UPDATE | TJX seeks tax abatement for proposed Lordstown project

LORDSTOWN — TJX is seeking a 75 percent, 10-year tax abatement for its proposed distribution center on Ellsworth-Bailey Road.

Village Mayor Arno Hill reported at a village council meeting tonight that TJX plans to seek the abatement from the Trumbull County Planning Commission. The village would then have to approve the abatement.

A TJX official also met this morning with the school board. School board President William Catlin said the abatement and a $500,000 donation from the company were discussed.

Catlin said TJX offered $350,000 for an athletic building and $150,000 for school security upgrades.

Additionally, the school district would receive approximately $400,000 per year in tax revenue from the company, with a 75 percent abatement, Catlin said.

Earlier today, the governor's office announced approval of a state tax credit for the project.

Although the project has drawn protests from some residents due to its location on residential property, Hill said he believes most people will be receptive to the tax-abatement proposal.

“I think most of the people will be a lot happier knowing it’s not going to be a 100 percent abatement,” he said.

The village will have a public hearing on a proposal to rezone the project site from residential to industrial at 11 a.m. June 16. The proposal has been approved by the planning and zoning commission but must still get council approval.

4:33 p.m.

COLUMBUS — Gov. John Kasich today announced a state tax credit for the TJX Lordstown project.

The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.404 percent, 10-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project that is slated to create 1,000 jobs within five years.

TJX plans to build a $160 million, 1.2 million-square-foot HomeGoods distribution center at a 290-acre site on Ellsworth-Bailey Road in Lordstown.