Worcester City Council Advances Tax Break for Downtown Housing Project
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Worcester City Council Advances Tax Break for Downtown Housing Project
The Worcester City Council has advanced a proposal to grant a local property tax exemption to the Menkiti Group for converting underutilized office space into 48 apartments in downtown Worcester. This decision follows a two-week delay prompted by community concerns regarding the developer’s previous violations of the city’s responsible development ordinance, which mandates the use of local contractors and minority- and women-owned businesses. The Menkiti Group had previously used a subcontractor cited for wage theft, leading to a $5,000 fine. Despite these issues, the council voted to send the proposal to the economic development subcommittee for further review. Councilor Khrystian King emphasized the importance of transparency and consistency in the city’s expectations for developers. The tax exemption is estimated to save the Menkiti Group $613,211 and is crucial for the project’s affordability and eligibility for additional state and federal tax credits. The final decision will be made after further deliberation by the subcommittee.
Why it matters locally: This development could significantly impact downtown revitalization efforts and set a precedent for future housing projects in Worcester.
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Tags: Worcester MA
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