Journal-News.com

WEST CHESTER TWP. — A loss for two Ohio cities has become this community's gain.

GE Aviation announced Thursday, Aug. 14, that it chose West Chester to house a portion of its $13.2 billion operation over competing cities Evandale and Springdale.

Earlier Thursday, county commissioners gave their approval on a 100 percent, 15-year property tax abatement, the same deal offered by the Hamilton County cities.

"It's mixed emotions," said West Chester Twp. Administrator Judy Boyko. "I'm extremely excited for West Chester to have GE as one of the anchors of our community, but of course I empathize with Springdale.

"At least GE is staying in the region, and that's paramount to maintain the success of the Greater Cincinnati economy," she added.

But West Chester has added amenities, according to GE spokesman Rick Kennedy: A new facility, room to expand, interstate access, among other reasons.

The company has selected the site of the former Queen City Sports Complex, 9267 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, for a two-building, 400,000-square-foot facility, which is expected to house 1,400 employees with average annual salaries of $100,000.

GE Aviation will now consolidate three of its facilities, two of which are in Springdale and the other in West Chester.

The total investment is approximately $55 million, including $40 million on two "mid-rise office buildings," according to plans submitted to the county Thursday. Construction is expected to be complete late next year.

The tax abatement — roughly equivalent to $200,000 a year — will run for the length of its lease, expected to be 10, according to a company news release.

The company could bring $140 million a year in payroll to the area, said Brian Coughlin, the county's economic development director.

GE expects to begin moving employees in October, and continue through early 2010, the news release stated.

Another important part of the deal is the creation of a joint economic development district, a partnership with nearby communities that allows townships to generate income tax.

The partnership joins townships with municipalities, who collect the income tax.

Commissioner Gregory Jolivette said he hopes West Chester Twp. officials "would give added weight to communities in Butler County" when they make their decision on a partner. West Chester could go with another city outside the county to administer the JEDD.

"We're eager to work with a community in Butler County, but in order to maximize the benefit for residents of West Chester, we're going to look at all possible partners," Boyko said.

West Chester officials said a decision about the JEDD isn't expected until later this month.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2112 or dgreber@coxohio.com.