The request is independent of a separate GM request, and subsequent city approval, of a series of tax abatements being offered if the world's largest automaker decides to locate millions of dollars worth of new work at its transmission plant in Warren.
GM executives are reviewing which of its facilities around the world is best suited to place the jobs. That "business case" includes the availability of tax incentives. "We're asking the city to help in making that business case," says John M. McDonald, GM communications manager.
The company filed applications in Warren for tax relief on four building projects tentatively planned at the 330-acre GM Technical Center. No new structures are planned. The company is considering new construction inside two facilities for different corporate use, to qualify for a 12-year, 50% tax break. The rehabilitation of two other buildings would fulfill requirements for a property assessment freeze on that portion of the project. In all, more than $159 million of the $190 million plan would qualify for tax relief, officials say.
If the automaker picks Warren, the project would allow the GM Technical Center to bring in 877 jobs and retain nearly 1,000 current jobs.
"GM's leadership, much as they want to support us here in Warren, they have to keep their eye on the bottom line. Unless we as a community come to the table, it will become awfully hard for GM's managers to justify spending eight times more here for an engineer than they would have to pay in India," Mayor Mark Steenbergh says. "We need to convince GM to come here. If we don't, the jobs will likely go overseas."
A public hearing is tentatively slated for the May 11 council meeting. Some 20,000 people now work at the GM Technical Center.
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