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It is not often that area residents see community improvements from agreements with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency. While the businesses and employees remain inside the building -- with maybe a bit of an expansion, it is often rare there is a trade-off.
In the town of Dunkirk, that is exactly the case. Thanks to Supervisor Shari Miller voicing her objections to an Americold exemption agreement on behalf of herself as well as other members of the Town Board, the company is stepping up its contributions.
“Since Americold has been in their location, we’ve had repeated problems with infrastructure of the (Williams Street) road, due to semis pulling off to the side of the road and breaking down the edges of the roadway,” said Miller, who estimated the damage is running between $7,000 to $10,000 annually.
Her comments made a difference. With the IDA approving the $625,000 tax exemption, Miller said Americold will provide funds for Williams Street repairs and work with the state Department of Transport to install a traffic light at the Bennett Road intersection.
Americold is an important partner at the moment, especially with the Well Enterprises upgrades. It is refreshing to see the business partner with a local government for solutions as well.