SPRINGVALE — Built in 1970, the former Nasson College Science Center at 15 Oak St. has been empty for more years than it served students; the college closed in 1983.
But after an exterior facelift last year, owner Rob Reinken is hopeful tenants will emerge to fill the building and contribute to the village’s bustling downtown. To that end, he is applying for the property to be part of the town’s Pine Tree Zone map so businesses that locate there can take advantage of state tax breaks.
In order to do that, the town has to apply to Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission and the state Department of Economic and Community Development for permission to shift Pine Tree Zone designated land to the parcel in Springvale on which the Science Center is located.
Councilors approved the move last week.
According to the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, at the end of 2008 there were a total of 213 Pine Tree Zone certified businesses in Maine, which reported plans to create more than 6,500 jobs and invest $685 million. Those jobs are expected to generate $203 million in payroll, according to DECD.
Pine Tree Zones originated in Maine in 2003 as a way to encourage economic development. Under the program, businesses in particular fields can take advantage of state tax breaks including 80 percent reimbursement on payroll taxes for 10 years; 100 percent sales tax exemption for 10 years and 100 percent exemption on corporate income taxes for five years, with a 50 percent corporate income tax reduction for a further five years. But with legislation recently passed by the Legislature and signed Monday by the governor, the Pine Tree Zone program will change next year.
In January, the program will become two-tiered. Tier Two are municipalities in York and Cumberland counties and Tier One will include municipalities in the rest of Maine.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, Tier Two locations are municipalities with unemployment rates that are in alignment with their labor market area’s unemployment rate. In January, Tier Two qualified businesses will receive 5 years of benefits; Tier One locations will offer access to 10 years of benefits.
For the remainder of 2009 however, all Pine Tree Zone locations will be considered Tier One and will provide 10 years of benefits to otherwise qualified businesses.
As for the science center, Sanford Economic Affairs director Les Stevens said the 40,000-square-foot building would be an ideal location for research and development, technology, life sciences or back office operations. All, he said, would qualify under Pine Tree Zone status.
Reinken, a residential builder who has owned the Science Center since 1998, has been taking advantage of the ailing residential home-building market to spruce up the center. Much of the work has gone toward renovation of the exterior of the building, which sports new windows, new siding and a new entryway and retaining walls. The inside is will be finished as tenants lease the structure.
“What is great about this building is the space is flexible,” said Stevens. “It’s in a great location and would be an absolutely perfect call center. He took that derelict building and improved the aesthetics on speculation.”
Reinken has renovated a number of former Nasson College buildings and has also developed a number of residential subdivisions. He said he wants to market the Science Center for commercial use.
Councilor Alan Walsh , also executive director of the nearby Nasson Community Center, said he supports the plan.
“(A busy Science Center) would be great for the village,” he said.
— Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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