Plant expansion in works at FB Distro

The first step toward granting tax abatement for a local industry expansion was taken Tuesday by the Greencastle City Council.

F.B. Distro is planning an expansion of its plant on Indianapolis Road to add 18 jobs via a $3.65 million building addition. The council approved Resolution 2006-9 declaring the F.B. Distro Distribution Center as an economic revitalization area. In July, the official request for a tax abatement will be presented to the council, along with a public hearing.

If approved in July, city-county development center director Bill Dory said the construction on the project could begin as soon as August.

"Certainly, having F.B. Distro as a strong partner in the community is important," Mayor Michael said as she presented the request to council members Mark Hammer, Tom Roach, Russ Evans and John Lanie. (Council member Bob Sedlack was absent.)

The clothing distribution center already has 1.1 million square feet under roof, but the expansion project estimated at $3.65 million will add space, as well as about $8.2 million in equipment.

The company now has 269 employees, Dory said, and the completed expansion will add 18 jobs.

The current property taxes for the site are $183,000 in real estate and another $145,000 on equipment. That is a total of $327,660 in property taxes for 2005 that are payable in 2006. The local site has paid more than $1.5 million in property taxes during the past five years.

The new abatement on the building addition could be requested for a 10-year term, Dory said.

"It is good to see more jobs being added," city council member Mark Hammer.

Meanwhile, the council learned that planning continues for the city's Celebrate 4 event on Tuesday, July 4 in Robe-Ann Park.

Another committee meeting to work on details is set for 5:15 p.m. Monday at the Walden Inn. This year's event will include food, advertising, a Pinewood Derby event, baking contest, tug of war competition, games and rides, as well as swimming at the city pool.

Since the fireworks will not go off until 10:15 p.m., entertainment is planned from 4-10 p.m. Other events include the Mike Rokicki Memorial Run that morning, and the first ever dog agility and fashion contest at 10 a.m.

Food vendors are still being accepted, and they do need a permit from the county Health Department.

Organizations are also being encouraged to volunteer as staff for activities.

Fundraising is ongoing, the mayor said, with two major fundraisers already planned. The first will be July 1 at the Rockhouse Brew and Grill with the band Forever The Tribute performing. The second will be musical entertainment at Old Topper Steakhouse on July 3.

The city council regularly meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at city hall. A videotape of the meeting will be aired later this month on local cable access Channel 3.

The meetings are open to the public.