HUBBARD Deal paves way for plaza

The city will get all income taxes generated from the plaza employees.
By SUSAN BERLIN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HUBBARD -- Exchanging signed papers between the city of Hubbard and Hubbard Township officials will create a long-awaited Joint Economic Development District and pave the way for construction of an $8.5 million plaza.
Charles and Edward Margala own the site west of U.S. Route 62 and state Route 7 and north of Interstate 80 that will be developed into the Flying J travel plaza.
Hubbard Trustees Fred Hanley, Walter Bradley and Joe Gleydura approved a resolution Monday establishing the JEDD agreement.
Details: Hubbard Township will get real estate and personal property tax from the Flying J properties, while the city will get all income taxes generated from the plaza employees.
The city will provide all utilities, and the township will offer police and road services. Costs of any necessary road improvements will be provided jointly by the township and city.
A five-person, uncompensated board of directors will oversee the JEDD agreement. One person will represent each of the following: township, city, business owners and employees. The fifth additional position, selected by the other members of the board will serve as board chairman. The board of directors will meet at least once yearly and include a vice-chairman and secretary/treasurer.
Grants: In other business, township trustees discussed applying for two state grants: $60,000 to fund sidewalks and a bike path on the east side of state Routes 62 and 7 from Hubbard city limits to the Truck World Mall; and a "a community in distress" grant to extend sewer lines to the Maplewood Park area.
Outgoing trustee Bradley said he was proudest of the improvements made to the police department during his 10-year tenure and added the JEDD was a crowning achievement.