By Jason Arndt
Correspondent
American Roller, headquartered in Union Grove, faces one final obstacle in the form of approval from the Joint Review Board before the company can move forward on a planned multi-million dollar expansion project.
The Review Board’s upcoming decision on March 24 represents the next step in the approval process, after the Village Board approved adopting a modified Tax Increment District (TID) 3 to accommodate the project at its March 10 meeting.
The $4.25 million planned expansion is the first modification of the TID since it was created in January 2000. The new figure represents what “is guaranteed to us from the TID,” Village President Mike Aimone explained Monday night. “If it comes in above that figure, then we are good.”
The purpose of the revisions being made to the TID is to change the TID boundaries in order to add more parcels, said Ehlers’ Vice President, Dawn Gunderson.
The TID expansion being sought includes the potential for improving infrastructure surrounding the American Roller property, including street and wastewater upgrades, she told the village board.
However, street improvements are still under examination and will need to be added to future agreements during the life of the TID, which expires in 2024. “We are not committing to move forward on any of these, we are simply looking at it as a funding option if we decide to make these as a project,” village Trustee Michael Younglove said during the Board Meeting Monday.
The Joint Review Board that meets March 24 consists of one representative from Racine County, Gateway Technical College District, Union Grove J1 School District, Union Grove Union High School District, along with a public citizen and member of the Village Board.
During a review of the proposed expansion project on March 3, the Joint Review Board appointed Gerry Hancock as the public citizen.
Aimone serves as the village representative and indicated the Review Board provides further insight into how the project could benefit the community outside the TID.
“They will take a look at a project and see if it is a good fit for the overall community,” Aimone said.
American Roller plans to close its Kansasville facility and relocate all jobs to the expanded business in the Village of Union Grove and has agreed to add 20 full-time equivalent positions to the expanded Union Grove business.
Obtaining approval from the Joint Review Board on March 24 represents the final hurdle for the revised TID, Aimone said. “If that is approved by the Joint Review Board, then it will be the final step for the developer’s agreement and move forward.”
A new Dollar General facility will also be part of the amended boundaries of TID 3. The company initially approached the Planning Commission with its initial ideas in August 2013.
The discount chain has since adjusted its original site plans to meet local ordinances, including the downsizing of its outdoor sign from 96 square feet to 50 square feet.
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