B.J. Alan makes important contributions to economy

B.J. Alan makes important contributions to economy

EDITOR:

This is in response to the June 27 letter from individuals who are opposed to providing the B.J. Alan Company tax incentives to build its warehouse in Beaver Township. These individuals have been opposed to the project from the beginning.

The cost of this warehouse is more than $5 million higher than a normal warehouse, because of the H-3 occupancy requirements for our product storage. Tax abatements are a common tool to attract new construction, and the increased cost of construction is just one of the reasons the tax abatement should be supported.

Bruce Zoldan and the B.J. Alan Company contribute much more to our area than they take out. We have only two retail showrooms in Mahoning County. We operated 54 other retail showrooms outside of Mahoning County, some 1,200 temporary locations outside of Mahoning County, and we sold products to many chain stores and wholesalers outside of Mahoning County.

The income generated from outside Mahoning County represents approximately 95 percent of our company income, which, in turn, supports hundreds of jobs for Mahoning County residents. If B.J. Alan existed solely on income generated in Mahoning County, we would literally employ hundreds fewer Mahoning County residents.

Rather than feeding from Mahoning County, we make substantial contributions to the Mahoning County economy from outside sources.

Current annual real property taxes generated by the property in Beaver Township amount to approximately $8,000. Even with the proposed abatement, the annual real property tax revenue will increase to between $125,000 and $150,000. That could increase during the abatement period if property values increase, and at the end of the abatement period the tax revenue would double. The lion’s share of the tax would go to the South Range School District.

Mahoning County needs more companies like B.J. Alan that make such a strong impact on and contribution to our local economy. Rather than express bitterness, jealousy and an ignorance of the economic realities, the naysayers should support B.J. Alan in keeping local people employed.

WILLIAM A. WEIMER

Vice president and general counsel

B.J. Alan Company

Youngstown

Tips for safe cycling

EDITOR:

As a long-time bicyclist in our community, I was pleased to see your article on using a bicycle for transportation. Fortunately, most of the streets in the Youngstown area are already suitable for bicycling, with the exception of those with potholes or very broken surface, which affects everyone.

Bicycling is not just for children, though kids love the fun and freedom of riding bicycles. Bicycling is not just for the fit, though bicycling will contribute to increased fitness and an improvement in general health. Bicycling does not require lots of expensive equipment, though a solid bicycle, a helmet, comfortable clothes, and rainwear can help to make bicycling more fun.

If you are new to bicycling, or riding again after many years, remember three important rules: always ride on the right, with the flow of traffic; obey all traffic regulations, including stop signs and traffic lights; and signal all turns.

Bicycling is good for your health, good for the environment, and now good for the pocketbook. We can all share the roadways, getting around our community safely and efficiently.

ELLEN SATRE

Youngstown