Town Grants Olender's a Tax Abatement

A familiar face in town is expanding with the help of a three-year tax break.

The Town Council on Tuesday voted to grant Olender's auto repair shop a tax abatement plan for any increased assessment from a 5,000-square-foot addition it wants to construct. Olender's is located at 704 Talcottville Rd. at the intersection of Old Town Road.

In a letter to Mayor George Apel, Economic Development Commission Chairman Jeffrey Cohen said the project has an estimated cost of $300,000 and Olender's plans on adding four jobs as a result.
   
Olender's is a major player throughout the region for auto body work.

The Olender's had two sets of plans drawn up - one for Vernon and another for an addition to its East Windsor shop, Cohen said in the letter. The Olender familty has always wanted the addition in Vernon, but were exploring options in East Windsor as well because East Windsor is cheaper.

In the letter, Cohen said the Oleanders asked for the abatement to offset the cost difference.

Economic Development coordinator Shaun Gately said the tax increase would be $7,140 based on a rate of 34 mills.  The abatement schedule would be:

• Year 1 - a "50 percent reduction" in the increased taxes or $3,570.
• Year 2 - a "40 percent reduction" in the increased taxes or $4,284.
• Year 3 - A "25 percent reduction" in the increased taxes or $5,355.
• Year 4 - The taxes return to full assessment.