Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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To be eligible for designation, at least 20 percent of the population in the area has to be below the poverty level. The areas that are now designations include: east of Randolph Street and south of Main Street, extending down to Holly Hill Street and Sunrise Street; west of Salem Street and north of I-85 Business, which goes down to Barnhill Street and to Martin Luther King Drive; and along National Highway at Main Street and back to I-85 Business, which is north of the railroad tracks.
Councilman George Burton has been very outspoken in support of the designations. He said he has been in contact with two businesses that are interested in locating in the areas of designation. Businesses and prospective businesses that might locate in the designations can take advantage of tax credits.
Burton said he was very instrumental in initially getting the development zones in Thomasvillle.
“That area, in particular, was in my area that I represented for years, which was Ward 3,” said Burton, who has been on city council for 16 years. “I think it would enhance the neighborhood and the city would grow by getting it. I highly support it.”
City Manager Kelly Craver told the council there is about 16 municipalities in the state that have this program.
“This would be in hopes that anyone developing in this area, creating jobs, could apply for the tax credits as the developer,” Craver said. “This would not be the city applying for the tax credits. This would be all developer. They would have goals to meet through the state to get the tax credits.”
Before applying for the Urban Progress Zone designation, city officials consulted with Davidson County Economic Development, Piedmont Triad Council of Governments and the Department of Commerce.
By unanimous vote in regular session on June 18, 2001, Thomasville City Council approved the establishment of a development zone in Thomasville, which would include Tyco Plastics and Adhesives. The company chose Thomasville to expand its business, using the State Development Zone program — now known as Urban Progress Zone designations.
In other business:
• Mayor Joe Bennett proclaimed January as “Mentoring Month.” He also recognized Judy Younts, director of Thomasville Communities in Schools, who is searching for volunteers to mentor children.
• Council approved a water and sewer rate projection update and a budget amendment of $19,000 to help with the costs.
• Council approved Carol Brooks appointment to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. Brooks fills the vacant spot left by David Yemm, who resigned his position on the commission to avoid any conflicts of interest after being elected to city council.
Staff Writer Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 231, or ignasiak@tvilletimes.com.