WARREN Council plans to discuss abatements for projects

One project is for new offices, a technical facility and warehouse for Time Warner.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Two agreements for tax abatements are to come before city council this week.
Albert Guarnieri & amp; Co. Inc., 1133 E. Market St., is seeking at 10-year, 75-percent abatement for a warehouse and office expansion project.
The business, which council members say employs about 100 people, would add four full-time and three part-time employees over three years with the expansion.
"Competitive pressures are forcing us to consider numerous operating options," company officials said in document filed with the city. "Our industry continues to consolidate, favoring larger operations."
Company officials also cited rapid increase in product cost as a reason they're seeking the abatement.
"Our preference is to find cost savings [to allow expansion] in Warren, rather than other locations," the company said.
The $1,049,000 expansion project is expected to start Nov. 1 and wrap up Feb. 28.
Councilman Robert Holmes III, D-4th, legislation sponsor, said at a finance committee meeting Monday that he will ask for passage at Wednesday's regular council meeting.
Another request
Time Warner Entertainment Co. and Eastgate Technology Park are asking for a 10-year, 75-percent abatement to build new offices, a technical facility and warehouse on nearly five acres at the proposed technology park at 4322 Youngstown-Warren Road.
The $2,145,000 investment would consolidate office and warehouse facilities from 2650 Weir Road and 3813 Youngstown-Warren Road to the 4322 Youngstown-Warren Road location.
Forty people work at the Weir Road site while 33 are employed at the Youngstown-Warren Road location. The project doesn't involve hiring additional people.