August 19, 2008

Industrial Park Could Bring Money, 1,000 Jobs to Somers

By Denise Lockwood
Kenosha News

A proposed industrial park called First Park Somers could bring millions of dollars in tax revenue and 1,000 jobs to the area as early as next year.

Michael Powers, a representative of First Industrial Realty Trust, told the Somers Town Board last week that he does not have any potential tenants and has yet to formally acquire 310 acres near the northeast corner of highways S and H, but town officials think the company's track record is strong.

The concept plan received unanimous approval from the board at a meeting last week.

First Industrial Realty Trust also owns the properties where Gordon Foods and Affiliated Foods Midwest are currently building distribution centers. The Gordon Foods project is along Highway N east of I-94; the Affiliated Foods building is near the southeast corner of 52nd Street and 88th Avenue. Both are in Kenosha.

“When Mr. Powers presented his plans, he referenced both of those projects,” Morris said. “This tells us that he is serious about building large projects.”

There are no specific tenants named as occupants of those buildings, said Bill Morris, the town administrator.

“They are speculation buildings,” said Jim Smith, town chairman. “First Industrial will build in hopes of getting tenants to move in because they feel the area is growing with everything that is happening here.”

The project could have a substantial impact on the town's bottom line, as Powers told the board that once the project is completely built it could bring in up to $4.42 million in tax revenue and create more than 1,000 jobs.

The concept plan includes at least five buildings with mixed uses, distribution, office use and potential manu facturing. When the project is completely built, the size of the buildings will add up to 4.5 to 5 million square feet.

First Industrial now needs to finalize the purchase of the land, which is currently owned by Charles Tunkieicz Inc.

“Now they can start setting up meetings with (town) staff and the county,” Morris said. “Over the next couple of months we should start seeing final documentation ... but this is a project that is still in its infancy.”