An update on the status of the Metro Center development in downtown Lima.
Representatives of those involved in the project were at the Lima City Schools Board Meeting Friday. They gave a presentation detailing their project and requesting the board consider granted a 10 year, 100% tax abatement. The group wants to redevelop the Metro Center on North Elizabeth St. to hold loft-style apartments with a small business mall on the first floor. But in order to do that, the group has a list of things they need to happen before they decide to move forward with the project, and receiving the tax abatement is one of them. Pursuit 3 General Manager Bill Walter says the abatement will allow the complex time to grow and turn a profit.
"When you invest in a property and renovate it, you put money into it and you put value into it," says Walter. "And when you do the taxes go up. We're asking that they hold those taxes for 10 years and give the business a chance to get rolling and to get onto its feet."
Also at the school board meeting, Your Hometown Station's Jason Mikell was given a spot on the Ohio State Board Association Media Honor Roll. Jason was recognized for his fair and balanced education reporting and exemplary service to the community. Jason is a frequent visitor of the schools and most recently asked the school to join his Real Men Wear Pink campaign to raise money for breast cancer research.
