Traffic Control Specialists can now move ahead with plans to build a new facility in the Knox Industrial Park after the Knox City Council approved several measures enabling its construction at its meeting Tuesday.
The council unanimously approved the recommendation made by the Planning Commission to rezone the site of the proposed factory at the southeast corner of 250 East and Pacific Avenue from residential to light manufacturing. They also approved requests made by the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, including the creation of an economic revitalization area, and a 10-year tax abatement for the the new building as well as a seven-year tax abatement for equipment.
Additionally, the council also agreed to fund the extension of water and sewer lines to the new building. It had been expected to cost $85,000 but the city’s share will end up being less than $58,000 due to the existing infrastructure in the area. That money will come from the economic income tax fund. Meanwhile, the cost of surveying and engineering for the sewer and water improvements will be paid by the Starke County Economic Development Foundation.
TCS hopes to start construction on the new facility this fall. The expansion could allow the company to add at least 22 new jobs.
