Close to 1,100 jobs will be coming to Kenosha with a planned 1 million square foot Amazon.com distribution center in a newly created business park by the interstate.
The Kenosha City Council paves the way for the new project. The vote was 13-to-0 late last night to approve a development agreement and use permit for the project — plus $18.2 million in tax incremental financing for related streets and utilities.
Following City Council approval, Jeffrey Zygler, Vice-President of KTR Capital Development Partners, said Kenosha was chosen for several reasons. “The location both to a major metropolitan area as well as the infrastructure is a big item. The employee base — there’s good labor here — and you’re right next to I-94.”
Aside from the location, Zygler also cited the state’s pro-business climate. “The administration in Kenosha was excellent to work with and this is our fifth facility … someone who’s developed around the country, this is definitely a pro-business state and local municipality.”
Zygler says project work could start as soon as next week, if last minute issues with the city and state can be ironed out, and the building completed next year. Mayor Keith Bosman says Amazon will hire 1,100 full-time people to distribute a host of merchandise from the Internet giant. About 2,500 seasonal workers are also expected. Bosman says the average wages will be just over $13 an hour at the facility.
Janet Hoff, WRJN