be conducted on the tax abatement requests. The Common Council will consider the second step.
City Attorney Sean Surrisi said typically the council approves a 7 year tax abatement but determination will be made following the public hearing in a few weeks.
