KANNAPOLIS —Kannapolis City Council on Monday approved a tax incentive for its new spec building at Afton Ridge. During the one-hour meeting, the council also issued a slew of proclamations and passed ordinances approving façade and site grants, and demolitions due to minimum housing code violations.
The city will provide a three-year, 85 percent tax grant package to Childress Klein Properties in the amount of $228,480. At the end of this period, the city will receive the full value of the property tax revenues, anticipated to be $268,800.
“Some people don’t understand rebates,” Councilman Roger Haas said, “but it’s a great program.”
In its consent agenda, council approved a resolution to convey property at 130 James St. to Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus. Council awarded a resurfacing contract for $397,955 to Blythe Builders and a sidewalk project to W.M. Warr & Sons for $466,490.
In other business, council:
• Unanimously approved two façade and site development grants along South Cannon Boulevard.
Business owners Joseph and Elizabeth Vincent applied for a matching grant in the amount of $4,973 for new landscaping, an asphalt driveway and new awning at Elizabeth’s Salon, 2405 S. Cannon Blvd.
Business owner Bruce Bahram of BYB Auto Sales, 1905 S. Cannon Blvd., also applied for a matching grant in the amount of $5,600 to install new doors, windows and siding at his car dealership.
Kassie Watts, assistant planning director, noted that both owners understood they would be reimbursed for half the total costs of their projects once those projects were completed.
“I’m excited that we are moving forward on this,” Councilman Tom Kincaid said.
“This is a good example of how serious Council is about economic development,” Councilman Ryan Dayvault added.
Mayor Darrell Hinnant said that crape myrtles have been planted along South Cannon Boulevard, and said he hoped that all of the grant money would be used.
• Unanimously approved demolition of two mobile homes due to minimum housing code violations. A single-wide located at 305-A N. Little Texas Road will be demolished at a cost of $2,000. A double-wide located at 2310 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. will be demolished at a cost of $3,000. These costs are covered by Community Development Block Grant funds.
Councilman Darrell Jackson asked if any costs could be recouped by recycling some of the salvaged material. But Walter Safrit, city attorney, noted that most demolition companies reduce their fees by the amount of funds they would receive from such materials.
• Recognized John Luther Phifer, a volunteer crossing guard at Forest Park Elementary School, in its community volunteer recognition program.
• Recognized 16 citizens who completed the eight-week spring Citizen Academy Program. Eddie Smith, assistant city manager, said that 21 people are on a waiting list for the fall academy.
In his report, City Manager Mike Legg reminded the Council about a budget session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Kannapolis Train Station. He also gave a shout-out to Smith, city employees and volunteers for their work on this past weekend’s Jiggy Jam Festival, which he termed “a smashing success.” He said that feedback about the event has been “overwhelmingly positive.”
The city also issued three proclamations: the month of May is Motorsports Month, National Police Week is May 11-17; and Memorial Day is May 26.
A ceremony honoring World War II veterans will be held May 26. Veterans are asked to contact City Hall so that they may participate in this event.
Freelance writer Susan Shinn lives in Salisbury.