Page 11 - BusinessWest February 7, 2022

make progress this year involves the former Eagle Mill paper company. Plans to redevelop the site feature 80 units of affordable and mar- ket-rate housing, as well as several restaurant and retail stores. The $55 million project has been in the works for several years, though the official groundbreaking was held only three months ago.
“Because of COVID, the Eagle Mill project
is moving slower than everyone wants it to,” Brittain said, noting that a significant next step involves six dilapidated houses near the site, which were recently purchased to be torn down. Construction on the mill complex is scheduled to roll out in two phases. “This is a big project that will take up the entire north end of Main Street.”
in that neighborhood increases in value,” Brit- tain said. “We can’t control the market, but we were able to lower the tax rate.”
For this year, the tax rate is $13.65 per thousand, down from $14.68 the year before. Because of higher valuations, he explained, the average tax increased by $193.
High Times Ahead
One industry relatively new to the tax rolls in Lee is cannabis. Right now, Canna Provisions is the only cannabis facility that’s up and running, but Brittain said the town has 14 permits for various cannabis facilities, with interested par- ties claiming 13 of them. Activity for future can- nabis businesses includes a facility for growing
“Whether we replace or renovate, we have to do something because the police are running out of space, and the ambulance building needs work.”
Chris Brittain says several projects in Lee, both town-funded and using ARPA aid, are moving forward.
Additional housing in Lee would certainly be welcome, said Henry, who noted the current supply of available houses is low because sales have been so brisk. “As a result, we have a lot of new residents, and that’s kind of exciting.”
In terms of real-estate taxes, the past year brought both good news and bad news, as the town lowered the tax rate, but selling prices for homes kept boosting valuations, resulting in higher taxes anyway.
“When someone sells their home at $20,000 to $30,000 dollars over asking price, every house
on Route 102 under construction and a dispen- sary proposed for the former Cork and Hearth restaurant on the Lee/Lenox line.
The revenue from Canna Provisions has begun making a difference for the town. Brittain said the impact on tax revenue has made it pos- sible for the town to consider hiring a full-time school resource officer, add streetlights in town, and begin a study on public-safety facilities.
Lee
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MAINTENANCE INCLUDED
3
FOR
YEARS!
PREOWNED VEHICLES PURCHASED FROM BALISE INCLUDE A 3-YEAR MAINTENANCE PLAN.
Start the year off with peace of mind! This January and February, we’re including a 3-year maintenance plan with most preowned vehicle purchases. That means we’ll cover every factory-recommended oil change, tire rotation, and multipoint inspection for the next 36 months or 36,000 miles so you can keep that cash for life’s other necessities.
Maintenance plan included with purchase of used vehicle from 1/1/2022 through 2/28/2022, commencing on agreement application date and expiring after 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Plan valid for oil changes, tire rotations, and multi- point inspections at Balise dealerships for vehicle manufacturer’s normal usage scheduled intervals only. Severe/heavy duty schedules and additional maintenance items may be required or recommended and are not included. Plan is not transferable to another vehicle or owner. Lease buyouts, commercial use vehicles, and L/Certified by Lexus are not eligible. Other exclusions may apply. See dealer for details. Not valid for purchases made prior to 1/1/2022.
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FEBRUARY 7, 2022 11