KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Once again, a decision whether or not to give a big tax break to Graphic Packaging has been put on hold after strong citizen opposition, because of the paper plant’s environmental issues.
The Commission tried to make the tax break contingent on the elimination of chemical odors coming from the plant, but the state rejected the deal. An effort on a compromise was on the agenda at a meeting earlier this week, but residents who live nearby say the city should wait until the State releases a report on health impacts near the plant in two weeks.
Mayor David Anderson says there is a lot at stake for the city and the company, its a 50% tax break so for every dollar the company saves…they will pay another to the city.
The deadline for the tax break request in Lansing is October 30th…so the commission has postponed the issue until their second meeting next month. Michigan Environmental Great Lakes and Energy will release their findings on the health effects of the plant on the neighborhood at a virtual meeting set for October 5th.
