OGDEN — The city is looking to give “dealership row” a boost.
Ogden has developed a draft economic development plan for 32 acres of property between 3300 and 3535 Wall Ave., on the west side of the street.
For many years, Wall Avenue has been home to car dealerships. Several still dot the area, but business has dropped off since the recession.
The South Wall Avenue Economic Development Area, as the project is known, aims to develop or assist other entities in developing underused land in the area to promote economic development.
“We’re hoping to improve existing auto dealerships in the area as well as attract new auto dealers and any other new businesses,” said Brandon Cooper, construction project manager for Ogden. “Ultimately, we want to create an environment where dealerships will come here and not want to leave.”
John Watson Chevrolet and Westland Hyundai have already expressed interest in developing portions of the project area.
As part of the plan, the city would work to improve public utilities and infrastructure and build new facilities in the area.
The city says by establishing an economic development area, it can provide tax increment assistance to encourage investment in the area and create new jobs and a new tax base.
It could take 10 years before the area is fully developed, but the city estimates it will generate $437,298 in available tax increment.
A public hearing for the plan is set for May 8 at the Ogden Municipal Building, 2549 Washington Blvd.
Comments