Pepperell Selectmen Unanimously Back 15-Year Tax Deal With 1A Auto

PEPPERELL — March 30, 2015 — Pepperell selectmen unanimously back a 15-year tax deal with local online auto parts giant 1A Auto. The Board of Selectmen voted March 30 to recommend Town Meeting approve a tax increment financing agreement with 1A Auto Inc. and Green 1A Investments, LLC under MGL Chapter 40, Section 59, covering a challenged mill site on the Nashua River that currently generates just $12,000 per year in property taxes. Under the proposal, the town would collect $510,111 in new net tax revenue over 15 years while the company commits to a $27 million build-out, 150 new permanent full-time jobs within five years, and retention of 95 existing positions. Rosemary Scrivens of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development called the project "the biggest job creator" in her Central Massachusetts region. Selectman Gallagher, who helped negotiate the deal, noted a 2007 DHCD study found $82 million in annual retail sales leakage from Pepperell: "Here's a way to get some of that money back and keep it in town." A community information session is planned for April 16, Town Meeting is scheduled for May 4, and final state Economic Assistance Coordinating Council approval is set for a June 23 Boston hearing.