Crescimano calls Aligned Data Center tax deal a '$175 million giveaway'
Former fiscal officer says Perkins trustees gave away too much in tax breaks for project with few jobs and limited local benefit.
PERKINS TWP. — A tax abatement agreement approved by township trustees for Aligned Data Centers is a great deal for the company but a bust for local taxpayers, according to trustee candidate Lisa Crescimano.
Crescimano, a former township fiscal officer, called the agreement “the largest giveaway in township history.”
“Providing tens, even hundreds of millions in tax breaks was unnecessary for a project that was likely going to occur regardless of any tax agreement,” Crescimano said. “That level of public investment is unwarranted considering its relative lack of impact on the community. The project is creating few permanent jobs and is a big strain on utilities.”
Big deal or big giveaway?
Crescimano said Aligned had already purchased the former KBI property at Perkins and Hayes avenues for $52 million, a clear sign it intended to build there with or without incentives. She contends the generous tax abatement was not needed
“The fact that all this occurred is inexplicable,” she said.
Crescimano was responding to a StayTunedSandusky article published Sunday about trustee Tim Coleman’s re-election bid. Coleman touted the Aligned deal as a major accomplishment.
“This is the biggest and most expensive construction project ever built in Erie County,” Coleman said. “The project has logged over 200,000 work hours so far, injecting $10 million from union workers into the local economy. Once all four units are built, it could add $400 million in taxable value to Perkins Township — nearly doubling its total valuation."
Coleman, trustee Jim Lang, and outgoing trustee Jeff Ferrel voted for the agreement in December 2023. Crescimano was the only person to speak against it at the time.
Coleman also claimed the Aligned agreement would help offset “exorbitant recent tax increases” and “protect the interests of Perkins taxpayers,” a claim Crescimano strongly rejects.
Coleman did not respond to a message seeking comment.
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