OTTAWA – Despite some opposition voiced during a public hearing Wednesday, Ottawa city commissioners approved a tax incentive plan that would allow Advantage Fford to move to a site in southern Ottawa next to I-35. Advantage Ford plans to build a $2.2 million sales and repair complex on a long-vacant site site on South Oak near Applebee’s Restaurant, said city planning and codes director Wynndee Lee. The plan would retain 18 full-time jobs and add seven more full-time and seven part-time new jobs, she said. The area is in an economic development zone called a TIF district, which allows new tax revenues from the project to be used to reimburse some of the acquisition and development costs, she said. However, Scott Yeargin, Ottawa, told city commissioners he went over the proposal and looked at the financial study that details it, and he said the benefits from the tax incentive plan are overblown, he said. He also said the city needs to include provisions that protect taxpayers by putting limits on how the dealership could dispose of the property later. Sammy Patel’s motel would be next to the proposed site and he says he’s concerned about noise and traffic. Advantage Ford co-owner Wayne Pyrant said the deal doesn’t require the city taxpayers to put in any money into the deal. He also disagreed with Yeargin’s figures as far as the feasibility. Ford Motor Co. is forcing the dealership to move to a larger location, he said. The dealership would also be careful to avoid creating problems for neighbors, he said. Tony Delatorre, Ottawa, also defended Advantage Ford, noting the dealership’s involvement in community groups and activities and its good track record in operating a Wichita dealership. Lee said there are provisions protecting the taxpayers in the contract. Commissioners voted to approve the deal.
Friday, Oct. 5, 1 p.m.
