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McLean County Governments Will Try Try Again For An Enterprise Zone

McLean County is trying again for an enterprise zone renewal. Last year's attempt did not gain approval from the Governor. On Monday, the Normal Town Council will take up the revised request. The existing enterprise zone formed back in 1982 to bring the Mitsubishi plant to Normal expires next June. All other units of government in the proposed zone must also sign off on the application.

The new plan includes local property tax abatements for prospective new businesses that create 50 jobs within the zone and involve more than $5 million in private investment.

Some Brownfield areas included in the application are the west side rail yards, the former Electrolux company headquarters property on Main Street, the former Wildwood Industries property along Morrissey Avenue, and the former G.E. facility on G.E. Road in Bloomington.

Town staff say in the first round, nearly three quarters of the applications were approved. The ones that had more success used consultants. The Economic Development Council prepared the failed one for McLean County. The new version did have consultant help. 47 zones were approved this year. Only 12 applications will be approved next year.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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