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Editorial
Use entire arsenal to retain business
For nearly three years, Cheektowaga officials have lamented the town's inability to stop area companies from relocating to Empire Zones based in the City of Buffalo. After three years of standing by while important tax revenue walked out of town, Cheektowaga's leaders appear ready to take a stance.
According to the Web site for Empire State Development, the Empire Zone program was created "to stimulate economic growth through a variety of State tax incentives designed to attract new businesses to New York State and to enable existing businesses to expand and create more jobs." However, Empire Zones have mostly failed in attracting new business to New York State. Similar to Senator Hillary Clinton's promise of 200,000 new jobs upstate, the promise of Empire Zones attracting businesses to the Empire State remains a myth at best, a hoax at worst.
We applaud the town board for finally standing up and addressing the situation. Requiring a company to prove it has examined five comparable properties within town before moving is a good start, but there are additional steps that Cheektowaga may want to explore if town leaders are serious about retaining business and attracting new firms.
Cheektowaga's proximity to the New York State Thruway, Buffalo Niagara International Airport and railroad lines should make it an ideal location for a company to conduct its business. Town leaders repeatedly talk about this fact. They must make sure that those benefits are effectively marketed.
Next, there is plenty of vacant property around town that is screaming for redevelopment. Discussion with the property owners at the former Dick's Plaza, Airport Plaza and Garden Village Plaza on Union Road, the Jubilee Plaza on Harlem Road and Valu Plaza on South Rossler Avenue would be prudent. Some of the property owners are big names in local development. They should be urged to fill vacancies before building new sites.
Another prudent course of action involves Cheektowaga's master plan, which is scheduled for revision. As Cheektowaga officials map out the town's future they would be wise to consider zoning areas that would be attractive to business. A little creativity could go a long way toward ensuring a healthy, vibrant town.
Cheektowaga may not have an Empire Zone, or an industrial development agency with which to assist businesses. However, there are enough tools and resources available to counter the recent business exodus into Buffalo.
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