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Local News

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Work begins on warehouse
By LOU WILIN

STAFF WRITER

Van Buren -- The dust has settled from the debates over the Home Depot warehouse and its tax break. New dust, the literal stuff, is stirring in the air near Van Buren as construction begins.

Equipment has been grading the site west of Van Buren, between Allen Township 142 and 14 and just north of Ohio 613. The $30 million, 658,000-square-foot warehouse will be completed by fall 2010.

About 100 to 125 people will be employed in the first year and the number will grow to about 300 within three years, the company has said. Many jobs will start at $10.88 per hour plus benefits.

Despite the jobs, neighbors of the site opposed the warehouse. They cited concerns about truck traffic causing congestion and safety hazards; pollution, flooding and lower property values.

The Allen Township trustees in early August denied a Home Depot request for an 85 percent property tax reduction. The tax break had been approved by Hancock County commissioners and Van Buren school board. Two weeks later, the trustees joined the commissioners in approving a 60 percent, 10-year property tax reduction for the warehouse. The school board's approval of the smaller tax break was not required.

Wilin: 419-427-8413,

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10 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
J wrote:
Lets just see
“ Nice talk,but as the saying goes " the proof is in the pudding" lets see how many jobs are created by Home Depot, and how many unemployed Hancock county workers are actually hired. Drive by the work site, how many local companies do you see there? What makes you think Home Depot won't bring in their own people. Was there a guarantee when all the tax breaks were given that only local workers would be hired? ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 7:09:21 PM
brandon wrote:
Home depot.
“ All I am asking for is a stoplight so my family or someone else's family dosen't get killed. Is that to much to ask? I don't mind a two or even three minute delay on my way to work if it means we will be safer. ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 3:09:27 PM
Sam Smith wrote:
Home Depot Jobs
“ When does the 100 construction jobs start? It was originally said that up to 100 construction jobs with employees from this area would be used. I have yet to see a company from Hancock County at the job. I have seen companies from Wood County, Allen County, Michigan, Maretta, Ohio, Putnam County, and Harrod, Ohio.
Way to go HANCOCK County Commissioners and Economic Development for HANCOCK County. Hopefully the Commissioners and Economic Development can start working for HANCOCK County residents, not private companys.
There are several company's from HANCOCK County with employee's laid off that could do the job. Hopefully the "up to 300 employees" for Home Depot will come from Hancock County.
 ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 1:36:55 PM
reply to Misty wrote:
in reply to Misty Walters
“ Misty -- per Home Depot reps at all the meetings they stated a trailer would be put up at the job site for applicants/interviews next summer. ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 11:40:04 AM
Barry D wrote:
Reply to J
“ I suppose that you would just like the persons who may fill the open job positions to continue draining your tax dollars by drawing unemployment and other tax backed assistance. And for your information not all homes cost $120K and not all vehicle cost 30K. I personally have a home purchaced at 98K and a vehicle for $2500.00 and am quite content with both. Not everyone has to live beyond their means. ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 11:03:45 AM
Bill Whitacre wrote:
J
“ If you're concerned about the wage of these particular jobs, why aren't you working equally hard to bring higher-paying jobs to the city? At this point, I'd rather see someone making $10/hr than $0/hr. ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 10:43:30 AM
Interested Observer wrote:
Finally!
“ Glad to see all the "talk" is over and the real progress towards shoring up the local economy is finally under way! ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 9:01:32 AM
Misty Walters wrote:
Home Depot Jobs
“ Any word yet on where & how to apply for work with the new Home Depot Warehouse? ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 7:09:09 AM
J wrote:
More Low Paying Jobs
“ $10.88/hour, but how many of these jobs will actual be 40 hours a week jobs, and I have also heard that the majority of the jobs will start at closer to $9/hour and will be part time with limited benefits. How many banks are going to loan these workers money to by a $120,000 house in Findlay, or $30,000 for a new car at a Findlay area Automobile dealer? Does any one know if this person is the head of his/her family and has a couple of children if they qualify for government assistance at the taxpayers expense?

The only winner in this deal is Home Depot. And don't be surprise if all the jobs promised, some how just never gets created.






















”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 5:58:47 AM
Colin Baird wrote:
Home Depot
“ If anything, the Home Depot Distribution Center being built at Van Buren will improve the neighborhood. Anything would be better than the Pilot Travel Center, or the Lions Den adult book store that are already there. ”
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 5:26:47 AM
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News Briefs Work scheduled on Findlay streets
Findlay's Main Street, northbound, will be reduced at times to one lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for waterline connection.

Main Street will not be accessible from East Lincoln Street. Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from South Main Street to South Blanchard Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for continued improvement work. Access to local businesses and residents only will be maintained.

Recount planned in trustee's race
OTTAWA -- After certifying election results on Wednesday, the Putnam County Board of Elections has announced a recount will be required for the Union Township trustee race, according to Deputy Director Shelly Burkhart.

The recount will be completed on Wednesday at the county elections board office, 336 E. Main Street, Ottawa.

Incumbent Daniel R. Ellerbrock has secured his position on the board, earning 685 votes. However the remaining trustee spot will require a recount as Gery P. Wurth earned 598 votes and Mark J. Kahle collected 601 votes, according to official results.

An automatic recount is necessary if the margin is within one-half of 1 percent of total votes cast, according to state law.

Road to be closed
Forest Lake Drive, between Marion Township 237 and Indian Lake Drive/Forest Lane, will be closed today for a pipe installation.

The road is expected to open by 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use Township 242.