WARREN, Mich. – With the possibility of a $419 million investment in the General Motors Warren Tech Center, GM asked for and got 12 years of tax abatements Tuesday night.
"What this project does, or what it would do if it moves forward, would be to allow us to completely renovate the Tech Center and bring the facility back to a world-class technical center which it once was," said GM Spokesman Dan Flores. "That's great for current employees and great for us to have the ability to attract future talent."
As is, the GM Tech Center is an architectural landmark, but the reinvestment into the facility means the retention of 3,800 jobs and the promise of 2,600 new well-paying positions.
GM isn't saying the project is a done deal; what it is saying is now the tax abatements are in place corporate will have to make a final determination. One that should be made soon.
Warren City Council members wanted assurances that if the abatements were given that the city is protected and benchmarks for investment are in place. They got them and the council gave approval of the abatements a unanimous passing vote.
Councilman Keith Sadowski echoed the thoughts of the entire group.
"This is a great investment for our community," he said.
Council President Pro Tempore Scott Stevens said it only makes sense.
"I think this is a great thing. It's going to be a few years down the road before it comes to fruition, but it's definitely going to be a good thing for Warren," Stevens said.