Could More Business Downtown Help Endicott's Tax Base?

8/21/2012 (Updated 11:30:46 PM)

(Source: Kate Thornton)

The Downtown Endicott Business Association (DEBA) announced Tuesday night positive developments in the downtown Endicott business district as well as the goals for the future.

According to the DEBA, in the last five years, 22 new businesses have opened on Washington Avenue leaving only nine vacant buildings.  Also, adult arrests on Washington Ave. are down 36% since 2007.

DEBA President J. Brian Luby said this positive growth is what is going to solve tax problems down the road.  "When businesses improve their property, unfortunately their taxes do go up," said Luby.  "That's actually a good thing for the village because it helps defray taxes for properties that's going down.  What's happening here on the Avenue, properties are appreciated, and that is positive."

Continue improvements to existing properties is on the laundry list of goals for the future of downtown Endicott.  Grant applications for avenue upgrades, more events on the avenue, sidewalk cleaning equipment, increase occupation of the Huron Campus, new quality hotel accommodations, and a SUNY presence are also on the to-do list.