February 22, 2012
A company that deals in science education materials and last year closed an operation in Tonawanda has received tax breaks from the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency, sparking protest.
Ward’s Natural Science Esablishment LLC had a warehouse in Tonawanda, along with a customer service operation. But, when tax breaks through the Erie County Industrial Development Agency expired last year, the company closed the warehouse and laid off 40 workers.
With the help of a $259,000 tax incentive through COMIDA, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports the warehouse is being reopened in suburban Henrietta, prompting the protests at Tuesday’s meeting.
“We’re not opposed to helping companies succeed with subsidies,” a spokeswoman for the group said. “Those subsidies need to be used to build a better future for our community.”
The Tonawanda customer-service center remains open and employs more than 70 workers.
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