Date: Fri 18-Jun-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

EDC-Montessori-Gorden-Fraser

Full Text:

EDC Rejects Montessori Proposal

BY STEVE BIGHAM

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) Tuesday voted not to recommend a

zone change for the industrially zoned Gordon Fraser building at 173 South

Main Street.

The EDC took up the amendment request after the Montessori School of Newtown

applied to Planning & Zoning for the zone change. The school has expressed

interest in the building. Schools are not permitted in

manufacturing/industrial zones.

EDC members opposed the change, saying Newtown already has a shortage of

commercial property. Changing the zone to residential would deflate the tax

potential of the building.

The Montessori School -- currently located in Dodgingtown -- does not pay any

local property taxes under a state regulation, according to Liz Stocker, the

town's community development director.

Currently, the assessed value of the Gordon Fraser building is $1.6 million.

Based on the tax rate of 26.9 mills, it would pay Newtown $42,132 per year in

taxes. That does not include any taxable equipment used inside the building.

The building, currently on the market for around $2.4 million, closed its

doors last year after the Gordon Fraser company opted to market its products

under its British subsidiary, Hallmark Cards Limited.

The building is made up of 10,000 square feet of office space and 32,000

square feet of warehouse/industrial space. It was built in 1974 on 8.7 acres.