By WILL KANGAS
February 10, 2011
MASON — Area planners are anticipating a need for a stronger road to help transport materials and workers to a local company that is growing.
With the recent construction of a $38 million addition to Gestamp, Inc. in Mason, the Ingham County Road Commission is planning a reconstruction of a portion of Kipp Road between the exit at U.S. 127 and Dexter Trail.
The road has already been scheduled for improvements within the next year.
The Mason City Council approved a resolution at its Feb. 6 meeting, supporting the road commission in its pursuing of a “Type A” grant for the road.
City Manager Martin Colburn supported the resolution because he said the city should support any kind of road project that enhances safety, supports businesses and job creation.
Category A grants come from the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The grant would help offset the costs of the work and it is unknown how much the local district financing authority will help with financing. There were no set construction dates available, as much of it depends on the size and scope of funding.
The addition is expected to create another 110 jobs for Gestamp, Inc. , which is one of the recipients of a 12-year, 50 percent property tax break from the city.
The company is expecting an increase in sales from $50 million in 2010 to $115 million in 2013 based on projected sales orders.
The company manufactures hardened steel beams for car doors and impact beams for bumpers. The addition will add 32,000 square feet to the property and was approved by the City of Mason Planning Commission in June.
To do the work, company officials say they need more floor space and have already started construction of the expansion, which will add to the existing 330 employees at its facility at 200 E. Kipp Rd.
Also at the meeting, the Mason City Council also held a second reading of its change to its pool construction ordinance.
The ordinance issue arose after variance requests from Mason property owners brought to the city’s attention that the setback standard for swimming pools may be overly strict and burdensome.
The planning commission studied the issue and found that comparable cities in the state have setback standards much more relaxed than Mason, none of which require a setback greater than ten feet from the side and rear property line.
The city planning commission then discussed the issue and found 10 feet to be appropriate for the existing development patterns in the city.
No comments:
Post a Comment