Orange welcomes new business
Published 9:41 am Thursday, November 15, 2018
By Dawn Burleigh
The Orange Leader
City of Orange Economic Development Corporation and JADCO Commercial Development entered into an agreement for the expenditure of funds at the 3100 block of 16tth Street in Orange for an amount not to exceed $350,000 for the purpose of economic development.
“We are talking about the six and a half acres across from Modica Brothers on 16th Street,” Economic Development Director Jay Trahan said. “With the demolition of the convenience store there, there is the potential for four projects at this site.”
One project is the much anticipated Chick fil A.
“We expect an agreement to be finalized with Chick fil A in 30- 90 days,” Trahan added.
The city plans to continue further development along Interstate 10 to State Hwy. 62.
“This is a game changer for us, the city,” Trahan said.
Interim City Manager Kevin Knauf reminded residents to take the survey on 16th Street.
“We want people’s opinions on how to improve 16th Street,” Knauf said. “We have had a lot of response so far.”
Another victory for business in Orange is the amending of the ordinance for the sale of ice cream from motor vehicles in residential districts. The new ordinance will permit such business with an annual criminal background check and an annual permit. The permit fee is the same as annual vendor fee of $250.
“It is a small victory,” Mayor Larry Spears Jr said. “It is a big win for this area.”
Orange City Council also approved a resolution nominating International Paper Company as an Enterprise Project under the Texas Enterprise Zone Program.
“This is a state level incentive,” Economic Development Director Jay Trahan said. “Part of economic growth is acknowledging and thanking the companies that have been here.”
International Paper has made $52 million worth of improvements to its site as well as made a significant economical impact on the area.
“This is the second of six,” Council member Brad Childs said. “We are allowed a total of six.”
As the city begins its search for a new city manager, the first step was selecting a firm for the recruitment for the position.
Strategic Government Resources was selected for a fee not to exceed $26,500.
