Marsh Supermarkets is hoping for final approval next month 
of a five-year tax abatement worth about $50,000 for a renovation
of its downtown O'Malia's store. The company plans to invest $1.5 million in the project. Abatements for retail developments
are rare, and this one seems particularly unusual since the store sits in a great location amid a growing downtown residential
population. Marsh also doesn't plan to add to the store's staff of about 45. What do you think: Is this a justified reward
for investing in the neighborhood, or is the city giving away too many tax breaks?
UPDATE: Marsh has decided to drop the abatement request.
of a five-year tax abatement worth about $50,000 for a renovation
of its downtown O'Malia's store. The company plans to invest $1.5 million in the project. Abatements for retail developments
are rare, and this one seems particularly unusual since the store sits in a great location amid a growing downtown residential
population. Marsh also doesn't plan to add to the store's staff of about 45. What do you think: Is this a justified reward
for investing in the neighborhood, or is the city giving away too many tax breaks?
UPDATE: Marsh has decided to drop the abatement request.
Back to Top
IBJ Conversations
13 Comments
Add Comment
It used to be pretty decent spot for lunch, but pretty much sucks now. Last meal i had there from the grill was complete garbage.
I'd think it neat to see the data that shows just what each household spends on groceries in the +/- mile square area. Could be surprising.
If Marsh is threatening to leave downtown over a $50k abatement, they can screw off. Asking for $50k on a $1.5M renovation looks like they're asking for a hand-out to me. They certainly don't NEED the $50k to get the renovation done.
Sadly, with our cities history of handing out tax breaks, Marsh could easily hold this store hostage. All of continue to suffer -- or just drive north for groceries.
I live in Center Township. My taxes are high enough, and I need the money...to spend at O'Malia's downtown on my way home from work.
I'm sure Sunflower, or Whole Foods/Wild Oats, or Trader Joe's would love their spot.
By the way, O'Malia's landlord is none other than Crystal DeHaan. Wonder if that factors into it.
I would be happy to see Marsh leave and a more suitable grocer (ie. Whole Foods) come to downtown. Whole Foods understands urban markets and could provide a much better service to downtown residents.
I can't believe that the city would even consider this in light of recent issues with the county income tax increase, etc.
practice and should be outlawed.