After much procedure, Ypsilanti City Council approved six mayoral re-appointments to city boards and committees Tuesday, including the two postponed from earlier...read more
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The presently-vacant Ave Maria University campus, which the school vacated in 2007, is one step closer to having an occupant.
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners amended the SchoolPictures.com brownfield redevelopment plan Wednesday night, unanimously approving a request for tax increment financing and providing eligibility for a Michigan Business Tax credit.
SchoolPictures.com, which purchased the Ave Maria land on 300 W. Forest in July, provides photo services for schools all across the country. The company is currently located in Pittsfield Township on Hogback Road.
Two weeks ago, Skip Cerier, president of SchoolPictures.com, said he was thrilled when his company found a home in Ypsilanti.
“This is the last step,” Cerrier added Wednesday night. “It’s a lengthy process, but it’s been very positive.”
Although he acknowledged the process has taken some time, Cerier noted those he’s worked with have been cooperative.
“The government officials I’ve worked with have all gone out of their way to be helpful,” Cerier said.
The land, which is currently not taxable, will be placed back on the property tax rolls after approximately two years. The land is expected to generate $108,324 in property tax revenue per year.
According to a report issued to the County Board by Director of Planning and Environment Anthony VanDerworp, SchoolPictures.com will create 24-30 new full-time jobs in Ypsilanti within the next two years. Within five years, 80-100 new jobs are expected to be created.
During the last three years, SchoolPictures.com has grown from 7 employees to 41 in their current location, according to Cerier. The company serves over 400 schools.
“Our company is one of the few you’ll hear about that’s in tremendous growth mode,” he said.
In addition to creating new jobs, Cerier also plans on providing internships for Eastern Michigan University students. Cerier said he recently met with Morell Boone, dean of EMU’s college of technology, about internship prospects.
The rehabilitation project Cerier is planning for the land will cost $4.3 million dollars, according to VanDerworp, and will have ‘green’ design elements.
“We’re going to take all of the asbestos out,” Cerier said.
Last month, Ypsilanti City Council voted to approve the brownfield amendment by a vote of 7-0. The plan required approval by City Council before it could be moved on to the County Board.