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BIOENGINEERING GROUP TIF �.1 D � ilrt.PR1Z-c� �srl/L��� i l� �� gpgww -e pT O p Mpy,0,41 , zO The Bioengineering Group, Inc. 53 Mason Street Salem, MA 01970 978/740-0096 BUSINESS PLAN/FINANCING PROPOSAL March 24, 1999 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Bioengineering Group, Inc., a three-year-old consulting company in Salem, MA, seeks a commercial mortgage loan of$333,000 with a term of twenty years for the purchase and build-out of an expanded and more suitable office space. Additionally the company seeks a business line of credit of$100,000 to address anticipated cash flow shortfalls within the coming year. Since its inception, the company has been experiencing steady growth in terms of gross revenues, as well as the number and scope of bioengineering projects. To meet this growing need, additional staff are being hired, hence the current need for new space. The market for bioengineering design and applications is expanding quickly in the United States and abroad, and The Bioengineering Group, Inc. (TBG) commands a large share of the market through its reputation and experience. TBG has conducted business for over three years in the field of water resources engineering and ecological restoration consulting. Its clients include an impressive list of federal, state, corporate, non-profit, and private clients who share a need to address river, lake, and wetland problems with creative, multi-disciplinary solutions. The firm has gone from an initial year with $364,000 of revenues and a modest loss, to recent years with revenues of roughly $500,000 with increasingly strong profits. Clients are pleased with work performed by the firm, and the firm has been successful in winning projects, having been selected over an array of firms from across the nation to perform design services for the largest project of its type to date in the US. The firm has experienced and capable management, backed by knowledgeable advisors and has access to motivated part-time personnel, suited to grow the company to its next level before acquiring additional full-time managers. The firm has carefully considered and researched its plan for expansion during the coming two years, and is well on the way to implementing its plan. Projections include revenues of$1,000,000 in 1999 and$1,350,000 in 2000, with profits of$97,000 and$126,000 respectively. Near-term financial needs include procurement of a commercial real estate mortgage and a line of credit to address current goals 2 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS The Bioengineering Group, Inc. offers.consulting services to protect, repair, and manage wetlands and rivers. The company designs erosion control systems, including plants and structural materials, that are used to stabilize and restore land/water interface areas. The company assists clients in the accurate understanding of environmental factors, appropriate design of technical measures, and the suitable use of live plants. The company's clientele includes state and federal agencies, private utilities/industries, contractors, engineering firms, landowners, and non-profit organizations. The Bioengineering Group, inc. began business in January of 1996 as an S-Corporation. Its President and founder, Wendi Goldsmith, possesses over ten years of experience in research, consulting, and teaching related to water resource restoration and design, as well as over five years involved with the start-up and general management of small environmental companies. After leaving her position as President of Bestmann Green Systems, Inc., a firm involved primarily in the supply of plants and construction materials for erosion control projects, Ms. Goldsmith used her own savings to start up her own business which focuses primarily on the planning, design, and engineering of projects for erosion control, water quality, and habitat restoration along waterways. The company designs naturally functioning systems, including plants, soils, and biodegradable structural materials, that are used to stabilize and enhance shorelines and streambanks. Within the first year of business,.the company received contracts with clients as far flung as John Deere in Wisconsin; Walt Disney World Resorts in Florida; The City of Chicopee,Massachusetts; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Tennessee. Throughout its first three years of business;the company has relied on a unique inter- disciplinarystyle'to address,analysis and.problems in order to provide ecologically sound,:multi=objective solutions.,.Clients-have been consistently satisfied with the performanceofwork, and.the:busihess is profitable.. During-the next.twelve months,.The:Bioengineering Group, Inc. is poised to embark on a. series of new projects throughout the:northeast,,elsewhere in the US, and in Asia, which will greatly enlarge the potential:of the-firm. Our reputation for providing excellent quality professional.services without a connection to a particular product line has been well received by the public. Clients are becoming more interested in using our firm to address increasingly larger and more complex projects, e.g., one of our recent contracts for the design of over six miles of riverbank treatments on the Cumberland River in northwest Tennessee,representing the largest project of its type known in the US. In the process of studying how past projects perform on sites with some soil c6 ttamination problems, staff of The Bioengineering Group, Inc. have identified potential for anew method of soil remediation using wetland plants to selectively extract heavy metals and other contaminants without costly and.destructive dredging and disposal. Our proven technologies for stabilizing waterways, combined with our emerging technologies for soil remediation will enable us to resolve a broad range of urban river scenarios in the coming years. Ms. Goldsmith has been hired to provide a training program in the Philippines in April on behalf of a non-profit.organization, and has already identified potential clients and arranged several meetings and sitevisitsto better plan future work. She is actively 3 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. promoting the use of local unskilled labor and locally manufactured textiles combined with native plant species to simultaneously assist with alleviating poverty in developing countries while providing needed waterways stabilization at a fraction of the cost of conventional approaches. The Department of Defense is working with Ms. Goldsmith to develop a demonstration and validation program to establish the performance of specially managed wetland plants while providing cleanup of uranium-contaminated soils at ammunition testing sites, and has already submitted a proposal for funding earlier this year. The short term goals of the company during the year 1999 include establishing one consulting contract in Asia(in addition to the existing contract for training) and embarking on one phase of testing for vegetative soil remediation, while maintaining the existing workload plus a modest allowance for growth. Longer range objectives include expansion of contract opportunities in Asia as well as Latin America, plus consulting on full scale soil remediation projects using the technology we have identified. This past month, TBG was awarded 8a status through the SBA which will offer a competitive edge through bypassing the bidding process in some cases, and by being able to receive large government contracts which had previously been inaccessible. During the first three years of business,The Bioengineering Group, Inc. and its founder and staff have faced many challenges and achieved many rewarding results. When compared with other businesses of our size and type, it seems our firm has required a significantly higher level of marketing effort to achieve results. We have worked to combat that by developing a much praised promotional brochure and a well maintained website that many people compliment. We currently receive roughly one fourth of our work by virtue:ofourwebsite and another fourth via brochures that are saved and sent on with personal'referrals;;hence, these two marketing tools can be understood.to have roughly doubl"ed.our business volume. One challenge has been the turnover of our staff, and'duringlhe pastyears we have,.lost capable people due to job moves.of spouses, returns-to graduate"school,.and offers of faculty positions. In part, this can be seen as a success.in initially attracting.bright,motivated people who are open to big changes in their careers.. Consequently,-the ongoing professional relationships we maintain with TBG"alumnae"continue to serve us in the form of an expanding pool of consultant specialists (who staff our,interdisciplinary teams), and as an ever-widening sphere of acclaim, influence; and strong reputation(for the work we did and the people we trained). In an effort:of keeping.our talent on staff longer,the 1998 tax year marked the first occasion when the firm offered.profit sharing as an employee incentive, and in the future we plan to use vesting as an.additional incentive for employee longevity. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of using telecommuting and flexible hours as a means of attracting skilled employees who have family obligations and/or a preference fora more rural lifestyle (options which we are already developing to accommodate and coordinate our geographically dispersed consultant pool). Our utilization of several, well-known consultants provides us with top quality work on an as-needed basis in order to allow us to service our-clients without maintaining an excessively high payroll. 4 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. SERVICES Bioengineering treatments are an ecologically-sensitive, yet technically feasible, alternative to conventional engineering solutions using concrete, stone and/or rock. They are used on difficult sites including riverbank stabilization and restoration, canal construction, lake and reservoir bank stabilization, and on tidal rivers and in estuaries. Bioengineering treatments enhance desirable plant growth, microbe activity, and wildlife habitat—unlike stone, concrete, and many synthetic materials which inhibit biological functions. These vegetative systems have the ability to thrive on a site with minimal post-installation maintenance, and withstand physical stress far above levels possible with conventional planting. They are often less costly than conventional treatments, and generally more favored by environmental regulators (thus greatly facilitating an otherwise costly and time-consuming permitting process), and they look attractive. At the present, The Bioengineering Group, Inc. offers professional consulting services in the areas of surveying, geomorphology,plant and soil science, hydrology, water quality, aquatic ecology, environmental planning, water resources engineering, design and drafting, as well as training and meeting facilitation. We also deliver tum-key projects in collaboration with skilled contractors whom we closely supervise. During the past three years,past.projects have been recipients of regional, national, and international awards in recognition of the excellence in professional services provided. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. has been involved with numerous projects where soil and water remediation.has.been an element of the design. However, we have not yet completed.a project:,where hazardous material cleanup is an explicit goal of the project. It is our goal an1mtention to begin.during 1999 to test and refine some of the plant and 'soil management:techniques we-have identified in order to offer a commercially viable solution to:heavy ii etal and hydrocarbon.contamination which is so ubiquitous in urban areas. We expectao offer a.site-specific testing service, as well as full scale implementations.in cooperation with sitework contractors. 5 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. MARKET TBG services clients who need erosion control and habitat restoration with an emphasis on environmental sensitivity and cost effectiveness. Our clients are primarily based in the United States with a growing list of projects occurring in Canada and Asia. Past and current clients include federal, state, and local water management agencies, the transportation industry and regulatory agencies, public and private utility companies, private developers and landowners, and contractors serving all of the above. The balance between private sector and public sector clients is relatively even. Clients purchase a combination of consulting and design support. Ideally, a client approaches the company with a site-specific project, and our staff is involved in the project design, and the staff often has consulting involvement in the permitting, installation, and monitoring phases. Point-of-sale contacts include designers, engineers, landscape architects, consultants, regulatory personnel, and specialized contractors. In general, these people are professional and usually well-informed. They come to us with a complicated set of purchase preferences and choose our services for a variety of reasons, including technical expertise, value, and reputation. Our business has been somewhat affected by the reduction of construction activities in the northeast during the winter season. However, as we have-successfully pursued work in the southeast and elsewhere, construction- related_work.has been continuing year-round. Additionally,we have become engaged in studies;planning reports;monitoring, and related research that are unaffected by season. _An essential marketing:approach of the.firm involves writing articles in natural resource . management:joumalsand.trade magazines and speaking at targeted conferences serving the engmeenng;,erosion control, and.wetland management industries. In this way, we get our name;out in front:of a large audience, at minimal costs, with ample opportunity to convinceprospects'that we actually know what we are talking about. A modest amount of advertising is:used.in conjunction with published articles, where applicable. During the past year ads have appeared in Land and Water magazine,Restoration Ecology Journal,-the.Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions Newsletter, and Wetlands Journal. Our much-visited website appears to be used mainly by people who have heard about us.first through exposure to our written or verbal presentations. We make limited use of direct mailing, often featuring announcements of upcoming training programs or project site open houses when we send direct mail, in order to increase value to the recipient and promote greater interest. Much of the specific project workwe are hired for requires a competitive selection process. "Making the sale" involves pitching our company based on a dazzling presentation of our technical qualifications and track record of project activity and client satisfaction, at times linked with cost for proposed services, although often based on qualifications alone. Please see the attached small brochure, as well as the attached expanded statement of qualifications for examples of our standard marketing materials. Finally, the high visibility and.consistent successful performance of our designs results in repeat business and frequent word-of-mouth.referrals. 6 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. The business environment is generally quite favorable to a company of our type. Areas that were formerly agricultural are becoming suburban, and intensely urban areas that were once considered ecological wastelands are now being restored to provide water and air quality benefits and to serve a local population that seeks educational and aesthetic resources. Although government expenditures on infrastructure had been low for years, expenditures on restoration of natural resources continued to grow, and recent upswings in general infrastructure expenditures nationally are expected to provide a boom. Some of our most reliable clients include federal agencies who are very interested in the cost- effective, politically popular solutions our company specializes in. For instance, a concrete lined river channel in Adams, MA has reached the end of its design life, and as costly repairs are considered, and the negative environmental impact of the paved channel are re-evaluated in today's political climate, it appears favorable to consider restoring the river, at least in part, to its former natural condition. TBG recently completed a feasibility study for the Corps of Engineers that is being viewed as a new model for decision-making in this type of scenario,as it promises to simultaneously save millions of dollars and satisfy local environmental and political groups. One of our biggest obstacles in doing business with federal agencies in the past has been their use of large, multi-year, multi-task contracts that result in firms like ours not having a chance to get work unless we were part of a team of firms that was awarded a contract in the past. The amount of time, travel expenses, and general effort associated with"lobbying"to get this type of contract is generally understood to be tens of thousands of dollars. Because the natureofour expertise is highly innovative;.the likelihood that some one in government would have had.the foresight to plan on needing our services three to five yearsago is slim. We have gotten work on a sole source basis, as well as the one and .:r only time a.consultant.was sought competitively for our area of expertise specifically. ;With our.newly achieved8a status through.the SBA,we hope that we can market our innovative:approach effectively, and:reduce theaead time between identifying a possible protect and delivering-services. The federal agencies that we have past experience with are th&first:targets for pursuing 8(a)work, and.thus far their response has been extraordinarily positive;promising to offer millions of dollars of work opportunities within a short period oftime;.as we are willing and able to undertake it. These include the Corps of Engineers and the National Parks'Service. Other agencies we would hope to build.relationships with include the Forest Service,.the Bureau of Reclamation,Natural Resources Conservation Service, and.EPA, as well as DoD entities other than the Corps. The growth potential in the market we currently serve is enormous. At present, the US Army Corps of Engineers alone spends over$500,000,000 annually on consulting and engineering fees related to river and shoreline stabilization and soil remediation, as well as recently authorized mandates for ecological restoration. The involvement of our staff, particularly Ms. Goldsmith, in consultation and training to the Corps on these issues pre- dates the congressional authorization that allows the Corps to fund projects of this type. As such, she is a recognized leader and authority in this area and well positioned to gain the confidence of agency personnel seeking consulting support. The situation regarding other market segments is similar. As the conventional engineering industry makes a fundamental paradigm shift toward adopting a holistic and complex view of natural 7 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. systems and methods of managing and modifying them, one can reasonably expect a shift of contracting toward those businesses that are structured and specialized to provide it. As outlined above, Ms. Goldsmith has established a strong network of Corps of Engineers personnel who are familiar with her unique area of expertise. In the past, this has generated various opportunities for project work, though generally on a small scale due to the agency policy of awarding a small number of large, long-term contracts. Unlike several other ecologically oriented consulting/engineering firms, TBG, Inc. enjoys a reputation of combining state-of-the-art ecological practice balanced with rigorous engineering. Whereas the Corps is uneasy with methods and recommendations advocated by other firms, we have been able to speak to the needs of an inherently conservative organization in order to help them accept "greener" solutions without sacrificing public safety. In general, we enjoy a reputation among our customers and the numerous regulatory agencies that review our work as being thorough, fair, creative, and clear-thinking. We are often viewed as the purveyors of a happy, mutually satisfactory solution in the case of a stand-off between environmental advocates and those proposing to work in the waterway. Because people familiar with our work feel so strongly about it, they are an excellent source of personal referrals. NA >' Jk { t 8 i The Bioengineering Group, Inc. COMPETITION The bioengineering industry in the United States is currently being carved out of the general market for structural engineering solutions to erosion control problems. The U.S. market contains several players, some of which offer traditional engineering and environmental design services but have been willing to experiment with some basic bioengineering techniques, and some of which provide specialized bioengineering design services. No firm exists which has the depth of experience and training in bioengineering technology of TBG staff, as well as the breadth of professional disciplines. Thus, our firm is recognized as being fairly specialized, and as such has remarkably little competition in a direct sense. Three firms regularly are brought up by clients and others familiar with the industry as being the most comparable, and we occasionally compete against each other for projects. These firms, including their strengths and weaknesses, are as follows: Inter-Fluve, a firm located in Montana that focuses on stream restoration, engineering, and designing bioengineering treatments. The firm is ten years older than TBG, and larger, with an impressive track record. They are much more aggressive and well-funded regarding marketing, and have a greater range of in-house disciplines. Many people report to as that the management is arrogant and unresponsive to client needs, essentially re-applying the same treatment approach to nearly all projects. Even past employees of Inter-Fluve.have reportedboredom with repetitive project design. They are also known for project.construction costs that.are more expensive than ours. We have a 50-50 record of winning or-losing when competing against them. BioHabitats, is a firm located.in Maryland that does work similar to that of the company d'escnbed above A great.concem I have about this firm, which is shared by astute and knowledgeable clients; is that their mana management misrepresents the technical g P ualifications of its staff;.even.baldly claiming that certain staff possess job titles for 4 g P J which extensive formal.degrees and professional licensure are required, when their only training maybe a briefseminan In away, their willingness to promise the world.is a strength, and it does help them win projects. We have lost contracts on a.couple occasions because of their lower cost bid for design work, although other times we have won contracts basedon pricing and/or qualifications. We have recently been hired to re- design a project they did.for the City of Cincinnati where their poor work quality caused serious problems, creating for us a deeply admiring and loyal client as a result. Robbin B. Sotir and Associates is a firm out of Georgia that provides strictly bioengineering services for streambank and slope stabilization. They too are roughly ten years older than TBG and.are widely recognized, having been hired by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service to write some widely distributed documents that put the firm's name in front of many people. Ms. Sotir is known for her abrasive personal style, and as her firm typically works on only one design project per year, her fees are widely regarded.as exorbitant. She is more successful than TBG at.attracting 9 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. client inquiries, but many people who have had even minor working relationships with her are put off by her style, and TBG is commonly tamed to as a friendlier alternative. TBG's staff are continually being approached to appear for speaking engagements at national and international conferences on bioengineering and erosion control. The firm is also contacted frequently to submit proposals for design on bioengineering projects around the country and beyond its borders. No other bioengineering consultant offers as full a range of services as TBG, a fact which the client base apparently understands and acts upon. „Y 10 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. MANAGEMENT Wendi Goldsmith, President and Treasurer Wendi Goldsmith is President and Treasurer of TBG. She owns 100% of the company's stock and directs and supervises day to day operations of the business. Ms. Goldsmith handles the most of the management activities, including hiring/firing, contract negotiations, coordination and review of contract work performed by staff, banking relationships, key client relationships, and strategic planning. Ms. Goldsmith is assisted by technical staff members to whom project management responsibilities are delegated, such as tracking project budgets, deadlines, and coordination of daily work schedules, all under her supervision. Grace Spence, our office manger, who has a law degree as well as extensive administrative experience, manages procurement of office supplies and services, maintains records related to projects, personnel, and corporate matters, and generally keeps the office running smoothly. Bookkeeping, accounting, and legal services are all provided by qualified consultants who are available to support Ms. Goldsmith as needed. Ms. Goldsmith holds a Bachelor's in Geology and Geophysics and Environmental Studies from Yale University and a Master's in Landscape Design from the Conway School. Ms. Goldsmith received her bioengineering training in Germany as an apprentice under Mr. Lothar Bestmann. She is member of The International Erosion Control Association, the Society of Wetland.Scientists, the Soil and Water Conservation Society, and the Essex County Farm Bureau. She currently resides in Salem with her husband and 'two children.: Ms:-Goldsmith is currently being paid$80,000 per.year. `Y fu The Bioengineering Group, Inc. PERSONNEL In addition to management, TBG currently employs three full-time professionals, five part-time professionals, and regularly works with several key consultant-specialists. Three positions have been planned in order to meet immediate work requirements within the coming three months, and one additional hire is anticipated before year's end. Interviews are currently underway for filling the first round of new positions in the area of engineering and geological sciences. The company has a benefits package for its salaried employees, offering payment for one half of health insurance, paid vacation and sick days, and professional development in the form of tuition reimbursement and conference payment. At present, the full-time office manager, Grace Spence, is anticipated to continue providing ample support for administrative and clerical functions. Although as she approaches a planned retirement date, a replacement will be hired to allow for training during a generous overlap period. Ms. Goldsmith is currently negotiating with her husband, Rob.Solomon,to develop a part-time job description that would include orientation of new staff, team-building support, procurement of new office space, and 8(a) marketing activities such as identifying agency contacts and learning the ropes of contracting within the program. This arrangement would allow him to continue his private practice as a mental health counselor and consultant to small business at an acceptable level of involvement,.while providing a flexible degree of part-time support to w TBG.. His expertise and abilities.related_to interpersonal relationships would serve well -to accomplish team-building goals-and.iategration of new staff. His familiarity with ;COnstrtiction and contracting;rwnll greatly'reli- Ms..Goldsmith during the process of - y� implementingahe move.to expanded.offices. Ms. Goldsmith will personally train and k K coach him in.some of heraiarketmgtechniques, and is more comfortable sharing-this '.highly valuable-informatioii.wi erspouse:rather than an employee who may become a competitor. He would workmrider.M's_Goldsmith's supervision throughout, and report directly to her. It is anticipated thatthe role would be.short-term during a period of rapid growth, and prior to the justification of luring a.full-time staff person to address similar functions. Additionally, TBG.will.make proportionately more use of its bookkeeping and accounting consultants to manage cash flow and financing needs during business expansion. Our company has generally attractedjob applicants from around the world who possess training and experience that,makes them well-suited for our work. Our website plus our conference appearances and publications let people know what we do ani make it clear that our standard for solving complex water resource problems with innovative,high quality.solutions is rather unique in the field. To date we have neverneeded to advertise for staff,.but have developed new staff members, often by hiring them on a part-time or consulting basis, or working with them as employees of other firms before making a commitment to a permanent hire. When excellent resumes don't appear when we need them, we have been quite effective in using verbal and email networking to let people know what we need. We are ready, willing, and able to train qualified staff in certain uncommon skills, and are now focusing:on.strategies to reduce turnover. 12 F , 4. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. PLAN FOR BUILDING PURCHASE The decision to purchase a building is largely driven by the recognition of a need to build a suitable work space to allow efficient utilization of our personnel within an appealing and professional setting; the costs of addressing this need would not be handled attractively in a short- or even long-term lease, nor is there an easy solution to handling the anticipated growth of our firm. Salem has no existing business space available under lease that meets our needs, and we believe it is important to remain in Salem, which is known internationally, so that practically, our clients are able to find us via word-of- mouth referrals, even in this age of changing area codes, etc. Ms. Goldsmith has been investigating alternatives for accomodating the existing and anticipated growth of the business since the summer of 1998. One option was to remain within the same office building to avoid disruptions to the business through an address change. However, the costs associated with improving available office space (by adding windows, etc.) were not viable when amortized over a five-year lease. Ms. Goldsmith subsequently spoke with realtors about listed properties that might meet TBG's needs, and conducted her own reconnaissance to identify suitable buildings that were not listed on the real estate market. After rigorous consideration and considerable negotiations with the current owner of the building in question, an offer to purchase was made and accepted on March 23.. i 13 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. RESOURCES Available to the Business TBG draws on the expertise of a variety of resources listed below: • Accountant: DMC Systems Group 569 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116 This firm specializes in working with small to mid-size architectural and engineering firms in the Boston area. Over the past few years, they have provided high quality service as well as strategic and useful advice. • Attorney: Hamilton, Dahmen &Randall 73 Tremont Street, Suite 403 Boston, MA 02108-3903 The firm brings a solid background in corporate law as well as a seven-year long history of working with Wendi Goldsmith. • Insurance: James Ugoni Farm Family Insurance Company 10 South Main Street 4208 Topsfield, MA 01983 This firm speciahzes:in providing insurance for businesses involved in agriculture and suppomngi elds • Mentormg ant&othersupports: Steven Scott,principal FMSM, Inc. FMSM is a highly successful and reputable environmental/civil engineering firm located in the Midwest. A.productive; long-term relationship has been established, primarily through collaboration on multiple projects involving bioengineering (which FMSM does not provide), which affords TBG the benefit of FMSM's sizable degree of corporate experience in the engineering field. Frederick Young Small Business Development Center Salem, MA 14 >_ .. .. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOAN - $333,000 TBG seeks a commercial mortgage loan in the amount of$333,000 for the purchase and build-out of a free-standing building on Commercial Street in Salem, along the newly restored North River, soon to become a public park and greenway. In addition, to the price of the building and land, TBG seeks to spend an additional $70,000 for the purpose of completing a build-out of the interior of the building in order to provide an efficient, attractive, and safe work environment tailored to the varied needs our existing and planned staff. The building is currently under agreement for the price of$300,000. Minor work related to roof maintenance and electrical wiring configurations is known to be needed. Initial conceptual design of the build-out by Peter Pitman, AIA, a Salem- based architect, confirms that the needed and desired work may be completed within a preliminary budget of$70,000. Currently The Bioengineering Group, Inc. and Ms. Goldsmith (personally) are able to bring cash resources of up to $75,000 to address down-payment and/or build-out needs,plus cover related expenses related to the inspection and closing. $100,000 BUSINESS LINE OF CREDIT TBG seeks a business line of credit to cover the anticipated cash shortfalls that are projected to occur during the summer and fall of 1999,peaking at roughly $80,000 in September. Please see the attached spreadsheet for a detailed presentation of cash flow. With:our recent.8(a) certification, several of our clients are now very eager to negotiate ,1`r`x..,'r ... ;the awazd'.ofsizeable contracts to our firm. Additionally, we have a larger backlog of proleetnwork under contract than we have had at any time in our company's history. ar # 'Wheiieverwe experience a wave of growth, we know we can expect a similar wave of cash flow deficits. We are currently expecting to accomplish several large milestones, �incIuding;the move to a new larger office as well as the expansion of our staff during the ` nextmonths;.and have given close consideration to our cash needs during this critical tune:.'Our most conservative cash flow assumptions indicate a significant shortfall, however,in.practice, we are in a position to defer payment to some of our suppliers and subcontractors for a short period, ideally less than 30 days beyond what has been indicated in.our cash flow projections. Nevertheless; we are in need of aline of credit in order to accomplish the level of development we aim to achieve during the current year. A line of credit of$100,000 would appear to be an appropriate tool to meet our cash flow needs during the anticipated six-month period of cash deficit that correlates to our favored model of growth. 1.5. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. BUSINESS FORECAST AND LOAN REPAYMENT For seven years, the management of the business has proven its capacity to fulfill short- and long-term financial obligations through various strategies. The firm's ample backlog of work allows unaccustomed accuracy in planning income and expenditures during the short term, and also bodes well for continued sales growth in the longer term. At present, the fmn holds contracts for roughly $300,000 in consulting sales. In addition to work under formal contract, many proposals for project work have been submitted to clients and assuming a conservative 30% success rate (which is half the usual rate we experience) would generate an additional $1,000,000 over the next two years. Additionally we know from experience to expect an increasingly large volume of short- term, no lead-time contracts. Conservative estimates of continued growth of annual income predict gross receipts of approximately 1 million for 1999 and 1.35 million in 2000 (see attached spreadsheets). The workload to generate these incomes will require three new hires over the next two months, and another three in the following six months, part of the need for new office space. As the company grows and additional work opportunities arise, the new space will accommodate staff expansions. Indeed, the building has an existing partitioned space with a separate entrance that has consistently been leased for roughly $500 per month, providing supplemental income in the short term and more space for TBG's use via expansion in the future. Assumptions include collection of receivables as in the past, although we hope that _,:.SBA_%:role.in serving as an intermediary for project payment will actually shorten our a wathng time:forfederal 8(a)payments as.they occur. Also, an expanding staff that would �',:�regntre lrighe'r compensation than we have paid is the past in order to attract and retain honally.talented professionals.(see attached sheet:for job categories and projected *_ x�compensahonj:.`Assumptions also include staff utilization rates (direct vs. indirect time) ;that are consistent-with projected job descriptions and are historically based in performance forthose positions . Assumptions include a realistic set of direct project -costs that:are consistent with the type of work we currently have under contract,based on analysis ofpast performance. Also assumed is achievment of our targeted overhead rate, which.is appropriate and competitive for a firm of our type; although it is lower than our 1998 audited annual overhead rate, it is consistent with rates for those quarters that have not been unduly full of paid maternity leave, start-up organizational management, and start-up related marketing. Variable expenses have been proportionally linked to income as they are understood to behave, and fixed expenses have been estimated according to planned management of the company. The projections for 1999 and 2000 include allwances for servicing the loan and line of credit currently sought. 16 '� ;" The Bioengineering Group, Inc. ATTACHMENTS 1. Income statement PROJECTIONS (1998 actual, 1999 projections, 2000 projections) dated March 24,1999 2. 1999 overhead schedule PROJECTION 3. Payroll Projections for 1999 and 2000 4. List of Active Projects, March 1999 5. Aged Accounts Receivable, 3/31/99 6. Voucher Report (Accounts Payable), 3/31/99 7. Cash Flow Projection—January 1999-December 1999 8. Accrual based financials (compiled by DMC Systems Group), 1996 Income Statement and Balance Sheet 1997 Income Statement and Balance Sheet 1998 Income Statement and Balance Sheet 1999 January and February Income Statements 9. Federal Tax Returns 1996 11205 19971 120S 1998 11205 10. Brochure—The Bioengineering Group, Inc. 17 i d payroll projections/models fo 1999, 000 employee salary %direct direct$ ind $ wendi goldsmith $ 80,000 50% $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000 . grace spence $ 30,000 10% $ 3,000.00 $ 27,000 bill morgante $ 36,000 80% $ 28,800.00 $ 7,200 cindy marlin $ 10,000 90% $ 9,000.00 $ 1,000 paul martin $ 5,000 90% $ 4,500.00 $ 500 chadiegreene $ 10,000 90% $ 9,000.00 $ 1,000 desheng wang $ 50,000 90% $ 45,000.00 $ 5,000 lisa sarma $ 10,000 70% $ 7,000.00 $ 3,000 inter $ 10,000 60% $ 6,000.00 $ 4,000 ian andersen $ 6,000 60% $ 3,600.00 $ 2,400 rob solomon $ 30,000 50% $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000 eng $ 45,000 70% $ 31,500.00 $ 13,500 $ 322,000 $202,400.00 $119,600 iia- L¢ p .6 R-0+ M. To: Bill Lundregan FACSIMILE Fax #: 741-8110 City of Salem Re: The Bioengineering Group/Inter-Creditor Planning Agreement Date: August 1, 2000 Pages 9, including this cover sheet. Comments: Bill, Attached is a copy of a letter from the Bioengineering Group (recipient of a $50,000 City loan) explaining the firm's interest in obtaining receivables financing through the U.S. Department of Transportation program for disadvantaged and woman owned businesses. Receivables that relate to transportation projects the firm works on will be paid directly by the bank to The Bioengineering Group and the bank will in turn invoice the firm's client, up to $100,000 total. Apparently The Bioengineering Group experiences difficulty with obtaining payments and this approach through U.S. D.O.T. permits a rapid payment. Also attached is the draft agreement. From my reading of it, it asks the City to subordinate its security agreement to the bank's, but provides the City priority over the bank on any other assets the City has an interest in. I have also attached an information package on the DOT's financing program. Could you review the document's language and advise us as to whether the City should agree to this and how our level of protection is altered due to such an arrangement. Thank you, Mary Crain From the desk of... Mary C.Crain Economic Development Planner City of Salem Planning Department One Salem Green Salem,MA 01970 978-745-9595 ext.311 Fax:978-740-0404 JUL-31-00 MON 1 : 32 PM THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP FAX NO. ;i'/Y 'MU Uffi Y. 1 BpEN3ttttfRatcs caeooc,etc. t8 Coamtereial Street p r r r—R Salem,MA 01970 C� —� ':�L� t7 - ' ; 01 t July 31,2000 C;-,,LEM BY FAX: 978-740-0404 Ms. Mary C.Crain Economic Development Planner City of Salem One Salem Green Salem,MA 01970 ME: Draft Inter-Creditor Agreement Dear Mary: Attached is copy of a Draft Inter-Creditor Agreement sent to us by Hamilton Bank,who will facilitate our request to the U.S.Department of Transportation for receivables financing- As Wendi discussed earlier with you,we will need to know the name of the person who will he signing on behalf of the City of Salem along with information of the department and address. We are expecting approval for$100,000.00 which will represent about 30%of our transportation- related eligible receivables over the next three to four months_ We do not anticipate our receivables balance to be less than $100,000.00 during that period. We applied for the government financing to facilitate a rapid return of our eligible receivables4n order to handle our recently awarded contract for a $375,000.00 project which will require additional staff and considerable out-of-pocket expenses. Please let us know if you have any questions. As already stated,we are anxious to complete the information request so as to expedite final approval and to begin receiving payment for these transportation-related projects. As always,we appreciate your time and cooperation. S' rel C ace S. cc ffice nager Attachment. JUL-31-00 MON 1 :32 PM THE BIOENGINEER]NG GROUP rax RQ. rd r4u DUT r, _ JUL-31--W" 1929 H.S CITrAJr+ITl 13ahA<Itr, 305 591 3172 P,02 -- -- ISO INTER-CREDITOR AGREENSE*IT , — 10 E„- Agteetnent dated January_, 2000 between Hamilton Bank, N-A„ a national banking association(the "Sank') and ^, a: corporation("ABC'). WHEREAS, Corporation("XXX')is obtaining a credit facility from the Bea in an amount un na US$ (the"Credit'); WHEREAS,as security for the Credit.XXX has granted to the Batik a s curity interest in all assets of XXX (the 'Collateral') pursuant w a security agreement of even date herewith (collectively,the`Ban',-,Documentation'); WHEREAS,)Q(X is, and may in the future, be obligated to ABC(the"ABC credit-). WHEREAS,as security for the ABC Credit,the xXX has granted to ABC a security interest in all assets of XXX pursuant to a security agreement dated _ 19_(collectively,rbe "ABC Documentation');and WHEREAS, ABC and the Bank want to cen themselves upon their respective rights with respect to the assets ofX?LX. mss ACCORDLNGLY,the parties agreed as follows: 1. (a) ABC and the Bank hereby agree that tine security interest of the Bank in the Collateral shall have priority to the extent of the Credit over any security interest which ABC maynow have or hereafter acquire therein,and the ABC Documentation, insofar as it encumbers the Collateral,is hereby subordinated w the security interest of the Bank to the extent of the Credit, ( (b)The Bank hereby agrees that the security interest of ABC in all other assets of XXX„ shall have priority to the extent of the ABC Credit over any security interest which the Bank may now have or hereafter acquire therein, and the Bank Documentation,insofar as it encumbers any other assets other than the Collateral,is hereby subordinated ro the security interest of ABC to the extent of the ABC Credit.) 2. (a)So long as any of the Credit m+nains outstanding,ABC agrees that it will take no steps to enforce or exercise any of its rights or remedies with respect to any of the b Collateral- ( (b)So long as any of the ABC Credit remains outstanding,the Bank agrees that it will, take no steps to enforce or exercise any of its debts or remedies with respect to any other assets of XIM ] JUL-31-00 MON 1 ; 33 PM THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP FAX N0. 978 740 0097 P. 3 JUL--31-2000 16:30 H.H carMITY FY WING 305591 3172 P.03 3_ Neither the Bank nor ABC makes to the other any representation or warranty, or assumes any responsibility's to the other,with respect to the execution.construction or enforcement of-the Bank Documentauon or the ABC Documentation. 4. All notices,requests.demands or other communications between the parties hereto shall be in Ming (including tcletransmissions), shall be given or made at the addresses next to the signatures hereto,or at such other address or telex or telecopier number as any patty hereto may hereafter specify to the others in writing,and(fatless otherwise specified herein)shall be deemed on receip%iftelettansmittedordelivered by hand(provided that teletransmissions shall he confirmed by overnight mail or courier delivety),orfive BffsittessDays retailing,andallmailednotieesshallbe by registered or certified mail, aid. S. In case one or more provis twined in this Intercreditor Agreement shall be invalid.iDegal or unenforceable of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby. G. This Intercreditor Agreemem may be executed by one or more of the parties on any number of separate counterparts,and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. 7. This Intercreditor Agreement may not be modified except by written agreement between Bank and ABC and shal I be governed by and coustmed in acwrdaoce,..ith the laws of the State of (SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE) i JUL-31-00 MON 1 : 34 PM THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP FAX NO, 978 740 0097 P, 4 JL4_-31-2909 16:31 H.B COMM-NM BANGING 365 591 3172 P_04 IN WITNESS wHEREOF,the parties hereto have caused this Inter-Creditor Agreement to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first written above. Addresses: HAMILTON BANK,N.A. Rr. DRAFT 3750 N.W.87 Avenue Name: Miami. Florida 33178 Title: DRAFT By: Name: Title: ABC DRAFT By: Name: -Title: 3 TOTfL P.04 xuU 1=uu 10h II : i4 AM TH BIOENGINEERING GROUP TAX NO. 978 740 0097 P. U5J10/89 lb_UY FAA M 1145 U404 BASF: 'IECjLWLUI;IE's. 1NC. 16001 h US DOT Short Term Leading Program Appli42tion and Information U.S.Department of Transportation Office of Sins)) and DisadvOannt god Bss usineUt izatiion�portadon e financing between program administered under eooperadve agreements the US Department ofTransportation iu dseveral banju POIJCY STATEMENT L INTRODf7 N AUG- 1-00 TUE 11 :38 AM T&f BIOENGINEERING GROUP FAX 110, 978 740 0091 P. 3 uuflu/Ye 16:07 FAR 703 $43 0303 "sh 1fiR'a.VOWGIES, INC- 10002 A. The DOT Short Tenn Lending Program(STOP)is a national program designed to lend show term %%'orldng capital to disadvantaged business entezprises (DBEs) in order to increase the number of DBEs that eater into transportation related contnlets and to Seng Ile$the competitive and productive capabilities of the DBEs that currently do business with the U.S. Department of Transportation its grantees recipients, their contractors acid subcontractors_ The prolpum`is administered under cooperative ag"nents between the U.S.Depattrncnt Of Tratisportation(DOT)and one or more banks and is audtori7ed under Subchapter I 1 'the Department of Transportation Act,49 U_S.C.332,Pub;L 97-449. B_ Glossary of Terms I. DBE-a disadvantaged business enterprise- 2 DOT-The United States Department of Transportation. 3• .. STLP Bank - A bank under jointly with DOT cooperative agreement with DOT which provides loans and linesnes of of credit. - 4 R1tdPieat - State and othar agencies which from DOT_from Federal funding 'A7—The aPDl cat" must be �cettified disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), .ham '^d -Mtnori4'-oumed business enterprise or-women-owned business .enterprise. These certifications must be Performed under DOT guidelines,49-CFR Part 23.For purposes of this docanrnt �L)BE" will be used to describe all businesses certified under the - DOTXegulation. — Certification of firms is Performed by the individual tocipienrs of federal ids. Certification is not.performed by the U.S.D of its divisions. eft of Transportation or any. qj ,All {µlas defined by Section 8(a) of the U.S. Small Business- Administration Act are =omaticaliy recognized by all recipients and are eligible to,participate in the DBE pro without any further recipient certification. B. the borrower roust be Perfo "transpo[tation related' smiogr a transportamon related contract. The tent .restruc contract..m&3w a contract for the..maintenance rehabilitation, .. i = tunng improvement,or-revitalization of any of the nation's modes of trapsPO rtatiort with g = any Public or commercial provider of transportation of any Federal.State or local transportation agency-.In addition, Bach a contract maybe with any other Federal agency, provided that, and within the discretiont`of the Director of DOT's Office of Small and Disadvarnaged Business Utilization.(OSDBU),.each cotmact mill assist a DBE in competing-subsegtµnty for eonrtacts with either a public or commercial Provider of transpormdon or--any Fedec, State or local ttaosportation agency:This provision is applicable to any prime contractor or suboorrm any tier,of such a transportation provider or agency. actor, at AUG-�I-TO TUE i11 : 36r'A �u�THEoBIOENGINEERING��ROUP��e�i 110" 978 740 0097 P. 4 tm uua UL LOANST RU CTiJRE AND TERM A. Loam are structured as revolving ng hues of credit to finance accounts receivable arising from Uansportaaion related contracts. Accounts reocivable from any number of traDIportation related contracts may be finmtoed under the same line of credit B. The term of each line of credit is normally one year. Rraewals of the line may be requested,and updated financial information trust be provided to the STLP Bank for the evaluation and decision process C. Loan docurimtation is theresponsibility of the S1LP Bank,and the STLP Bank wi0 administer the line of credit IV. ADVANCES AND REPAYMENT A. Advances under the line of credit are trade upon presentation of invoices or requests for adv�cgress payments,as Permitted by the contract,to the S71P Bank, 'lye maximum against each invoice is 83%of the invoice amount B- Repayment of each advance is effected at the time the project owner or � Of contractor for makes Payment of each invoice. Payment of invoices mill require theusee paYeepayment systeno, wherein the STLP Bank and the DBE will be PaYees Of any check paid by the project owner or piecontractorto the DBE,and the Payment will be sem to the STIP Bank C. The lines of credit are intended to provide short term working capital to bridge the period between preparation and submission of the invoice and receipt of payment from The Prime contr-ector or project owner- The customary rases of Raids borrowed under the line are for payroll,materials and other project related items. Due to the short farm nature of each advance the funds are not available for long terra purposes.such as the Purchase of equipment or other fixed assets; nor are they to be used for such aspay-mea he non current taxes, zepaymesrt of existing debt, of or distributions to the companys owners. The frauds are not available to start up a business or a project; as adv may be made only against invoices based on work already performed. ances V. COLLATERAL A, The proceeds of the transportation related contracts are the primary cot haetat and source of repayment. Other collateral may be included in the offer of a line of credit. B. The STLP Bank's and Dors collateral position shat] be perfected by means of filings DOT Short Term lending Program:Appticadon and Infamation AUG- 1-00 TUE 11 36 AM THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP FAX NO. 978 790 0097 P. 5 08:10/98 i8:08 FAA Toa 848 0904 BeS6 TEC9.40LOGIES. INc. X004 "—" under the Uniform Commercial Code(UCC)and by assignment of contract proceeds_ C- Lines of credit shall be Persona guaranteed by each owner of 20% or mote of the firm. VI. INTEREST RATE The funds shall be loaned at the prime rate of interest that is published daily in the Wan Street Journal,adjusted on the first day of each calendar month for the ensuing momh VIL LOAN DECISIONS Loan approval decisions will consist of approval by the STLP Bards and concurrence by DOT. 'while special consideration must be given to support the financial needs of DBEs in their early stages of development,decisions will inelWe Ute basic parameters of sotmd credit judgement and standards. VIII. BONDED PROJECTS If a contracting agency or Prime contractor requires bonding before performance can begin on a transporration related contract, the STLP Bank must receive evidence that the bond has been fitnished before it makes advances under the line of credit against the accounts receivable from that contract. DL LOAN READINESS A company which does not have a transportation relaxed contract may submit an application for the STLP at such time as it has received reasonable assurance that it is being•considered for a specific transportation related contact. Any otyer of a line of credit Will be conditional upon the company receiving an eligible contract and will be subject to review after the contract is obtained_ NOTE=Loan Readiness may be performed by the STEP Batiks;however, approval on a Loan Readiness basis does not commit DOT or the STLP Bank to a loan nor bMly that the firm will receive a loan through the program DOT SHORT TERM LENDING PROGRAM LOAN APPLICATION Applicant: - VQTShort Tenn leading Program:1VOCaton and information AUG- 1-00 TUE 11 : 34 AM THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP PAX NO. 978 740 0097 P. 1 THE BIOENGINEERING GR( 60 &C-. 18 Commercial Street Salem,Massachusetts USA OIMb A i u — 3 R 1- 12 Phone 97$-740-0096 Fax 978-740-0097 gALI j Email mail@bioengineeringewnp L,e.p,t��iIr,G D'`--:i R'WW bttp://www.bieengineering.com Fax Transmission To: UrNV\ caaL�M PLQy\htV-, b D �Kst • Fax No. Date: Mx to . - Zo 0 b Pages: S (including cover) From: %p4, N k_t_ Subject: V4, ov%`xt, , Pt-b6vup.&A Notes \NCO tz WLRt..A MEMORANDUM TO: Craig Wheeler FROM: Mary Cassidy RE: APPLICATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS LOAN— THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP DATE: June 3, 1998 I recommend that we make a loan in the amount of$50,000 to Wendi Goldsmith, owner of The Bioengineering Group, a Salem consulting business in the field of erosion control, water quality and habitat restoration. The purpose of the loan is to assist with the build-out of the property at 18 Commercial Street in Salem. The Bioengineering Group is in the process of purchasing 18 Commercial Street for $300,000. This acquisition will permit this developing firm to grow in terms of business and personnel. The improvements to the property are estimated to cost $128,000 and include HVAC, doors, electrical work, windows, roof and painting. Ms. Goldsmith has recently been approved by Danvers Savings Bank in the amount of$342,000 for building purchase and build-out costs. Ms. Goldsmith has contributed $38,000 towards the purchase price and is also seeking a$100,000 line of credit to address near-term cash flow needs. A loan in the amount of$50,000 from the City will permit the needed building improvements to occur now. The applicant had considered delaying HVAC work for a few years, however it was determined that such a delay would be disruptive to employees and business operations. ABOUT THE COMPANY -BUSINESS PLAN The Bioengineering Group is a three year old, woman owned consulting business. The firm specializes in the design and application of vegetation in construction projects as a means of enhancing the environment. They also provide research services, construction oversight and training programs. The Bioengineering Group has numerous national and international private and public clients that have utilized the firm's services to address erosion control, wetlands creation and restoration. The Bioengineering Group currently employs six individuals, is in the process of hiring two more currently and expects to have a total of twelve employees by the end of 1999. The new 5,000 square foot facility meets the space needs of this growing company and also contains a small space that will be rented out. Wendi Goldsmith founded the Bioengineering Group in 1996 and brought over ten years of experience in the field of water resource restoration and design to the start up of her own company. She previously was involved in the start up and development of other small environmental companies and was the President of a small firm that supplied plant and construction materials for habitat restoration projects. Overall,the development of The 1 Bioengineering Group has been promising in its first three years. During the first year the firm posted a loss, since then it has been profitable and projections through the year 2001 indicate ever-increasing revenues and profits. FINANCIAL OVERVIEW I have reviewed personal financial statements of Wendi Goldsmith. The assets, liabilities and net worth of the owner were reviewed and the net worth of the owner appears to be strong. Ms. Goldsmith included letters explaining her credit situation, which had been briefly troubled, but has since been resolved. The company's tax returns for the past three years post a business loss for each year, although the unaudited statement of operations indicates a positive net income for years ending 1998 and 1997. The operating projections through the year 2001 indicate increasing sales and profits as the company becomes more established. Sales are projected at $1 million, $1.35 million and $1.75 million for the years ending 1999, 2000 and 2001. The cash flow projections show that the firm will be able to handle the current and anticipated debt service should the city loan be made. The net profit after taxes is projected to increase eac The rental income from a tenant in the building is anticipated to assist with covering mortgage expenses. The cash flow proforma indicates that the loan applicant will be able to afford the proposed loan payments of$706.70 per month. Based on the information supplied, the analysis supports the offering of a$50,000 loan to assist with needed building improvements. Profitability is projected for this operation;the owner has previous experience in the field that is brought to bear on this growing venture and the reputation to assist in its success. Thus, the loan will meet economic development goals of expanding the small business base in the community and providing additional employment. Please see the attached financial statements and cashflow statement for additional information. Also attached is the business plan and cost estimates for improvements. LOAN TERMS The proposed loan terms and conditions are as follows: Program: Small Business Capitalization Loan Program Principal: $50,000 Interest rate: 5.0% Term: 7 years Monthly payment: $706.70 2 Collateral/Security: - Second position on 18 Commercial Street (The first mortgage is held by Danvers Savings Bank) - Security interest in business assets and inventory - UCC statement - Personal guarantee Benefits: - Improves a property - Adds value to tax base - Creates additional small business in Salem THE NEXT STEP Please let me know if I can approve this loan or if you need more information. I hope to give the applicant an answer as soon as possible. Thank you. 3 i River Wharf Realty Trust The Bioengineering Group, Inc. Application for Certified Project Designation Tax Increment Financing Plan ,n 3 53 _f '777 ti Presented to: Salem City Council March 30, 2000 t The Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program Certified Project Application Applicant Information 1. Name and address of business(es) submitting this application: Name: River Wharf Realty Trust Address: 18 Commercial Street Salem, MA 01970 Fiscal year end is ffeUffWiJ 2. Name and address of project (if different from above): N/A 3. Location of ETA: Beverly & Salem Regional ETA 4. Location of EOA: Salem 5. Authorization: I/We (print), Robert Solomon , of River Wharf Realty Trust , the entity applying for Certified Project designation, hereby certify that the information within this application is true and accurate, and reflects the project's intentions for job creation and investment. I understand that the information provided within this application shall be binding for the duration of the project certification. Signature (Date) Signature (Date) 1 t ' 6. Nature and purpose of project River Wharf Realty Trust is seeking Certified Project designation to obtain property tax relief for its recently purchased building and land at 18 Commercial Street. The Bioengineering Group, Inc.,the business leasing the building located on the property, is renovating the space to house its professional offices. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is committed to increasing its business and employment and to growing in �i��'c�te' `tyir�'k�rt6sYet,'nt e�sir a ts be4rtai biite�jad, o asoJsee ikcef,�aTs+*`h".�teurB's4ifoo5:5�,''�v�agrtteoiheap+��a.:n,��. Ftn`�u'�. Salem . , '�' ' � The Bioengineering Group's expectations and goals are to serve to jump-start development in this neighborhood as the firm's expansion helps to catalyze other attractive and desirable elements to this area. The Bioengineering Group was incorporated in January 1996 as a consulting company providing expertise in the use of vegetation for construction projects designed to optimize environmental benefits, and provides a full range of services in the field of bioengineering for erosion control, water quality, and habitat restoration. The company has been located in Salem since its inception, first at 53 Mason Street, and now at 18 Commercial Street, having leased the building from River Wharf Realty Trust that purchased the land and building on June 30, 1999. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. was founded by Wendi Goldsmith who continues to serve as the President and sole Director and Shareholder of the company. She has over ten years of involvement in the ecological restoration and erosion control fields. Ms. Goldsmith left her more recent position as President of Bestmann Green Systems, Inc. in order to focus her energy on the establishment of a highly specialized consulting firm offering services related to bioengineered erosion control treatments, stream restoration, and wetlands creation. The firm's business contacts and strong reputation within the industry have thus far enabled to firm to grow to its present size and stature. Ms. Goldsmith and her family have been residents of Salem since 1992 where they own a home and property on Mall Street. The Bioengineering Group employs five full time professionals, two training interns from Germany,two part time student assistants, and two part time administrative staff. The firth expects that over the next three years approximately fifteen(15)net,new permanent jobs will be created, using roughly $500,000 in private investment. The business is young and working aggressively to compete with larger engineering and science consulting firms,mainly based in Boston. Tax increment financing would offer the company much needed assistance with cash flow as they seek access to working capital and financial assistance to control expenses. The building at 18 Commercial Street is one story with a mezzanine and is located in a Business Park Development zoning district which is geared towards developing clean businesses and light industrial uses. The building is a 5,000 square foot building located 2 on a 10,716 square foot lot. Previously the building had been vacant or partially vacant for a number of years. Attached is the budget for the project buildout in the amount of$239,925. The budget includes a new roof, new HVAC system, interior and exterior renovation. The Bioengineering Group has retained an architect to design the interior layout and contractors to perform the renovation work. Budget for Project dos of4Lm rovemnts t HBud et , �-g Architecture Fees 3,600 ASTM Screen/Limited Assessment 500 Report Roofing 30,775 General Construction 56,500 Plumbing 8,000 Electrical Work 35,500 Heating and Ductwork 20,000 Air Conditioning 8,600 Lighting 2,850 Interior Finishes 25,000 TelephoneNoicemail System 12,500 Building/Company Sign 900 Security System 2,700 Greenhouse 20,000 Misc. Services: blueprints, permits, 6,500 waste removal, etc. Misc. Supplies: lumber,paint, 6,000 hardware, ladder rental, etc. Total Improvement Costs $2399925 3 7. Is this business new to Massachusetts? ❑ Yes ✓ No If no: • Where are the existing Massachusetts facilities? The facility moved from 53 Mason Street in Salem to 18 Commercial Street in Salem in June 1999. • Will this project require/trigger the closing or consolidation of any Massachusetts facilities? If yes,please explain. No. 8. Is this project an expansion of an existing business? ✓Yes ❑ No If yes, check the appropriate box: ❑ at existing location ✓ at new location in same municipality ❑ at new location in different municipality 9. Job creation In order to qualify for Certified Project status, the governing statute and regulations require the creation of net, new,permanent full-time employees in Massachusetts. On the chart provided(see next page),please fill in the blanks provided. 4 Work Force Analysis andjob Creation Plan Current TOTAL NEW JOBS NEWJOBS NEW JOBS NEW JOBS NEW JOBS employment projected new Year I Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 permanent jobs Total Employees at Certified Project 13 15 3 3 3 3 3 Facility Total Employees at Other Sites in N/A Mass. #of Employees at Certified Project 1 10 2 2 2 2 2 Location who live in the ETA #of Permanent Full-Time Employees 6 12 3 3 3 2 1 #of Permanent Part-Time Employees 2 3 — — — 1 2 #of Temporary Full-Time Employees 2 0 — — — — — #of Temporary Part-Time Employees 3 0 — — — — — #of Management Positions 2 2 1 Average Salary of Management $85,000 Positions #of Professional Positions 5 13 2 3 2 3 3 Average Salary of Professional $60,000 Positions #of Technical Positions 2 — — — — — — Average Salary of Technical Positions $35,000 #of Skilled Positions 3 — — — — — — Average Salary of Skilled Positions $25/hr #of Unskilled Positions 2 — — — — — — Average Salary of Unskilled Positions $1.50/hr 5 10. Certification for Abandoned Buildings: Does the proposed project involve the renovation and reuse of an abandoned building? ❑ Yes ❑ No ✓ Unsure If yes or unsure, please answer the following questions: (a) How long has the building been vacant? (If known, state date) The building has been vacant since approximately 1993. (b) During this period of time, what percentage of the building was vacant and unused? If the percentage varied during this time period,provide information for each change in the percent of vacant space and the applicable time period. 11. Local Employment: What actions will you take to recruit employees from among residents of the ETA? The owner of the Bioengineering Group is currently involved in community activities to learn of and update local resources and to identify possible job candidates. The firm will maintain communication with local agencies and organizations, including Salem High School and college contacts. The firm will rely on local newspapers as well as Internet and Boston area employment resources. The Bioengineering Group has the intention and capacity to achieve the anticipated level of new permanent full-time jobs for residents of the municipality/Economic Target Area. The owner is a Salem resident and intends to recruit intensively from the ETA to fill new. permanent full-time jobs. The firm recently leased a 5,000 square foot facility at 18 Commercial Street to meet the needs of this steadily growing company. It is committed to expanding the business and adding ETA residents to its payroll. The firm has already hired at least two full-time employees who are Salem residents (Operations Manager and Restoration Horticulturist). The market for bioengineering design and applications has grown quickly in the United States and internationally and The Bioengineering Group has been successful at obtaining major contracts for such work. Revenues and volume of work have been increasing and are anticipated to continue, thus furthering the need for additional personnel. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is in the unique position of offering consulting services in new and innovative environmental technologies. The company has a four year client base, including new and repeat business in government and public projects, as well as residential, smaller projects. The company is willing and anxious to search the local market for promising employees for technical,management and administrative positions. 6 12. Affirmative Action Statement: Does the business have an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Plan or Statement? ✓ Yes ❑ No If yes,please attach a copy. Please see attached. If no, describe the business' hiring policies and practices. 13. Agreement between the Business and Area Banks: Describe briefly the business' local banking relationship(s), if any. Does the institution with which the business banks participate in the Massachusetts Capital Access Program, which is designed to commit a portion of the business' deposits to fund loans to local businesses? The Bioengineering Group, Inc. banks with Fleet Bank(Salem Branch) and Danvers Savings Bank,who participate in the Massachusetts Capital Access Program. 14. Economic benefits of project certification: Provide a description of the economic benefits that are anticipated for the business and the project, if the project is certified. Also, provide any information, documentation or studies demonstrating any additional benefits (i.e. reduction of blight, reuse of abandoned buildings, clean up of contaminated property,job training,provision of day care, any contributions to the community, etc.) likely to accrue to the area as a result of Certified Project designation. Please describe: The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is engaged in a consistent year-round business activity that emphasizes skilled and highly skilled employment, both elements of which help to create economic balance here in Salem where it has often been skewed toward the service and retail sectors. As The Bioengineering Group enlarges its staff of professionals, technical and skilled workers,the firm encourages not only their contribution to the company and the City of Salem, but also, encourages employees to appreciate and settle in Salem and surrounding communities. The company and its founder and President, Wendi Goldsmith, are interested in offering expertise to the community in the form of ecological restoration to promote a coherent and positive identity for the multi-purpose corridor along the North River in Salem. It is the firm's intent to encourage the City and active businesses in the area to collaborate in carving out a clearer identity that could play a small yet significant part in adding to the enrichment of the already recognized historical and cultural identities in Salem. The Bioengineering Group's building is located in a section of Salem that in undergoing revitalization in the form of public park improvements(North River Canal park),new 7 businesses and infrastructure improvements such as the Bridge Street improvements and the proposed Bridge Street bypass road. Certified Project designation will permit River Wharf Realty Trust to assist this company's growth and contribute to the overall economic welfare of Salem. Additionally,the location of this prosperous and healthy company will further attract other viable economic uses. Economic benefits to applicant • Improvements to the building and property and expansion of The Bioengineering Group's workforce are economically feasible with the receipt of investment tax credits and property tax benefits • River Wharf Realty Trust will receive approximately ME in local property tax benefits over five years • The rehabilitation of the facility will entitle River Wharf Realty Trust MM in state 5% investment tax credits Economic benefits to the City of Salem • The new location and expansion of The Bioengineering Group could provide an incentive and an anchor for the development of the Business Park along the North River Corridor. Additional improvement of the Corridor would add to the attraction of the newly constructed park area, and could incorporate the historical and cultural identities of Salem in making the area more attractive to tourists/visitors. • The quality of the neighborhood would be improved and enhanced by recognizing the need for improving the properties and integrating the utilitarian role of the business park district. • As the company expands its work force, the need for professionals will increase, and with that, expectations for increases in property investment and taxes. • The company is expected to add fifteen new jobs in Salem. • Tax revenues to the City will be increased because (1)the Commercial Street building will now be occupied by a successful business that contributes to the job market and use of sales and services from the community as a whole; and (2) improvements to the building and property will result in an increased value of the property. Special Requirements for Real Estate Projects 1. Will the business own or lease/rent the facility? ❑ Own '/Lease/Rent If leasing/renting, please identify the developer/landlord, and state who will be the taxpayer of record for the purpose of paying local real estate taxes. The Landlord is River Wharf Realty Trust. 8 If owning,will the business fully occupy the space? ❑ Yes ❑ No If no, does the business intend to lease/rent the remaining space? The space will be occupied by The Bioengineering Group and a tenant new to Salem: Summa, Inc., distributors of graphic equipment. 2. Describe how the various tax benefits and other economic incentives that will result from Certified Project designation will be allocated among the business(e's) developing the project(i.e. a developer or landlord) and the business(e's) intending to purchase, lease or rent space at the facility(i.e. tenant or tenants). will receive relief in the form of M that will assist it in its renovation plans for the building. Supplemental Information 1. Name(s) of business(e's) intending to take advantage of state tax incentives: Business Name: River Wharf Realty Trust Federal Employer ID: Address: 18 Commercial Street Salem, MA 01970 Phone: (978) 740-0096 Fax: (978) 740-0097 Contact Person: Wendi Goldsmith/Grace Spence ❑ Individual Level of interest: (Indicate the benefits the company seeks) ✓ 5% Investment Tax Credit ❑ 10%Abandoned Building Tax Deduction(if applicable) ✓ Local Real Estate Tax Incentive Beneficiary 9 2. Names and Addresses of Organization (please respond according to type) Realty Trust: Robert G. Solomon, Trustee Wendi Goldsmith, Beneficiary 3. Please provide names, addresses, phone numbers and contact persons for organizations which may own or control or be affiliated with the applicant organization: Robert G. Solomon 7 Mall Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 740-0096 Wendi Goldsmith 7 Mall Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 740-0096 4. Certificate of Good Standing: A Certificate of Good Standing is attached with this application. mcc Atiflforms\cpap.wpd 10 i Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Division Certificate Unit PO Box 7066 September 30, 1999 Boston,MA 02204 BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. 53 MASON STREET SALEM, MA 01970 CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING It is hereby certified by the Commissioner of Revenue of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as of the above date, that the above named corporation is a domestic corporation organized in Massachusetts on January 16, 1996 and that said corporation is in good standing with respect to any and all returns due and taxes payable to the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 62C, and the statutes referred to in Section 2 thereof. This certificate does not certify the corporation's standing as to unemployment insurance taxes under G.L.Ch. 151a or taxes under any other provisons or law. No. 53653 By Assistant Chief, Automated Systems Bureau THIS IS NOT A WAIVER OF LIEN ISSUED UNDER GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 62C, SECTION 52, AND CANNOT BE USED FOR SUCH PURPOSE. 5066 - 69976 Frederick b Laskey ®pnmedm recycwpaow Commissioner THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 1. EEO POLICY STATEMENT The Bioengineering Group, Inc. ("TBG"), its officers, and managers are fully committed to equal employment opportunity and to the implementation of an effective affirmative action employment program without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or handicap. It is TBG's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons and to prohibit discrimination in all aspects of its personnel policies, program practices and operations, and in all of its working conditions and relationships with employees and applicants for employment. All TBG employees and managers are responsible for supporting TBG's policy on equal employment opportunity and for assuring that the workplace is free from discrimination. As evidence of its commitment to affirmative action in employment, TBG has made equal employment opportunity a critical element in its managerial performance appraisal system. Annual evaluation will be made to measure program accomplishments in affirmative action, and measures will be taken to remedy imbalances or lack of progress. 2. PLAN FOR PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is committed to providing a work environment free of sexual harassment. TBG routinely informs employees that such harassment is a violation of.Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and that TBG prohibits sexual harassment of its employees in any form. Reports of allegations will be treated with discretion, thoroughly investigated, and acted upon to eliminate such harassment and to prevent recurrences. 3. STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE MONITORING/EVALUATION SYSTEM In order to permit ongoing assessment of the TBG affirmative action employment program, a copy of all personnel actions are given to the TBG Director of Human Resources as they occur. This allows for the analysis of hiring and promotions. Since the TBG work force consists of fewer than 200 employees, hiring and promotion can be adequately monitored without a computerized system. In addition to the ongoing assessment of personnel data and trends, an effective, bias-free system of auditing is essential to any affirmative employment 2Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 Page 2 program. Accordingly, on an annual basis, the following will be reviewed by the Director of Human Resources: - Effectiveness of barrier elimination strategies. - Selection process of new hires during year. Annual findings will be presented in writing to TBG management with recommendations for correcting problem areas. 4. PROGRAM ANALYSES- RECRUITMENT AND HIRING It is TBG's policy to promote from within whenever possible. When this is not possible, professional, administrative, technical, and clerical positions are advertised in several local newspapers in the recruiting area in an attempt to reach a diverse group of job candidates. As provided by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Management Directive 714 (EEO-MD-714), Section 13a(5), numerical objectives (goals) are optional because of TBG's limited employment size. Due to the dynamic nature of TBG's business and the market segment in which it operates, such objectives would be restrictive to its ability to operate cost-effectively and at the level of expertise for which it is known. 2 RESOLUTION APPROVING CERTIFIED PROJECT APPLICATION OF RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST WHEREAS, River Wharf Realty Trust has applied for designation as a Certified Project under the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program created by Chapter 23A of Massachusetts General laws; WHEREAS, River Wharf Realty Trust meets the minimum standards of the Economic Development Incentive Program and the local economic development goals and criteria established as part of the documents creating the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; WHEREAS, the proposed certified project is located at 18 Commercial Street, within the boundaries of the Salem Economic Opportunity Area. The legal description is as follows: The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, bounded and described as follows: Parcel No. 1 Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY corner of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running in a NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to a point;thence turning and running in a NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50.05) feet along land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc.; thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 57/100 (92.57) feet; thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty (50) feet to the point of beginning. Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem,Rear of North Street, Salem, Mass., May 1955,Revised October 1955 —Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer"in Book 4809, Page 500. Parcel No. 2 The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY comer of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100 (388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street;thence running SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy (70) feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem;thence turning and running NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem, eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc.;thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc., seventy and 12/100 (70.12) feet to land now or formerly of Cook; thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and 06/100 (86.06) feet to the point begun at. Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the City of Salem, rear of North Street May 1955, Revised October 1955,Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer" and hereinbefore referred to. For title,reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord, dated May 14, 1965 and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267, Page 342. WHEREAS, the City of Salem has agreed to offer River Wharf Realty Trust a Tax Increment Financing Agreement; WHEREAS, Trust will invest approximately to renovate a property at 18 Commercial Street into professional offices, an investment which creates approximately 15 new,permanent jobs for residents of the Beverly& Salem Regional Economic Target Area. WHEREAS, the renovation of the property at 18 Commercial Street will substantially improve the aesthetic appearance of the property and reduce blight in one of Salem's business districts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Salem City Council approves the Certified Project application of River Wharf Realty Trust, designating this project as a certified project for a period of five years, and forwards said application for certification to the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council for its approval and endorsement. Adopted this day of 2000, by the Salem City Council. Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., Mayor Date Attest: Deborah E. Burkinshaw, City Clerk SEAL Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program Tax Increment Financing Plan I. Location A. Economic Opportunity Area (EOA): Salem EOA B. Municipality: City of Salem C. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Zone: Attached are: • map of the ETA • map showing the general location of the proposed private project • parcel by parcel map with property lines and the outline of each building, infrastructure improvements, all thoroughfare,public rights of way and easements • zoning map Common description of TIF Zone: The proposed TIF Zone is located at 18 Commercial Street in the Salem Economic Opportunity Area(EOA). The tax parcel is Map 26, Lot 51. Legal description of TIF Zone: The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, bounded and described as follows: Parcel No. 1 Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY corner of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running in a NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to a point;thence turning and running in a NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50.05) feet along land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.; thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 1 57/100 (92.57) feet; thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty (50) feet to the point of beginning. Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem, Rear of North Street, Salem, Mass., May 1955, Revised October 1955 —Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer" in Book 4809, Page 500. Parcel No. 2 The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100 (388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street; thence running SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy (70) feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem; thence turning and running NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem, eighty- nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.; thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc., seventy and 12/100 (70.12) feet to land now or formerly of Cook; thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and 06/100 (86.06) feet to the point begun at. Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the City of Salem,rear of North Street May 1955, Revised October 1955, Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer"and hereinbefore referred to. For title, reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord, dated May 14, 1965 and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267,Page 342. D. Narrative Description of TIF Zone: Needs, Problems and Opportunities: Designation of this TIF Zone meets the needs of, solves problems for and creates opportunities for River Wharf Realty Trust and the City of Salem. Solving problems and meeting the needs of River Wharf Realty Trust: River Wharf Realty Trust purchased the land and building at 18 Commercial on June 30, 2 1999 and leased it to The Bioengineering Group, Inc., a small consulting firm that made a sizable investment in Salem in locating at 18 Commercial Street and undertaking the extensive renovations to the property. The building or portions of the building were unused for some time prior to the purchase, and the building needed to be transformed into professional office space from what was essentially an open warehouse. In order for The Bioengineering Group, Inc. to remain in Salem, it recognized it would be necessary to raise funds to convert the building into a viable business location. With that in mind,the company set out to investigate sources for funding and economic assistance. River Wharf Realty Trust recognized that the Tax Increment Financing Certified Project designation, would be especially helpful in assisting The Bioengineering Group in its early years of growth and expansion. Creating Opportunityfor River Wharf Realty Trust: Assistance from the City of Salem and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development through Certified Project designation will create the opportunity for River Wharf Realty Trust to assist The Bioengineering Group to grow its business in Salem. Although the company has already demonstrated successful growth in the environmental technology consulting field, the company is still small and values the opportunity to stay in Salem where it has already discovered local need for its services. This project provides the Bioengineering Group,Inc. with the ideal opportunity to jumpstart economic development on the Commercial Street corridor and to be the first of many anticipated businesses to create a business park in this area that is fronting on the recently established North River Canal Park. The project is also anticipated to employ 15 permanent, net, new jobs in the ETA. Solving problems and meeting the needs of the City of Salem: Designation of the TIF Zone and approval of this TIF Plan will help River Wharf Realty Trust, which will expand the tax base and increase the supply of healthy, growing businesses in the City of Salem. The establishment of a professional firm such as The Bioengineering Group in this business corridor will help to spur further economic growth, as other firms are attracted to this improved business district. The City has undertaken several initiatives in this area to boost economic development and aesthetic appearances. The existence of the North River Canal Park provides a very attractive setting in which to locate a business. The proposed Bridge Street By-pass, which is located nearby to this development, will improve travel in Salem. Additionally, the nearby former Parker Brothers site is slated for redevelopment as a high end residential and mixed use development, which will greatly improve this section of Salem. 3 Creating Opportunity for the City of Salem: Certified Project designation permits River Wharf Realty Trust to assist The Bioengineering Group to remain in Salem where it can continue dialogue with community representatives to learn ways that it can service the local area with environmental solutions while helping to bring employment opportunities to the City as well. The City of Salem will benefit by the presence of a stable company that improves the appearance of the Commercial Street area, adds permanent jobs and will be a vital component of an overall economic development revitalization. E. Property owners within the proposed TIF Zone: The property owner is: River Wharf Realty Trust Robert G. Solomon, Trustee H. Time The TIF Plan and TIF Zone described here will be in effect foraeriod of five years. P III. TIF Zone & Economic Development A. Economic Opportunities and Economic Benefits to the Community: Approval of the proposed TIF Zone will create the following economic development opportunities and benefits: • Creates jobs: 15 net,new permanent jobs. The Bioengineering Group will expand its work force from the present thirteen employees to an additional fifteen technical, administrative and management positions over the life of the TIF. With that,there are expectations for increases in property investment and tax revenues to the City. • Generates addtional tax revenue through the life of the TIF and beyond: see attached spreadsheet entitled "5 Year Tax Increment Financing Plan". Tax revenues to the City will be increased because (1)the Commercial Street building will now be occupied by running, successful businesses contributing to the job market and use of sales and services from the community as a whole; and(2) improvements to the building and property will have occurred. • Improves appearance of vacant property through renovation. The quality of the neighborhood would be improved and enhanced by recognizing the need for improving the properties and integrating the utilitarian role of the business park district. • The new location and expansion of The Bioengineering Group could provide an 4 incentive and an anchor for the development of the Business Park along the North River Corridor. Additional improvement of the Corridor would add to the attraction of the newly constructed park, area, and could incorporate the historical and cultural identities of Salem in making the area more attractive to tourists/visitors. B. Proposed and Potential Land Uses: (analyze how the land uses are appropriate for anticipated economic development) The property will be used for the professional offices of The Bioengineering Group, Inc. In addition to the building improvements, plans are being made to include an attractive greenhouse where the company will be able to grow and demonstrate the use of wetland plants appropriate to the New England area. It is anticipated that the improvements and greenhouse will greatly enhance the restoration to the area already initiated by the City and contribute to ongoing economic development initiatives. C. Zoning in the TIF Zone: The TIF Zone is located in a Business Park Development district. D. Hazardous Waste: (identify any parcels, public or private, in zone which are confirmed hazardous waste disposal sites, in accordance with chapter 21 E, MGL. Describe any public or private site remediation activities and any reuse plans) Not Applicable IV. TIF Zone Projects A. Planned Private Project: The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is renovating a 5,000 square foot warehouse at 18 Commercial Street consisting of one floor and a mezzanine into its professional offices. B. Provide Documentary evidence of the level of the developer's commitment to the proposed and required construction in the TIF project: The Bioengineering Group, Inc. has already paid legal and professional fees related to the appraisal, 21E assessment, building inspection, and closing costs associated with the purchase of the property and building. Wendi Goldsmith, owner and president of the company, also contributed personally towards the down payment. Additionally,the company has engaged the services of an architect, general contractor and roofing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors for the development of this project. 5 C. Budget for Project: The costs of completing the project are as follows: rCost ofrImprovements � udget; `td.F,m'. .- _._'f'';.N. ,', rn .. ",ti;�d `�« ` .�ds�,#,'se", "`rth.* P+,s�`r.��� +x 1 Architecture Fees 3,600 ASTM Screen/Limited Assessment 500 Report Roofing 30,775 General Construction 56,500 Plumbing 8,000 Electrical Work 35,500 Heating and Ductwork 20,000 Air Conditioning 8,600 Lighting 2,850 Interior Finishes 25,000 TelephoneNoicemail System 12,500 Building/Company Sign 900. Security System 2,700 Greenhouse 20,000 Misc. Services: blueprints, permits, 6,500 waste removal, etc. Misc. Supplies: lumber,paint, 6,000 hardware, ladder rental, etc. Total Improvement Costs $2399925 6 D. Relevant business plans: Time schedule for development: Expected increases in job creation: 15 permanent professional,technical, management, skilled and unskilled jobs Estimates of tax revenue based upon increased valuation of parcel: Please see attached spreadsheet entitled"5 Year Tax Increment Financing Plan" E. Participation in other federal, state and local economic development programs and initiatives: N/A F. Planned Public Projects: N/A V. Financing for TIF Zone Projects A. Anticipated Financing for Private Projects: Source: Amount: Danvers Savings Bank—SBA Loan/Mortgage $342,000 Danvers Savings Bank—Line of Credit 100,000 City of Salem Note 50,000 Danvers Savings Bank Loan 90,000 Investment from W. Goldsmith 55,000 Total $637,000 B. Anticipated Financing for Public Projects: N/A C. Detailed Projection of Costs of Public Construction: N/A 7 D. Will Betterments be used to finance any public-private projects, now or within the proposed life of the TIF Plan? N/A E. If Betterments or Special Assessments are a part of the TIF Plan: N/A F. Describe how private projects will be financed: Evidence of private financing commitments: The Bioengineering Group has received approvals and funds for the financing of this project from Danvers Savings Bank and the City of Salem. VI. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING A. Authorization to use TIF: The attached City Council resolution dated March 9, 1995 authorizes the City of Salem to use TIF in the Salem EOA. Also attached is a City Council Resolution approving the TIF Plan for River Wharf Realty Trust on B. Amount of proposed tax increment exemptions from property taxes: As the attached spreadsheet shows,the Chairman of Salem's Board of Assessors estimates that property tax benefits will total approximately $ E over five years. Also, see the description of the proposed TIF Plan in part D of this section. C. Maximum percentage of public project costs that can be recovered through betterments or special assessments: N/A D. TIF exemption from property taxes: As the attached spreadsheet shows,the City estimates the tax benefits to total approximately=over 5 years. 8 The exemption plan works as follows: Year River Wharf Realty Trust Pays: 1 75% of the increment,plus the base tax bill 2 85%of the increment,plus the base tax bill 3 95%of the increment,plus the base tax bill 4 95%of the increment,plus the base tax bill 5 95%of the increment,plus the base tax bill 6 100%of the increment,plus the base tax bill The effective date of tax increment exemption is July 1, 2000(Fiscal Year 2001). The property becomes eligible for the tax increment exemption on the July first following the date on which the EACC approves the plan. Term of the exemption: 5 years VII. Approval of TIF projects TIF projects are approved by the Salem City Council. The Mayor and his staff are responsible for negotiating TIF Plans and, after Council approval,executing those plans. Evidence of local approvals of the proposed TIF Zone and TIF Plan is provided here in the form of a resolution authorizing a TIF agreement passed by the Salem City Council on \MOTIFBimngincering\TIFPLAN.doc 9 ' I RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING IN THE SALEM ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AREA WHEREAS,the City of Salem is part of the area designated the Beverly& Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; WHEREAS,there is strong support for economic development and the use of Tax Increment Financing as an economic development tool to create jobs and encourage business expansion and relocation to the City of Salem; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Salem that: (1) Tax Increment Financing may be used as a tool to encourage economic development within the Salem Economic Oppoounity.Area. (2) The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and implement Tax Increment Financing agreements. Adopted this day of 19��by the Salem ' City Council at a regular City Council meeting with a quorum present. Neil J. H mgton,May6r Date ATTEST: Deborah E. Burkinshaw,City Clerk SEAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT For River Wharf Realty Trust WHEREAS, the City of Salem is part of the area designated the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Salem has prepared a Tax Increment Financing Agreement in accordance of Chapter 40 and 751 CMR 11.00; WHEREAS, there is strong support for economic development and the use of Tax Increment Financing as an economic development tool to encourage business expansion in and relocation to the City of Salem; WHEREAS, there is strong support for using Tax Increment Financing to encourage the renovation of 18 Commercial Street,the property owned by River Wharf Realty Trust and leased to The Bioengineering Group,Inc.; WHEREAS, this property is located in the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Salem City Council that: (1) The Tax Increment Financing Agreement be adopted as it has been substantially submitted to the City Council. A copy of said Tax Increment Financing Agreement is attached as Exhibit A,and made part of this Resolution. (2) The area to be designated as a Tax Increment Financing Zone is: The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon,if any,bounded and described as follows: Parcel No. 1 Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY comer of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running in a NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85)feet to a point;thence turning and running in a NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 051100 (50.05) feet along land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.;thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 57/100 (92.57)feet;thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty (50)feet to the point of beginning. Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem,Rear of North Street, Salem, Mass.,May 1955, Revised October 1955—Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer"in Book 4809, Page 500. Parcel No. 2 The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100(388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street;thence running SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy(70) feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem;thence turning and running NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem,eighty- nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.;thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc., seventy and 12/100(70.12)feet to land now or formerly of Cook;thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook,eighty-six and 06/100 (86.06)feet to the point begun at. Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the City of Salem,rear of North Street May 1955,Revised October 1955, Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer"and hereinbefore referred to. For title,reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord, dated May 14, 1965 and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267, Page 342. (3) A map of the Tax Increment Financing Zone is hereby attached as Exhibit B and made part of this Resolution. (4) The Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be binding on all subsequent owners of the property in the Tax Increment Financing Zone. The City of Salem reserves the right to review and renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement if the business activity ceases to be fully operational during the life of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement, as specified in the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. (5) A copy of the adopted Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be forwarded to the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council for its approval. (6) The effective date of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be July 1,2000 (Fiscal Year 2001),whichever is later. (7) The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and implement the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. Adopted this day of 2000 by the Salem City Council at a regular City Council meeting with a quorum present. Stanley J. Usovicz,Jr.,Mayor Date ATTEST: Deborah E. Burkinshaw,City Clerk SEAL RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST ✓d.(�w� CC,( /C-U /A-7f)'0-1,1 5-YEAR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN Base Value FY 00 $205,500 Tax Rate $31.65 Value After Building Renovation "" Levy Percent Growth 2.5% Increment in Value ($205,500) Base Year FY 2000 .: ......,_ �:..�..y::u�ex...:..., s..e. oz4... e..:..... :. wE`k`E: .. :dE:k .ee a.;:e:;c��w��.a....�:,�� 'ae-.•a�e.7o'.cs a'ss..: ,..:'.?;a;.axo:gg... .:�Sa..�;o',e .: a$6 .x .e�n�e..,.:�'o`�,.�,. ..x3 : ems.� w.�: e:�«.,�.�.4�;i�a�n'S,'a wo ..:ro ov<.:aoss3"o�� aaa�eobs,<..:..� u:<e +g�,. x.. w .rna.<«:.a»wt :er.�,.3?aa''�box::,:A.:.� e�:e ...�y..w: :.: ;a..ks :<>:t....y.gat. :.y?o- . .xo...... 3e ..e:�9'.0,..�3,.:,'o�._",a�A.,.a.+`.:.:aq:.exa.:,o-a>.;eR:o:9�<Y,::;..ae;sw.>..>.::..�.E....C. xmau�'° �ea� v��$ e °tv'•`'Px�'s" �E77.�>a�ra��s �s��+x� a�<h<�'.���i1�Mis€#:e`S'o.,. $x%, �,o.<:a'.>: oac.s..« BASE $205,500 $31.65 $6,504 0% $7,090 $0 $7,090 $0 1 $32.44 $0 75% $6,667 $0 $6,667 ($6,667) 2 $33.25 $0 85% $6,833 $0 $6,833 ($6,833) 3 $34.08 $0 95% $7,004 $0 $7,004 ($7,004) 4 $34.94 $0 95% $7,179 $0 $7,179 ($7,179) 5 $35.81 $0 95% $7,359 $0 $7,359 ($7,359) 6 $36.70 $0 100% $7,543 ($754) $6,788 ($6,788) TOTALS $6,504 $48,920 ($41,831) NOTES Z" 'TIF% = Percent of increment that is taxed w`( l ��y- �� "Taxes Paid Each Year= Base Tax Bill plus Taxes on Increment "'Tax Benefit Each Year= Benefit to River Wharf Realty Trust Base Value consists of FY2000 Assessed value of 18 Commercial Street Oe , -'J0gD6w 1 00 + �•yo, s •' �Oo O6 1 .t�� O �OgS�o 10 G390 �0= b� o \\ ' ' •�.O �Ap .� ,.J '• •, + 59 ��9 rig ,`p 5 '�'P e' � } ,�ii.. .5f° yg r \\\ '\ \\\ A00 9' t Z68 a QP \\ \ �gy 0 • boo 6 e - A. a `�. 23 \ ' \\ • •V i h1 A 91 . •o e\ I� 1,d�0 • B \ \ Aby �O� •• t'110 ��� �/ +� Ob 5 S00 ,� � 0 •� � g3 � / A . ! iT \\O9\ X81 5 • • '� •o 1.OQ PG / \ oA9 'Dow 0 1 p \el�0 5Q2 6 Ages Oa p \\\\_��� / �` �y •�Olt River Wharf Realty Trust \p G Ag 16,eb _ 10,16 ne Private Project 6q y \\ 2 idl 60 0 CO AAA ! 31 A ep \ •` �.� � 60011 � 304 RIVER � )k AO 60 00 �+°. �' 3 A\ ��� it g� tac Z =j96° . l ol '° �� s � �t.t' \ II 7 \ o / rp 11 C Z i710 .� x ibo- 29,061. 040190 Ile 635 Assessor's Map Private Project Indicated A6 �c ' � � �' 4 6\6 i.ai Ac e�' J 14 .�+ 12750 mo TIF Zone Indicated i • a i .n aN 4r AIR I AI7 o�+ uOD �. - •o.• .I TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS and RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST This agreement is made this_day of , 2000,by and between the CITY OF SALEM, a municipal corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,having a principal place of business at City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970,acting through the Mayor, Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., (hereinafter called "the CITY"), and RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST, a Massachusetts corporation with a principal place of business at 18 Commercial Street in Salem, Massachusetts, 01970 (hereinafter called "the COMPANY") . This Agreement will take effect as of July 1, 2000(Fiscal Year 2001). WHEREAS, the COMPANY has permitted The Bioengineering Group, Inc. (hereinafter called "the LESSEE"of the COMPANY)to renovate the building at 18 Commercial Street in Salem as the professional offices for the LESSEE; and WHEREAS, the CITY is willing to grant tax concessions in return for guarantee of the renovation of this distressed property and the creation of employment opportunities for local workers;and WHEREAS, the Salem City Council resolved on November 9, 1995 to allow the use of Tax Increment Financing as a tool to encourage economic development within the Salem Economic Opportunity Area;and WHEREAS, the Salem City Council resolved on to endorse the Tax Increment Financing Plan negotiated by the CITY and the COMPANY. NOW,THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein,the parties do mutually agree as follows: A. THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATIONS 1. The COMPANY shall purchase and permit the LESSEE to renovate the property at 18 Commercial Street in Salem. "The FACILITY" as used herein means a building containing approximately 5,000 square feet plus site improvements. 2. During the life of this agreement,if the COMPANY decides to sell the FACILITY or the business or to otherwise transfer control of the FACILITY or business and/or operations thereof,the COMPANY shall give the CITY at least three months notice of said sale or transfer. Said notice shall be given by certified mail,return receipt requested,to the Mayor, City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970. B. THE CITY'S OBLIGATIONS I. The CITY shall grant a tax increment financing exemption to the COMPANY in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws,Chapter A, Section 3E;Chapter 40, Section 59, and Chapter 59, Section 5. Said exemption shall be granted on the improvements to the FACILITY. Said exemption shall be valid for a period of five (5) years,beginning with fiscal year 2001 (July 1, 2000)and ending with fiscal year 2006. During each year of this agreement,the company will pay taxes based on the base value of the FACILITY and on that portion of the value of the FACILITY which is not exempted under the agreement. The base value is established by the Board of Assessors (the Board) and is the assessed value established for the most recent fiscal year immediately prior to the fiscal year in which the property first becomes eligible for the tax increment exemption of the FACILITY unless an abatement is approved by the Board. The exemption schedule on the value of the FACILITY works as follows: For the first year,the COMPANY will pay the base tax bill and will pay taxes on 75%of the full value of improvements to the FACILITY. The full value of improvements to the FACILITY is hereinafter called"the INCREMENT". In year two,the COMPANY will pay taxes on 85%of the full value of the INCREMENT,plus the base tax bill. In year three,the COMPANY will pay taxes on 95%of the full value of the INCREMENT, plus the base tax bill. In year four,the COMPANY will pay taxes on 95%of the INCREMENT,plus the base tax bill. 'In year five,the COMPANY will pay taxes on 95% of the INCREMENT,plus the base tax bill. In year six,the COMPANY will pay taxes on the full value of the FACILITY. C. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS I. This Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be binding on all subsequent owners of the property. The City of Salem reserves the right to review and renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement if the business activity ceases to be fully operational during the life of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. 2. If the COMPANY decides to expand the facility at any time during the life of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement,the CITY and the COMPANY may renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement to exempt all or part of the value of the expansion from property taxes. The exact amount of that exemption will be determined at the time of expansion. Executed as a sealed instrument on the day and year first above written. CITY OF SALEM RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST Stanley J. Usovicz,Jr., Mayor Robert G. Solomon, Trustee Notary Public My commission expires Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area 9 E SE) NTY 0 �BEVERL ° • SALEM i v CITY OF SALEM ZONING MAP - ■ B1 -Business Neighborhood . ■ 92-BusinessHighway ■ B4-Wholesale&Automative ■ B5-Central Development ❑ BPD-Business Park Development - ■ 1-Industrial ■ R1 -Residential One Family ■ R2-Residential Two Family ■ R3-Residential Multi-Family ■ RC-Residential Conservation - ? gg r �'oa e`; i 1 i i �� •,�/ V .� L� LSIO s LEDGEILL ..•4As > ' >' MAS.- /.��� ' +•AlOA sr. PARK • 6.�I/ y � oA+ _ GALL OK'S PARK NILLY �r-J' a �y • av • °A KA >' A n ~. TIF ZOlip, ]/^�� ^a,, • L� t� SALEM N16N .. SCHOOL us>aa O r�ANNNM 40111147111. l� LAND PARK 1 ° 1�, \/�\ s+' '•e. ? ,.J `.\\� I � 1 � Aa � �f�//��\)Ig���Jpp7 f I •1 �wAnAe>oA hnL MUNICIPAL I a 1�p' 1 4 44 Q —KALEy — > GOLP COURSE a WAIL YLd MMrAt IM.TC r AR �r P AA /��j ' f Al IW PALMER - ' General Location Map, River Wharf Realty Trust '>A.eeueo[ • '� BL ENOALE ' ' � •• eovE � TIF Zone Indicated Attachments Photographs Building Elevations Floor Plans r, h t ,} + yn a rte,. AI x r F '. a cc w h3' b It } n r zz v .kms, • Pr'e=C onstruction'Conditions, '18 Commercial Street +ter, r,. IV IiV rr ';ars ZI tG4 h� Y F; i i n rl b z _ w s t 4 a bf t 'k R` t w 'k .. '.: fflj _ m d3i K i L � Fn Y °3 t W n n,- �� � v t J r^ �isdi 3 r fi n { xi n a t 8 ks vC 4 , tt44 71.`m s..- .a. _. -...,...�. y,4 1 d � z e n� _._ 4 z L it i I L'. ox„ L I x v✓1 - m� o _ A L I \ Ills" / t 90 (51 71 - o - o V � 1 O- � •�� x j 1 J Ij I c IVj TV y — a Z 1 TI r — N — r 71 tir z -� n r 4 C3, x d p I P v M o k T Fl oz — Zm',� V 49 l x 7 i' C � y t -- �g —II IT a � IF x _ I , j � I I I a 1 I tl � .:. III '� ♦ . . . . �C • 1 1�1 yy� �I II ' " II t I II r .4- � II ' Wll 1 H • II i i p I \\ I I I I f-- - - - : + CCI I I 77 �— — Y — — — z Z l i A �6z Z I r i I . — a Cl N � i IT i =r ' J 1 River Wharf Realty Trust 1 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. 1 1 Application for Certified Project Designation Tax Increment Financing Plan 1 1 I — I �i ' '"'=""" N`. i N. �Ig , i' NIIIIII 'NU�iI �, d� I��! ' I N I '� Nlld I iti.l�tl 'kNPiTntkkV 1 111P NNIP, 1116 . ��; y i _LM . -11 1 ' Presented to: ' Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Dean Serpa and Jane Wallis Gumble, Co-Chairs 1 Presented by: 1The City of Salem Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., Mayor and ' River Wharf Realty Trust 1 May 17, 2000 '1 ' CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS ' STANLEY J. USOVICZ, JR. MAYOR May 17, 2000 ' Economic Assistance Coordinating Council ' Mr. George Mazareas, Director Massachusetts Office of Business Development 10 Park Plaza Suite 3720 Boston, MA 02116 To the Members of the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council: I am pleased to submit for your review the City of Salem resolutions and applications ' necessary to designate River Wharf Realty Trust a Certified Project through the Commonwealth's Economic Development Incentive Program(EDIP). River Wharf Realty Trust t has permitted its tenant,The Bioengineering Group, Inc., to renovate the building at 18 Commercial Street in Salem. River Wharf Realty Trust is the holding company for The Bioengineering Group, Inc. and as a matter of standard business practice, The Bioengineering ' Group, Inc. leases the building from the Realty Trust. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is a consulting firm in the field of bioengineering for ' erosion control, water quality and habitat restoration. The Bioengineering Group has committed to expanding its company and workforce by renovating a formerly abandoned 5,000 square foot warehouse into its professional offices. This growing firm will serve as a stabilizing element to the North River Canal Park business district and will encourage further economic development within that region. The firm plans to expand its workforce by an additional fifteen employees over the life of the five year TIF agreement. The company will invest approximately $240,000 ' into the renovation activities that will result in greatly improved property and higher property values. ' To make the development economically feasible, the City has offered River Wharf Realty Trust access to the EDIP, making available the state and local tax benefits associated with ' Salem's status as an Economic Target Area(ETA). On April 13, 2000, the Salem City Council voted to designate River Wharf Realty Trust a certified project and endorsed a five year tax increment financing plan, as the attached ' SALEM CITY HALL-93 WASHINGTON STREET•SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970-3592•978/745-9595•FAX 978/744-9327 1 ' application materials illustrate. River Wharf Realty Trust, as holding company for The Bioengineering Group,Inc. is a worthy beneficiary of these incentives. Tax revenue will be generated for the City, as well as jobs for target area residents. ' If approved, this project will mark the seventh time that the City has used the tools available through the Economic Development Incentive Program to promote development in Salem. Previous TIF projects have sent a strong message to companies located in Salem and t outside of the City, showing that we are able to compete successfully for business. The economic impact of these projects and the pro-business message they send surely will combine to result in an improved business climate. ' Once again I appreciate your support of the City of Salem's economic development efforts and hope that you will vote to certify the River Wharf Realty Trust project. ' Sincerely, 1 Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr. I ' Mayor 1 1 53 MASON STREET BIOENGINEERING SALEM,MA 01970 BIOENGINEERING 978-740-0096 ' GROUP, INC. - ...:978-740-0097 WW ..BIOENGINEERING.COM ' May 15, 2000 Economic Assistance Coordinating Council Attention: George Mazareas,Director ' Massachusetts Office of Business Development 10 Park Plaza—Suite 3720 Boston,MA 02116 To the Members of the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council: ' The Bioengineering Group,Inc., in the form of its holding company,River Wharf Realty Trust, has recently purchased property,at 18 Commercial Street in the City of Salem in a commitment to ' continue its business operations and to plan for the growth and expansion of the-company within the City. We have already begun renovations and improvements of the building and are dedicated to continuance and completion of those plans. In addition,we expect to construct a greenhouse and to work toward changing the esthetics of our property to encourage others in the development of the Business Park along ' the North River Corridor. The River Wharf Realty Trust and The Bioengineering Group,Inc. are the same entity. The ' Bioengineering Group is a young, growing company, and as it began to make plans for purchasing its own property,its financial and legal advisors recommended that it create a holding company in the form of a realty trust,a standard business practice. The River Wharf Realty Trust was formed with the ' knowledge and approval of Danvers Savings Bank, the lending institution for the mortgage and business loans for building and land improvements.The Bioengineering Group,hic./River Wharf Realty Trust desires Certified Project status to participate in a Tax Increment Financingagreement that will assist the ' Company in its expansion plans. The Bioengineering Group is committed to continuing business in Salem and creating fifteen new ' jobs,over the life of the five-year Tax Increment Financing plan. The Bioengineering Group,hic./River Wharf Realty Trust would like to take advantage of property tax incentive financing and state investment tax credits offered through the Commonwealth's Economic Development Incentive Program in order to contribute to the economic development of the target area,and to contribute to the development and ' visitor attraction of the newly constructed park area along the North River Corridor. , The economic and community benefits of this project are described within our application for certified project status. We invite your interest and questions. Sincerely, ThA Bioengineering up,In . : River Wharf Realty Trust Wendi Goldsmith Robert G. Solomon tPresident Trustee Enclosures. ' CONSULTANTS IN EROSION CONTROL.WATER QUALITY.AND HABITAT RESTORATION - i The Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program Certified Project Application ' Applicant Information ' 1. Name and address of business(es) submitting this application: ' Name: River Wharf Realty Trust Address: 18 Salem,Commercial e cStreet 01970 ' Fiscal year end is: December 31' 2. Name and address of project (if different from above): ' N/A ' 3. Location of ETA: ' Beverly &Salem Regional ETA ' 4. Location of EOA: Salem 5. Authorization: I/We(print), Robert Solomon _, of River Wharf Realty Trust ,the entity applying for Certified Project designation, ' hereby certify that the information within this application is true and accurate, and reflects the project's intentions for job creation and investment. I understand that the information provided within ' this application shall be binding for the duration of the project certification. 07 Signature (Dat Signature (Date) ' 1 1 ' 6. Nature and purpose of project ' River Wharf Realty Trust is seeking Certified Project designation to obtain property tax relief for its recently purchased building and land at 18 Commercial Street. The Bioengineering Group,Inc.,the business leasing the building located on the property,is ' renovating the space to house its professional offices. River Wharf Realty Trust desires Certified Project status to participate in a Tax Increment Financing agreement and to be able to assist The Bioengineering Group with its expansion plans. ' River Wharf Realty Trust was formed as the holding company for The Bioengineering Group. When The Bioengineering Group began to explore the option of purchasing ' property,its financial and legal advisors recommended that it create a holding company in the form of a realty trust, a standard business practice. The Bioengineering Group,Inc. ' is committed to increasing its business and employment and to growing in Salem. The Bioengineering Group's expectations and goals are to serve to jump-start development in this neighborhood as the firm's expansion helps to catalyze other attractive and desirable ' elements to this area. The Bioengineering Group was incorporated in January 1996 as a consulting company ' providing expertise in the use of vegetation for construction projects designed to optimize environmental benefits, and provides a full range of services in the field of bioengineering for erosion control,water quality,and habitat restoration. The company t has been located in Salem since its inception,first at 53 Mason Street, and now at 18 Commercial Street,where it leases the building from its holding company,River Wharf Realty Trust,that purchased the land and building on June 30, 1999. ' The Bioengineering Group,Inc. was founded by Wendi Goldsmith who continues to serve as the President and sole Director and Shareholder of the company. She has over ' ten years of involvement in the ecological restoration and erosion control fields. Ms. Goldsmith left her more recent position as President of Bestmann Green Systems,Inc. in order to focus her energy on the establishment of a highly specialized consulting firm offering services related to bioengineered erosion control treatments, stream restoration, and wetlands creation. The firm's business contacts and strong reputation within the ' industry have thus far enabled to firm to grow to its present size and stature. Ms. Goldsmith and her family have been residents of Salem since 1992 where they own a home and property on Mall Street. ' The Bioengineering Group employs five full time professionals,two part time professionals,two training interns from Germany,two part time student assistants, and ' two part time administrative staff. The firm expects that over the next three years approximately fifteen(15)net, new permanent jobs will be created,using roughly $500,000 in private investment. The business is young and working aggressively to ' compete with larger engineering and science consulting firms,mainly based in Boston. Tax increment financing would offer the company much needed assistance with cash ' 2 1 flow as they seek access to working capital and financial assistance to control expenses. The building at 18 Commercial Street is one story with a mezzanine and is located in a I ' Business Park Development zoning district which is geared towards developing clean businesses and light industrial uses. The building is a 5,000 square foot building located ' on a 10,716 square foot lot. Previously the building had been vacant or partially vacant for a number of years. i ' Attached is the budget for the project buildout in the amount of$239,925. The budget includes a new roof,new HVAC system, interior and exterior renovation. ' Budget for Project Architecture Fees 3,600 ASTM Screen/Limited Assessment 500 ' Report Roofing 30,775 General Construction 56,500 Plumbing 8,000 ' Electrical Work 35,500 Heating and Ductwork 20,000 ' Air Conditioning 8,600 Lighting 2,850 Interior Finishes 25,000 ' Telephone/Voicemail System 12,500 Building/Company Sign 900 I ' Security System 2,700 Greenhouse 20,000 ' Misc. Services: blueprints,permits, 6,500 waste removal, etc. ' Misc. Supplies: lumber,paint, 6,000 hardware, ladder rental, etc. Total Improvement Costs $2399925 ' 3 Is this business new to Massachusetts? ❑ Yes ✓ No ' If no: • Where are the existing Massachusetts facilities? The Bioengineering Group moved from 53 Mason Street in Salem to 18 Commercial Street in Salem in June 1999. ' Will this project require/trigger the closing or consolidation of any Massachusetts ' facilities? If yes,please explain. No. ' 8. Is this project an expansion of an existing business? ✓Yes ❑ No ' If yes, check the appropriate box: ❑ at existing location ✓ at new location in same municipality ❑ at new location in different municipality ' 9. Job creation ' In order to qualify for Certified Project status,the governing statute and regulations require the creation of net,new,permanent full-time employees in Massachusetts. On the chart provided (see next page), please fill in the blanks provided. 1 ' 4 1 Work Force Analysis andjob Creation Plan Current TOTAL NEW JOBS NEW JOBS NEW JOBS NEW JOBS NEW JOBS employment projected new Year I Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 permanent jobs Total Employees at Certified Project 13 15 3 3 3 3 3 Facility Total Employees at Other Sites in N/A Mass. #of Employees at Certified Project 7 10 2 2 2 2 2 Location who live in the ETA #of Permanent Full-Time Employees 6 12 3 3 3 2 1 #of Permanent Part-Time Employees 2 3 — — — 1 2 #of Temporary Full-Time Employees 2 0 — — — — — #of Temporary Part-Time Employees 3 0 — — — — — #of Management Positions 2 2 1 Average Salary of Management $85,000 ' Positions #of Professional Positions 5 13 2 3 2 3 3 Average Salary of Professional $60,000 Positions #of Technical Positions 2 — — — — — — Average Salary of Technical Positions $35,000 #of Skilled Positions — — — — — — 3 ' Average Salary of Skilled Positions $25/hr #of Unskilled Positions 2 — — — — — — Average Salary of Unskilled Positions $1.50/hr t5 ' 10. Certification for Abandoned Buildings: Does the proposed project involve the renovation and reuse of an abandoned building? o Yes ❑ No ✓ Unsure ' If yes or unsure,please answer the following questions: (a) How long has the building been vacant? Of known, state date) The building has been vacant since approximately 1993. ' (b) During this period of time, what percentage of the building was vacant and unused? If the percentage varied during this time period, provide information for ' each change in the percent of vacant space and the applicable time period. ' From 1993 to late 1998,the building was 50%vacant. From late 1998 to June 1999 the building was 100%vacant. ' 11. Local Employment: What actions will you take to recruit employees from among residents of the ETA? ' The owner of the Bioengineering Group is currently involved in community activities to learn of and update local resources and to identify possible job candidates. The firm ' will maintain communication with local agencies and organizations, including Salem High School and college contacts. The firm will rely on local newspapers as well as Internet and Boston area employment resources. ' The Bioengineering Group has the intention and capacity to achieve the anticipated level ' of new permanent full-time jobs for residents of the municipality/Economic Target Area. The owner is a Salem resident and intends to recruit intensively from the ETA to fill new permanent full-time jobs. The firm recently leased a 5,000 square foot facility at 18 ' Commercial Street to meet the needs of this steadily growing company. It is committed to expanding the business and adding ETA residents to its payroll. The firm has already hired at least two full-time employees who are Salem residents (Operations Manager and ' Restoration Horticulturist). The market for bioengineering design and applications has grown quickly in the United ' States and internationally and The Bioengineering Group has been successful at obtaining major contracts for such work. Revenues and volume of work have been increasing and are anticipated to continue,thus furthering the need for additional personnel. The ' Bioengineering Group, Inc. is in the unique position of offering consulting services in new and innovative environmental technologies. The company has a four year client ' base, including new and repeat business in government and public projects, as well as residential, smaller projects. The company is willing and anxious to search the local market for promising employees for technical,management and administrative positions. ' 6 1 1 ' 12. Affirmative Action Statement: Does the business have an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Plan or Statement? ✓ Yes ❑ No ' If yes,please attach a copy. ' Please see attached. If no, describe the business' hiring policies and practices. ' 13. Agreement between the Business and Area Banks: Describe briefly the ' business' local banking relationship(s),if any. Does the institution with which the business banks participate in the Massachusetts Capital Access Program, which is designed to commit a portion of the business' deposits to fund loans to local businesses? The Bioengineering Group,Inc. banks with Fleet Bank(Salem Branch) and Danvers Savings Bank,who participate in the Massachusetts Capital Access Program. 14. Economic benefits of project certification: Provide a description of the economic benefits that are anticipated for the business and the project, if the project is certified. Also, provide any information, documentation or studies demonstrating any additional benefits (i.e. reduction of blight,reuse of abandoned buildings,clean up of ' contaminated property,job training,provision of day care, any contributions to the community, etc.) likely to accrue to the area as a result of Certified Project designation. ' Please describe: The Bioengineering Group,Inc. is engaged in a consistent year-round business activity ' that emphasizes skilled and highly skilled employment,both elements of which help to create economic balance here in Salem where it has often been skewed toward the service and retail sectors. As The Bioengineering Group enlarges its staff of professionals, ' technical and skilled workers,the firm encourages not only their contribution to the company and the City of Salem,but also, encourages employees to appreciate and settle ' in Salem and surrounding communities. The company and its founder and President,Wendi Goldsmith, are interested in offering ' expertise to the community in the form of ecological restoration to promote a coherent and positive identity for the multi-purpose corridor along the North River in Salem. Itis the firm's intent to encourage the City and active businesses in the area to collaborate in carving out a clearer identity that could play a small yet significant part in adding to the enrichment of the already recognized historical and cultural identities in Salem. ' The Bioengineering Group's building is located in a section of Salem that in undergoing revitalization in the form of public park improvements (North River Canal park),new ' 7 ' businesses and infrastructure improvements such as the Bridge Street improvements and the proposed Bridge Street bypass road. Certified Project designation will permit River Wharf Realty Trust to assist this company's growth and contribute to the overall economic welfare of Salem. Additionally,the location of this prosperous and healthy company will further attract other viable economic uses. ' Economic benefits to applicant ' • Improvements to the building and property and expansion of The Bioengineering Group's workforce are economically feasible with the receipt of investment tax credits and property tax benefits ' • River Wharf Realty Trust will receive approximately $4,257 in local property tax benefits over five years • The rehabilitation of the facility will entitle River Wharf Realty Trust to state 5% ' investment tax credits Economic benefits to the City of Salem ' • The new location and expansion of The Bioengineering Group could provide an ' incentive and an anchor for the development of the Business Park along the North River Corridor. Additional improvement of the Corridor would add to the attraction of the newly constructed park area, and could incorporate the historical and cultural ' identities of Salem in making the area more attractive to tourists/visitors. • The quality of the neighborhood would be improved and enhanced by recognizing the need for improving the properties and integrating the utilitarian role of the business ' park district. • As the company expands its work force,the need for professionals will increase, and with that, expectations for increases in property investment and taxes. ' The company is expected to add fifteen new jobs in Salem. • Tax revenues to the City will be increased because (1)the Commercial Street building will now be occupied by a successful business that contributes to the job market and ' use of sales and services from the community as a whole; and(2)improvements to the building and property will result in an increased value of the property. ' Special Requirements for Real Estate Projects ' 1. Will the business own or lease/rent the facility? ❑ Own ✓Lease/Rent ' If leasing/renting,please identify the developer/landlord, and state who will be the taxpayer of record for the purpose of paying local real estate taxes. ' The Landlord is River Wharf Realty Trust. The property was purchased by The Bioengineering Group,Inc. in the form of its holding company,River Wharf Realty ' 8 Trust. As a matter of standard business practice, The Bioengineering Group,Inc., leases the building from the Realty Trust. If owning,will the business fully occupy the space? ❑ Yes ❑No tIf no, does the business intend to lease/rent the remaining space? The space will be occupied by The Bioengineering Group and a tenant new to Salem: ' Summa, Inc., distributors of graphic equipment. 2. Describe how the various tax benefits and other economic incentives that will result from Certified Project designation will be allocated among the business(e's) developing the project(i.e. a developer or landlord) and the business(e's) intending to purchase, lease or rent space at the facility (i.e.tenant or tenants). ' As River Wharf Realty Trust is the holding company of The Bioengineering Group, Inc., the tax relief received from Certified Project designation will assist The Bioengineering Group,Inc. in its renovation plans for the building. ' Supplemental Information 1. Name(s) of business(e's) intending to take advantage of state tax ' incentives: ' Business Name: River Wharf Realty Trust Federal Employer ID: 04-6895020 Address: 18 Commercial Street ' Salem MA 01970 Phone: (978)740-0096 Fax: (978) 740-0097 ' Contact Person: Wendi Goldsmith/Grace Spence ' Type of Organization(check that which applies): Corporation: ❑ For profit; S Corp.; ❑Non-Profit ' ✓ Business Trust ❑ Partnership: ❑ General Partnership; ❑ Limited Partnership ❑ Individual ' 9 ' Level of interest: (Indicate the benefits the company seeks) ' ✓ 5%Investment Tax Credit ❑ 10%Abandoned Building Tax Deduction(if applicable) ✓ Local Real Estate Tax Incentive Beneficiary 2. Names and Addresses of Organization (please respond according to type) ' Realty Trust: ' Robert G. Solomon,Trustee Wendi Goldsmith,Beneficiary ' Corporation: Wendi Goldsmith,President ' 3. Please provide names, addresses, phone numbers and contact persons for organizations which may own or control or be affiliated with the applicant organization: ' Robert G. Solomon 7 Mall Street ' Salem,MA 01970 (978) 740-0096 ' Wendi Goldsmith 7 Mall Street Salem,MA 01970 (978)740-0096 4. Certificate of Good Standing: ' A Certificate of Good Standing for The Bioengineering Group,Inc. is attached with this application. ' mccAtitWorms\cpap.wpd ' 10 1 1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Division Certifieale Unit ' PO Boz 7066 September 30, 1999 Boston.MA 02204 ' BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. ' 53 MASON STREET SALEM, MA 01970 CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING ' It is hereby certified by the Commissioner of Revenue of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as of the above date, that the above named corporation is a domestic corporation organized in Massachusetts on January 16, 1996 and that said corporation is in good standing with respect to any and all returns due and taxes payable to the Commonwealth under General ' Laws, Chapter 62C, and the statutes referred to in Section 2 thereof. ' This certificate does not certify the corporation's standing as to unemployment insurance taxes under G.L.Ch. 151a or taxes under any other provisons or law. 1 No. 53653 1 By Assistant Chief, ' Automated Systems Bureau ' THIS IS NOT A WAIVER OF LIEN ISSUED UNDER GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 62C, SECTION 52, AND CANNOT BE USED FOR SUCH PURPOSE. 1 5066 - 69976 1 ' Frederick P-Laskey ®o wm �wwr Commissioner 1 ' THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. ' Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 EEO POLICY STATEMENT The Bioengineering Group, Inc. ('TBG"), its officers, and managers are fully committed to equal employment opportunity and to the implementation of an effective affirmative action employment program without regard to race, sex, ' religion, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or handicap. It is TBG's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons and to prohibit discrimination in all aspects of its personnel policies, program practices and ' operations, and in all of its working conditions and relationships with employees and applicants for employment. All TBG employees and managers are responsible for supporting TBG's ' policy on equal employment opportunity and for assuring that the workplace is free from discrimination. As evidence of its commitment to affirmative action in employment, TBG has made equal employment opportunity a critical element in ' its managerial performance appraisal system. Annual evaluation will be made to measure program accomplishments in affirmative action, and measures will be taken to remedy imbalances or lack of progress. ' 2. PLAN FOR PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT ' The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is committed to providing a work environment free of sexual harassment. TBG routinely informs employees that such harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and that TBG ' prohibits sexual harassment of its employees in any form. Reports of allegations will be treated with discretion, thoroughly investigated, and acted upon to eliminate such harassment and to prevent recurrences. ' 3. STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE MONITORING/EVALUATION SYSTEM In order to permit ongoing assessment of the TBG affirmative action employment program, a copy of all personnel actions are given to the TBG Director of Human Resources as they occur. This allows for the analysis of ' hiring and promotions. Since the TBG work force consists of fewer than 200 employees, hiring and promotion can be adequately monitored without a computerized system. ' In addition to the ongoing assessment of personnel data and trends, an effective, bias-free system of auditing is essential to any affirmative employment 1 1 ' 2Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 Page 2 ' program. Accordingly, on an annual basis, the following will be reviewed by the Director of Human Resources: - Effectiveness of barrier elimination strategies. ' - Selection process of new hires during year. Annual findings will be presented in writing to TBG management with ' recommendations for correcting problem areas. 4. PROGRAM ANALYSES - RECRUITMENT AND HIRING ' It is TBG's policy to promote from within whenever possible. When this is not possible, professional, administrative, technical, and clerical positions are advertised in several local newspapers in the recruiting area in an attempt to ' reach a diverse group of job candidates. As provided by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ' Management Directive 714 (EEO-MD-714), Section 13a(5), numerical objectives (goals) are optional because of TBG's limited employment size. Due to the dynamic nature of TBG's business and the market segment in which it operates, ' such objectives would be restrictive to its ability to operate cost-effectively and at the level of expertise for which it is known. 1 1 2 1 1 1 RESOLUTION APPROVING CERTIFIED PROJECT APPLICATION OF RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST 1 WHEREAS, River Wharf Realty Trust has applied for designation as a Certified Project under the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program created by Chapter 23A of Massachusetts General laws; iWHEREAS, River Wharf Realty Trust meets the minimum standards of the Economic Development Incentive Program and the local economic development goals and criteria established as part of the documents creating the Beverly&Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; ' WHEREAS, the proposed certified project is located at 18 Commercial Street,within the boundaries of the Salem Economic Opportunity Area. The legal description is as follows: 1 The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any,bounded and described as follows: Parcel No. 1 ' Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY comer of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running in a NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100(89.85) feet to a point;thence turning and running in a ' NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50.05) feet along land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.; thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem,a distance of ninety-two and 57/100 (92.57) feet;thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a ' distance of fifty(50)feet to the point of beginning. t Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem,Rear of North Street, Salem,Mass., May 1955, Revised October 1955 —Edgar W.Nickerson, ' City Engineer" in Book 4809, Page 500. ' Parcel No. 2 The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: ' Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100(388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street;thence running SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy(70)feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem;thence turning and running NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem, eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85)feet to land now or formerly of H.P.Hood and Sons, Inc.;thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc., seventy and 12/100(70.12) feet to land now or formerly of Cook; thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and 06/100 (86.06) feet to the point begun at. Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the City of Salem,rear of North Street May 1955, Revised October 1955,Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer" and hereinbefore referred to. ' For title,reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord,dated May 14, 1965,and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267,Page 342. WHEREAS, the City of Salem has agreed to offer River Wharf Realty Trust a Tax Increment Financing Agreement; ' WHEREAS, The Bioengineering Group,Inc.,having leased the building on the property of its holding company, River Wharf Realty Trust,will invest approximately $240,000 to renovate a property at 18 Commercial Street into professional offices, an investment which creates approximately 15 new,permanent jobs for residents of the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area. WHEREAS, the renovation of the property at 18 Commercial Street will substantially improve the aesthetic appearance of the property and reduce blight in one of Salem's business districts; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Salem City Council approves the Certified Project application of River Realty Trus designating this project as a certified project for a period of Wharf Re ty t, gn g P J five years, and forwards said application for certification to the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council for its approval and endorsement. In City Council March 30, 2000 REferred to the Committee on Administration and Finance ' In City Council April 13, 2000 Adopted by Roll Call Vote of 9 Yeas 0 Nays 2 Absent Approved by the Mayor on April 24, 2000 1 t ' 1 1 1 1 1 ' ATTEST: DEBORAH E. BURRINSBAW CITY CLERK I 1 Adopted this 13th day of April, 2000,by the Salem City Council. 'I Stanley I Us z,Jr., yor ' Dat 2 ' Attest: Deborah E. Burkinshaw, City Clerk ' SEAL ,I 1 1) 1 'I ' I 1 City of Salem Yea and Nay Vote of City Council Upon the Question of ' Yea Nay Pres. Absent Date 8 2000 ' Laura A.DeToma Kimberley L. Driscoll ' Regina R Flynn ' Thomas H. Furey ' Sarah hL Hayes Scott A.LaCava ' Joao R Lovely Joseph A. O'Keefe Leonard F. O'Leary Arthur C. Sarzent ' I Kevin R Harvey, Pres. v Totals ' A T UE COPY ATTEST CITY CLERK ' SALEM, MASS. r` i T1 F j1 1 f 1 ' Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program Tax Increment Financing Plan I. Location 1 A. Economic Opportunity Area (EOA): Salem EOA ' B. Municipality: City of Salem ' C. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Zone: Attached are: ' map of the ETA • map showing the general location of the proposed private project • parcel by parcel map with property lines and the outline of each building, ' infrastructure improvements, all thoroughfare, public rights of way and easements • zoning map ' Common description of TIF Zone: ' The proposed TIF Zone is located at 18 Commercial Street in the Salem Economic Opportunity Area(EOA). The tax parcel is Map 26,Lot 51. ' Legal description of TIF Zone: The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon,if any,bounded and described as follows: Parcel No. 1 Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the ' SOUTHWESTERLY comer of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running in a NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to a point;thence ' turning and running in a NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50.05) feet along land now ' or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc.;thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 1 1 57/100(92.57) feet; thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street,a distance of fifty(50)feet to the point of beginning. Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem,Rear of North Street, Salem, Mass., May 1955,Revised October 1955 —Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer"in Book 4809,Page 500. ' Parcel No. 2 ' The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon,if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: ' Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100 (388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street;thence running ' SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy (70) feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem;thence turning and running ' NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem,eighty- nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc.;thence 1 turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc., seventy and 12/100 (70.12)feet to land now or formerly of Cook;thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook,eighty-six and ' 06/100 (86.06)feet to the point begun at. Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the City of Salem,rear of North Street May 1955,Revised October 1955,Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer"and hereinbefore referred to. ' For title,reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H.Lord, dated May 14, 1965 and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267,Page 342. ' D. Narrative Description of TIF Zone: ' Needs, Problems and Opportunities: Designation of this TIF Zone meets the needs of, solves problems for and creates ' opportunities for River Wharf Realty Trust and the City of Salem. Solving problems and meeting the needs of River Wharf Realty Trust: River Wharf Realty Trust,holding company for The Bioengineering Group,Inc., 2 1 purchased the land and building at 18 Commercial on June 30, 1999 and leased it to The Bioengineering Group,Inc.,a small consulting firm that made a sizable investment in Salem in locating at 18 Commercial Street and undertaking the extensive renovations to ' the property. The building or portions of the building were unused for some time prior to the purchase,and the building needed to be transformed into professional office space ' from what was essentially an open warehouse. In order for The Bioengineering Group,Inc.to remain in Salem, it recognized it would be necessary to raise funds to convert the building into a viable business location. With that in mind,the company set out to investigate sources for funding and economic assistance. With the recommendation of legal and financial advisors, The ' Bioengineering Group formed River Wharf Realty Trust for the purchase of the property. The Bioengineering Group,Inc. recognized that the Tax Increment Financing Certified Project designation,would be especially helpful in assisting the company in its ' early years of growth and expansion. Creating Opportunity for River Wharf Realty Trust.- Assistance rust:Assistance from the City of Salem and the Massachusetts Office of Business ' Development through Certified Project designation will create the opportunity for River Wharf Realty Trust to assist The Bioengineering Group to grow its business in Salem. Although the company has already demonstrated successful growth in the environmental technology consulting field,the company is still small and values the opportunity to stay in Salem where it has already discovered local need for its services. ' This project provides the Bioengineering Group,Inc. with the ideal opportunity to jumpstart economic development on the Commercial Street corridor and to be the fust of many anticipated businesses to create a business park in this area that is fronting on the ' recently established North River Canal Park. The project is also anticipated to employ 15 permanent,net, new jobs in the ETA. ' Solving problems and meeting the needs of the City of Salem: Designation of the TIF Zone and approval of this TIF Plan will help River Wharf Realty ' Trust, which will expand the tax base and increase the supply of healthy, growing businesses in the City of Salem. The establishment of a professional firm such as The ' Bioengineering Group in this business corridor will help to spur further economic growth, as other firms are attracted to this improved business district. ' The City has undertaken several initiatives in this area to boost economic development and aesthetic appearances. The existence of the North River Canal Park provides a very attractive setting in which to locate a business. The proposed Bridge Street By-pass, ' which is located nearby to this development, will improve travel in Salem. Additionally, the nearby former Parker Brothers site is slated for redevelopment as a high end 3 1 ' residential and mixed use development,which will greatly improve this section of Salem. ' Creating Opportunityfor the City of Salem: Certified Project designation permits River Wharf Realty Trust to assist The Bioengineering Group to remain in Salem where it can continue dialogue with community representatives to learn ways that it can service the local area with l ' environmental solutions while helping to bring employment opportunities to the City as well. The City of Salem will benefit by the presence of a stable company that improves the appearance of the Commercial Street area, adds permanent jobs and will be a vital ' component of an overall economic development revitalization. E. Property owners within the proposed TIF Zone: The property owner is: ' River Wharf Realty Trust(holding company for The Bioengineering Group,Inc.) Robert G. Solomon,Trustee 1 II. Time ' The TIF Plan and TIF Zone described here will be in effect for a period of five years. ' M. TIF Zone & Economic Development A. Economic Opportunities and Economic Benefits to the ' Community: Approval of the proposed TIF Zone will create the following economic development opportunities and benefits: ' Creates jobs: 15 net,new permanent jobs. The Bioengineering Group will expand its work force from the present thirteen employees to an additional fifteen ' technical,administrative and management positions over the life of the TIF. With that,there are expectations for increases in property investment and tax revenues to the City. ' Generates addtional tax revenue through the life of the TIF and beyond: see attached spreadsheet entitled "5 Year Tax Increment Financing Plan". Tax revenues to the City will be increased because(1)the Commercial Street building ' will now be occupied by running, successful businesses contributing to the job market and use of sales and services from the community as a whole; and(2) improvements to the building and property will have occurred. ' Improves appearance of vacant property through renovation. The quality of the neighborhood would be improved and enhanced by recognizing the need for 1 4 ' improving the properties and integrating the utilitarian role of the business park district. • The new location and expansion of The Bioengineering Group could provide an ' incentive and an anchor for the development of the Business Park along the North River Corridor. Additional improvement of the Corridor would add to the ' attraction of the newly constructed park,area, and could incorporate the historical and cultural identities of Salem in making the area more attractive to tourists/visitors. ' B. Proposed and Potential Land Uses: (analyze how the land uses are appropriate for anticipated economic development) The property will be used for the professional offices of The Bioengineering Group,Inc. In addition to the building improvements,plans are being made to include an attractive ' greenhouse where the company will be able to grow and demonstrate the use of wetland plants appropriate to the New England area. It is anticipated that the improvements and greenhouse will greatly enhance the restoration to the area already initiated by the City ' and contribute to ongoing economic development initiatives. ' C. Zoning in the TIF Zone: The TIF Zone is located in a Business Park Development district. D. Hazardous Waste: (identify any parcels,public or private, in zone which are confirmed hazardous waste disposal sites, in accordance with chapter 21E,MGL. Describe any public or private site remediation activities and any reuse plans) ' Not Applicable 1 IV. TIF Zone Projects ' A. Planned Private Project: The Bioengineering Group,Inc. is renovating a 5,000 square foot warehouse at 18 Commercial Street consisting of one floor and a mezzanine into its professional offices. ' B. Provide Documentary evidence of the level of the developer's commitment to the proposed and required construction in the TIF project: The Bioengineering Group,Inc. has already paid legal and professional fees related to the t appraisal,2 1 E assessment,building inspection, and closing costs associated with the purchase of the property and building. Wendi Goldsmith, owner and president of the ' 5 ' company, also contributed personally towards the down payment. Additionally,the company has engaged the services of an architect, general contractor and roofing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors for the development of this project. ' C. Budget for Project: II ' The costs of completing the project are as follows: E rae�rre u . ' Architecture Fees 3,600 ASTM Screen/Limited Assessment 500 Report Roofing 30,775 ' General Construction 56,500 Plumbing 8,000 ' Electrical Work 35,500 Heating and Ductwork 20,000 Air Conditioning 8,600 ' Lighting 2,850 Interior Finishes 25,000 Telephone/Voicemail System 12,500 ' Building/Company Sign 900 Security System 2,700 ' Greenhouse 20,000 Misc. Services: blueprints, permits, 6,500 ' waste removal,etc. Misc. Supplies: lumber,paint, 6,000 hardware, ladder rental,etc. Total Improvement Costs $2399925 ' 6 D. Relevant business plans: ' Time schedule for development: Scheduled construction completion: Fall 2000 ' Expected increases in job creation: ' 15 permanent professional,technical,management, skilled and unskilled jobs Estimates of tax revenue based upon increased valuation of parcel: ' Please see attached spreadsheet entitled"5 Year Tax Increment Financing Plan" ' E. Participation in other federal, state and local economic development programs and initiatives: ' N/A ' F. Planned Public Projects: ' N/A V. Financing for TIF Zone Projects tA. Anticipated Financing for Private Projects: Source: Amount: Danvers Savings Bank—SBA Loan/Mortgage $342,000 ' Danvers Savings Bank=Line of Credit 100,000 City of Salem Note 50,000 ' Danvers Savings Bank Loan 90,000 Investment from W. Goldsmith 55,000 Total $637,000 ' B. Anticipated Financing for Public Projects: ' N/A ' C. Detailed Projection of Costs of Public Construction: N/A 7 1 1 D. Will Betterments be used to finance any public-private projects, now or within the proposed life of the TIF Plan? ' N/A ' E. If Betterments or Special Assessments are a part of the TIF Plan: N/A F. Describe how private projects will be financed: 1 ' Evidence of private financing commitments: The Bioengineering Group has received approvals and funds for the financing of ' this project from Danvers Savings Bank and the City of Salem. ' VI. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ' A. Authorization to use TIF: The attached City Council resolution dated March 9, 1995 authorizes the City of Salem to use TIF in the Salem EOA. Also attached is a City Council Resolution approving the TIF Plan for River Wharf ' Realty Trust on April 18, 2000. B. Amount of proposed tax increment exemptions from property ' taxes: As the attached spreadsheet shows,the Chairman of Salem's Board of Assessors estimates that property tax benefits will total approximately $4,257 ' over five years. Also, see the description of the proposed TIF Plan in part D of this section. Maximum percentage of public project costs that can be recovered through betterments or special assessments: ' N/A ' D. TIF exemption from property taxes: As the attached spreadsheet shows, the City estimates the tax benefits to total ' approximately $4,257 over 5 years. ' 8 ' The exemption plan works as follows: ' Year River Wharf Realty Trust Pays: 1 75% of the increment,plus the base tax bill ' 2 85% of the increment, plus the base tax bill 3 95% of the increment,plus the base tax bill 4 95% of the increment,plus the base tax bill ' 5 95%of the increment, plus the base tax bill 6 . 100%of the increment,plus the base tax bill ' The effective date of tax increment exemption is July 1, 2000 (Fiscal Year 2001). The property becomes eligible for the tax increment exemption on the July first following the date on which the EACC approves the plan. ' Term of the exemption: 5 years ' VII. Approval of TIF projects ' TIF projects are approved by the Salem City Council. The Mayor and his staff are responsible for negotiating TIF Plans and, after Council approval, executing those plans. ' Evidence of local approvals of the proposed TIF Zone and TIF Plan is provided here in the form of a resolution authorizing a TIF agreement passed by the Salem City Council ' on April 18, 2000. ' \MC\TIF\Bioengineering\TIFPLAN.doc 1 9 RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST 5-YEAR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN Base Value FY 00 $205,500 Tax Rate $31.65 Value After Building Renovation $450,000 Increment in Value $244,500 Base Year FY 2000 a.. �n� ,v<.ax?.ca:•;s:,e' >:?:>�i. :.dR�b';T1 �3xalsl;'�s%�tfi. :�Ta�B.,`t�rt+aiit�.?..? ...». Y!6 ,""> '%E$5D?TIC:.. y'ibc. ^z. .:«.k• g•.a`;. .s.,�. . <a.:: .�. :Vw � ;:�1.. kJ.: �.> :»::> `::.�)ny.:' a..:,i e> ':k.>Gi~• �G'6. ..>O e?<.?.:C.<:: .:.<p•>..v>i . ..o �8$C ,s.„..>:.:. r nty.,...:.,.a.,.:.e,..,.3 !,M:»n .£,., e'�F>. Fog°'. .:s..- >�Lo.«t.:,a >;:s. s ?s,. ,.4. . d•,�T?'�'$:81A�'.r:,..:. ..E!.... • ....! a:. .n....n. Sov !........ .. ::..O..t>yvt�,k._Y..eJ>:!et>p.9?"3:... 'e?: a:<:'.�M. U4,n�.< e �N �.. ,y.?'Re...��».. r>�::..::.�:e:?:.xas�•r$s�9«ss�<1f.n.,.>.,:<:a;::?.>>;.,�ku.�,:.::.:. $»».«<:<.�.n-,a,.�::.e:.:>;s. :>::.a� :. BASE $205,500 $31.65 $6,504 0% $6,504 $0 $6,504 $0 1 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 75% $6,504 $5,804 $12,308 $1,935 2 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 85% $6,504 $6,578 $13,082 $1,161 3 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 4 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 5 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 6 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 100% $6,504 $7,738 $14,243 $0 TOTALS $91,962 $87,885 $4,257 NOTES *TIF % = Percent of increment that is taxed **Taxes Paid Each Year= Base Tax Bill plus Taxes on Increment ***Tax Benefit Each Year= Benefit to River Wharf Realty Trust Base Value consists of FY2000 Assessed value of 18 Commercial Street ' RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING IN THE SALEM ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AREA WHEREAS,the City of Salem is part of the area designated the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; tWHEREAS,there is strong support for economic development and the use of Tax Increment Financing as an economic development tool to create jobs and encourage business ' expansion and relocation to the City of Salem; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Salem that: ' (1) Tax Increment Financing may be used as a tool to encourage economic development within the Salem Economic Opportunity Area. ' (2) The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and implement Tax Increment ' Financing agreements. Adopted this day of �4cll( 19_&�_by the Salem ' City Council ata regular City Council meeting with a quorum present. Neil J.Har i gton,May6r Date ' ATTEST: ' Deborah E. Burkinshaw,City Clerk SEAL 1 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT ' For River Wharf Realty Trust ' WHEREAS, the City of Salem is part of the area designated the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; ' WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Salem has prepared a Tax Increment Financing Agreement in accordance of Chapter 40 and 751 CMR 11.00; ' WHEREAS, there is strong support for economic development and the use of Tax Increment Financing as an economic development tool to encourage business expansion in and relocation to the City of Salem; ' WHEREAS, there is strong support for using Tax Increment Financing to encourage the renovation of 18 Commercial Street,the property owned by River Wharf Realty ' Trust and leased to The Bioengineering Group,Inc.; WHEREAS, this property is located in the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; ' NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Salem City Council that: t (1) The Tax Increment Financing Agreement be adopted as it has been substantially submitted to the City Council. A copy of said Tax Increment Financing Agreement is attached as Exhibit A,and made part of this Resolution. (2) The area to be designated as a Tax Increment Financing Zone is: ' The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any,bounded and described as follows: Parcel No. 1 ' Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY comer of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running in a ' NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to a point; thence turning and running in a ' NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50.05) feet along land now ' or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc.;thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 57/100(92.57) feet; thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty(50) feet to the point of beginning. Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem, Rear of North Street, Salem, i ' Mass.,May 1955,Revised October 1955—Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer" in Book 4809,Page 500. ' Parcel No. 2 1 The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: ' Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100(388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street;thence running ' SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy(70) feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem;thence turning and running ' NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem,eighty- nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.;thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, ! Inc., seventy and 12/100 (70.12)feet to land now or formerly of Cook; thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and 06/100 (86.06)feet to the point begun at. ' Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the City of Salem,rear of North Street May 1955, Revised October 1955,Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer" and hereinbefore referred to. Fnr title reference is mArle to Deed of Cathanrn T4. Lord, dated May 14, 1965 Anti recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267, Page 342. t (3) A map of the Tax Increment Financing Zone is hereby attached as Exhibit B and made part of this Resolution. (4) The Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be binding on all subsequent owners of the property in the Tax Increment Financing Zone. The City of Salem reserves the right to review and renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement if the business activity ' ceases to be fully operational during the life of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement, as specified in the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. (5) A copy of the adopted Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be forwarded to the 1 In City Council March 30, 2000 1 Referred to the Committee on Administration and Finance In City Council April 13, 2000 Adopted by Roll Call Vote of 9 Yeas 0 Nays 2 Absent 1 Approved by the Mayor on April 24, 2000 1 1 Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council for its approval. (6) The effective date of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be July 1, 2000 1 (Fiscal Year 2001),whichever is later. 1 (7) The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and implement the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. 1 Adopted this 13th day of April 2000 by the Salem City Council at a regular City Council meeting with a quorum present. 1 Z� 1 Stanley J.UsAti&4 Jr.,Mayor Dat 1 ' A 1 Deborah E.Burkinshaw, City C erk iSEAL 1 � 1 . 1 � 1 1 � 1 ' L1 City of Salem 1 Yea and Nay Vote of City Council /Upon the Question of v Yea Nay Pres. Absent Date 2000 1 Laura A. DeToma 1 Kimberley L. Driscoll Regina R Flynn 1 Thomas H. Furey 1 Sarah M.Hayes Scott A. LaCava 1 Joan B. Lovely 1 Joseph A. O'Keefe Leonard F. O'Leary Arthur C. Sargent 1 Kevin R Harvey,Pres. Totals 1 r 2`Rr" 'C'OPY ATTEST `n CITY CLERK PE 'K'.EM, MASL 1 42 as Vis•-' m \\ ia. \ V _ \ r E � a 630 ln�« SpAI ��'_ 6'So • r \ i ? 628 4 443 62 bti G• •N $ 3 a $ `` • \ \ t � obOL .00 o \ a 9A le •° e . g \ \ r_ O M 40 to C2( \ \ Y � �� �� r• �' , ,N—�� a) \ � Yom. \ \ e o OL f • R • `V ` ,� M O °ate b �J • In � � • `� \ \\ .r •°tom O2, o � "[J O •j � y • � N � O • d4 M • \ \ O Q,D \ \ 1p df Qj a, 00 Q o z �a ob u �1 • •� no C�n y.(1 n.. C� •rte P P rn s i - Of- $Pl 11 Xms. R. 4 m \ t ca � u o °♦� p m, o a • ' TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT ' CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS and ' RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST This agreement is made this/&-/"day of� 2000, by and between the CITY OF ' SALEM, a municipal corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having a principal place of business at City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, acting through the Mayor, Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., (hereinafter called "the ' CITY"), and RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST, u/d/t dated June 30, 1999 (Recorded with Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 15780, Page 107), with a principal place of ' business at 18 Commercial Street in Salem, Massachusetts, 01970 (hereinafter called "the TRUST") . This Agreement will take effect as of July 1, 2000 (Fiscal Year 2001). ' WHEREAS, the TRUST has permitted The Bioengineering Group, Inc. (hereinafter called"the LESSEE" of the TRUST)to renovate the building at 18 Commercial Street in Salem as the professional offices for the LESSEE; and ' WHEREAS, the CITY is willing to grant tax concessions in return for guarantee of the renovation of this distressed property and the creation of employment ' opportunities for local workers; and WHEREAS, the Salem City Council resolved on November 9, 1995 to allow the use of Tax ' Increment Financing as a tool to encourage economic development within the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; and ' WHEREAS, the Salem City Council resolved on April 13, 2000 to endorse the Tax Increment Financing Plan negotiated by the CITY and the TRUST. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein,the parties do mutually agree as follows: ' A. THE TRUST'S OBLIGATIONS ' 1. The TRUST shall purchase and permit the LESSEE to renovate the property at 18 Commercial Street in Salem. "The FACILITY" as used herein means the building at 18 Commercial Street containing approximately 5,000 square feet plus site improvements. ' 2. During the life of this agreement, if the TRUST decides to sell the FACILITY or the business or to otherwise transfer control of the FACILITY or business and/or operations thereof,the TRUST shall give the CITY at least three months notice of said sale or transfer. Said notice shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the i ' Mayor, City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970. 1 ' 1 B. THE CITY'S OBLIGATIONS ' 1. The CITY shall grant a tax increment financing exemption to the TRUST in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter A, Section 3E, Chapter 40, Section 59, and ' Chapter 59, Section 5. Said exemption shall be granted on the improvements to the FACILITY. Said exemption shall be valid for a period of five (5) years,beginning with fiscal year 2001 (July 1, 2000) and ending with fiscal year 2006. During each year of ' this agreement,the TRUST will pay taxes based on the base value of the FACILITY and on that portion of the value of the FACILITY which is not exempted under the ' agreement. The base value is established by the Board of Assessors (the Board) and is the assessed ' value established for the most recent fiscal year immediately prior to the fiscal year in which the property first becomes eligible for the tax increment exemption of the FACILITY unless an abatement is approved by the Board. The exemption schedule on the value of the FACILITY works as follows: For the first year,the TRUST will pay the base tax bill and will pay taxes on 75% of the full value of ' improvements to the FACILITY. The full value of improvements to the FACILITY is hereinafter called "the INCREMENT". In year two,the TRUST will pay tames on 85% of the full value of the INCREMENT,plus the base tax bill. In year three,the TRUST will ' pay taxes on 95% of the full value of the INCREMENT, plus the base tax bill. In year four, the TRUST will pay taxes on 95% of the INCREMENT,plus the base tax bill. In year five, the TRUST will pay taxes on 95%of the INCREMENT, plus the base tax bill. ' In year six, the TRUST will pay taxes on the full value of the FACILITY. ' C. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ' 1. This Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be binding on all subsequent owners of the property. The City of Salem reserves the right to review and renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement if the business activity ceases to be fully operational during the life of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. 2. If the TRUST decides to expand the facility at any time during the life of the Tax ' Increment Financing Agreement,the CITY and the TRUST may renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement to exempt all or part of the value of the expansion from property taxes. The exact amount of that exemption will be determined at the time of ' expansion. 1 1 Executed as a sealed instrument on the day and year first above written. CITY OF SALEM RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST J Stanley J. Uso 'c Jr., Nrayr Robert G. S lomon, Trustee 'Notary Public ' My commission expires S/t //Osi 1 1 Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area E SE NTY 0 0 a "BEVERLY ° � e • SALEM B k CITY OF SALEM ZONING MAP ■ Bt - Business Neighborhood ■ B2-Business Highway ■ 84-Wholesale & Automative P ' ■ B5- Central Development i;. ❑ BPD- Business Park Development ® I - Industrial ■ R1 - Residential One Family ■ R2- Residential Two Family ■ R3- Residential Multi-Family s-: ■ RC- Residential Conservation 1 `•lt6 _+` /, �$ / +> M•�ta �ar. / i/I --T/ PARK M •O I [ wa n L ayy '�7 I oo+[ 79 4 1 �+ J�•/ '/ _� I � %:' 1 ,� 1 �i 6 _ i J �+/4 1. ,`1GALLOWS HILL PARFt —Al-SAO.. low ZONE ^•�„ t / + 1 _ -r. ra o �•y�� r r � t�1` 1 I SALEM wr d \`` HIGH SCHOOL IL O.A.Oft '- For \��� 9 a NOSFITAI Y +mOy�� I � i♦ Jr. f � Q _ -_n1� 10 + t + rte• 1LAND . PARK `NI /J/ .a• �+ 4 F �A + ' • u+'`i'' —SALEM 1 MU GOLF L I • i GOLF COURSE 1 7J�. .��.. ..� Ii </ / � /`vim � • � /,� a •�� !< _ J ; •caro+ • /y./wa .. f•��.. ' � l•r °'' .. • ? Q r 1 • • Rft- -jr�* 1L X% M. '.orf PAL NE" Nii ^` COVE uo+r+eua[ General Location Map 1 ''�. •" /'�7 `,,�; River Wharf Realty Trust!, �''� \� •. a .•�[+ ;A ""'�•,�� `r ,'� COVE TIF Zone Indicated �_ 1 1 1 ' Attachments Photographs ' Building Elevations Floor Plans 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 Pre-Construction Conditions, 18 Commercial Street 1� ........... ;a•F�."'3 ems-,c r�"- '�- fi .'^ ` 'rc 4tg .o y VIA \� - 71 t aa. p L \ 3 Fl d. ; o kyL z � EyS ro�N I �e !' z i 1� s r r i V\ 1^ 0 � , I f --- I I 4i r I a r ., ITT rr ' If �3 ty i IT i 6-- C7 `i �c m� O A u1,5" (31 rn 0 A Qj i 171 r_ �- II LO . . \ --Bi ON E7 I obit sl CC l N- 2bu q-0u -6. l Cf U ` w I J i I z m g li Z l I - 1 -Ali __. _. .. ... ...._ _. ..P.-- __ _ 9 it I, I i N'11 LI.p ... 6j QRSR O IM X ii j gg �� � I - r:- , E=L 11 IN f I � t I wi 1 1 t r , p 1 I�2C I j # - z5 r 11 . 1 Z , T. I Tfl YY � -F%MX"_� In I�FrP?5 '�. '�. , I • ! � II 1 T � v x r D t A e I . O ' • 1 r, 1 f V A, I II ' II t,: 1.„:, • \ • 1 • I { II .nnl ♦ ter... JMrl • •L I • 1 � II 1 ib 'r' • . • II • it A 1 1 1 River Wharf Realty Trust 1 The Bioengineering Group, Inc. 1 1 Application for Certified Project Designation Tax Increment Financing Plan 1 1 1 U I I � I ' li J I s _ ��oPO Saar .�UIIGIN!9 = E`/AI CU - � ;n.ME?-G1PoL SZE51�„�41_�M MA M1 1 1 1 Presented to: 1 Salem City Council 1 March 30, 2000 1 ' The Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive ' Program Certified Project Application ' Applicant Information 1. Name and address of business(es) submitting this application: ' Name: River Wharf Realty Trust Address: 18 Commercial Street Salem, MA 01970 ' Fiscal year end is: December 3 V 2. Name and address of project (if different from above): ' N/A ' 3. Location of ETA: ' Beverly & Salem Regional ETA ' 4. Location of EOA: Salem 5. Authorization: I/We (print), Robert Solomon of River Wharf Realty ' Trust ,the entity applying for Certified Project designation, hereby certify that the information within this application is true and accurate, and reflects the project's intentions for job creation ' and investment. I understand that the information provided within this application shall be binding for the duration of the project certification. 3Z7 4Signature (Dat Signature (Date) ' 1 6. Nature and purpose of project ' River Wharf Realty Trust is seeking Certified Project designation to obtain property tax relief for its recently purchased building and land at 18 Commercial Street. The ' Bioengineering Group,Inc., the business leasing the building located on the property, is renovating the space to house its professional offices. River Wharf Realty Trust desires Certified Project status to participate in a Tax Increment Financing agreement and to be ' able to assist The Bioengineering Group with its expansion plans. River Wharf Realty Trust was formed as the holding company for The Bioengineering ' Group. When The Bioengineering Group began to explore the option of purchasing property, its financial and legal advisors recommended that it create a holding company in the form of a realty trust, a standard business practice. The Bioengineering Group,Inc. ' is committed to increasing its business and employment and to growing in Salem. The Bioengineering Group's expectations and goals are to serve to jump-start development in this neighborhood as the firm's expansion helps to catalyze other attractive and desirable ' elements to this area. The Bioengineering Group was incorporated in January 1996 as a consulting company ' providing expertise in the use of vegetation for construction projects designed to optimize environmental benefits, and provides a full range of services in the field of ' bioengineering for erosion control, water quality, and habitat restoration. The company has been located in Salem since its inception, first at 53 Mason Street, and now at 18 Commercial Street, where it leases the building from its holding company,River Wharf ' Realty Trust, that purchased the land and building on June 30, 1999. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. was founded by Wendi Goldsmith who continues to ' serve as the President and sole Director and Shareholder of the company. She has over ten years of involvement in the ecological restoration and erosion control fields. Ms. Goldsmith left her more recent position as,President of Bestmann Green Systems,Inc. in ' order to focus her energy on the establishment of a highly specialized consulting firm offering services related to bioengineered erosion control treatments, stream restoration, and wetlands creation. The firm's business contacts and strong reputation within the ' industry have thus far enabled to firm to grow to its present size and stature. Ms. Goldsmith and her family have been residents of Salem since 1992 where they own a ' home and property on Mail Street. The Bioengineering Group employs five full time professionals, two part time ' professionals, two training interns from Germany, two part time student assistants, and two part time administrative staff. The firm expects that over the next three years approximately fifteen(15)net, new permanent jobs will be created, using roughly $500,000 in private investment. The business is young and working aggressively to compete with larger engineering and science consulting firms,mainly based in Boston. Tax increment financing would offer the company much needed assistance with cash 1 2 ' flow as they seek access to working capital and financial assistance to control expenses. ' The building at 18 Commercial Street is one story with a mezzanine and is located in a Business Park Development zoning district which is geared towards developing clean businesses and light industrial uses. The building is a 5,000 square foot building located ' on a 10,716 square foot lot. Previously the building had been vacant or partially vacant for a number of years. ' Attached is the budget for the project buildout in the amount of$239,925. The budget includes a new roof, new HVAC system, interior and exterior renovation. ' Budget for Project �Cosl oftlmprovemet�ts h ' Architecture Fees 3,600 ASTM Screen/Limited Assessment 500 ' Report Roofing 30,775 ' General Construction 56,500 Plumbing 8,000 ' Electrical Work 35,500 Heating and Ductwork 20,000 ' Air Conditioning 8,600 ' Lighting 2,850 Interior Finishes 25,000 ' Telephone/Voicemail System 12,500 Building/Company Sign 900 ' Security System 2,700 Greenhouse 20,000 ' Misc. Services: blueprints, permits, 6,500 waste removal, etc. t Misc. Supplies: lumber,paint, 6,000 hardware, ladder rental, etc. ' Total Improvement Costs $2399925 3 ' 7. Is this business new to Massachusetts? ❑ Yes ✓ No t If no: • Where are the existing Massachusetts facilities? ' The Bioengineering Group moved from 53 Mason Street in Salem to 18 Commercial Street in Salem in June 1999. 1 • Will this project require/trigger the closing or consolidation of any Massachusetts ' facilities? If yes, please explain. No. ' 8. Is this project an expansion of an existing business? ✓Yes ❑ No ' If yes, check the appropriate box: ❑ at existing location ✓ at new location in same municipality ' ❑ at new location in different municipality ' 9. Job creation ' In order to qualify for Certified Project status,the governing statute and regulations require the creation of net, new, permanent full-time employees in Massachusetts. On the chart provided(see next page), please fill in the blanks provided. 1 4 1 ' Work Force Analysis andjob Creation Plan Current TOTAL NEWJOBS NEW JOBS NEWJOBS NEWJOBS NEWJOBS ' employment projected new Year I Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 permanent jobs ' Total Employees at Certified Project 13 15 3 3 3 3 3 Facility ' Total Employees at Other Sites in N/A Mass. ' #of Employees at Certified Project 1 10 2 2 2 2 2 Location who live in the ETA #of Permanent Full-Time Employees 6 12 3 3 3 2 1 1 #of Permanent Part-Time Employees 2 3 — _ _ 1 2 ' #of Temporary full-Time Employees 2 0 1 #of Temporary Part-Time Employees 3 0 ' #of Management Positions 2 2 1 ' Average Salary of Management $85,000 Positions ' #of Professional Positions 5 13 2 3 2 3 3 Average Salary of Professional $60,000 ' Positions #of Technical Positions 2 — ' Average Salary of Technical Positions $35,000 ' #of Skilled Positions 3 ' Average Salary of Skilled Positions $25/hr #of Unskilled Positions 2 Average Salary of Unskilled Positions $1.50/hr 1 5 1 ' 10. Certification for Abandoned Buildings: Does the proposed project involve the renovation and reuse of an abandoned building? ❑ Yes ❑ No ✓ Unsure ' If yes or unsure, please answer the following questions: ' (a) How long has the building been vacant? (If known, state date) ' The building has been vacant since approximately 1993. (b) During this period of time, what percentage of the building was vacant and unused? If the percentage varied during this time period,provide information for each change in the percent of vacant space and the applicable time period. ' From 1993 to late 1998, the building was 50%vacant. From late 1998 to June 1999 the building was 100%vacant. ' 11. Local Employment: What actions will you take to recruit employees from among ' residents of the ETA? The owner of the Bioengineering Group is currently involved in community activities to ' learn of and update local resources and to identify possible job candidates. The firm will maintain communication with local agencies and organizations, including Salem High School and college contacts. The firm will rely on local newspapers as well as ' Internet and Boston area employment resources. The Bioengineering Group has the intention and capacity to achieve the anticipated level ' of new permanent full-time jobs for residents of the municipality/Economic Target Area. The owner is a Salem resident and intends to recruit intensively from the ETA to fill new permanent full-time jobs. The firm recently leased a 5,000 square foot facility at 18 ' Commercial Street to meet the needs of this steadily growing company. It is committed to expanding the business and adding ETA residents to its payroll. The firm has already hired at least two full-time employees who are Salem residents (Operations Manager and Restoration Horticulturist). ' The market for bioengineering design and applications has grown quickly in the United States and internationally and The Bioengineering Group has been successful at obtaining major contracts for such work. Revenues and volume of work have been increasing and ' are anticipated to continue,thus furthering the need for additional personnel. The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is in the unique position of offering consulting services in new and innovative environmental technologies. The company has a four year client ' base, including new and repeat business in government and public projects, as well as residential, smaller projects. The company is willing and anxious to search the local market for promising employees for technical,management and administrative positions. ' 6 1 ' 12. Affirmative Action Statement: Does the business have an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Plan or Statement? ✓ Yes ❑ No ' If yes,please attach a copy. ' Please see attached. ' If no, describe the business' hiring policies and practices. 13. Agreement between the Business and Area Banks: Describe briefly the business' local banking relationship(s), if any. Does the institution with which the business banks participate in the Massachusetts Capital Access Program,which is designed to commit a portion of the business' deposits to fund loans to local businesses? ' The Bioengineering Group, Inc. banks with Fleet Bank(Salem Branch) and Danvers ' Savings Bank, who participate in the Massachusetts Capital Access Program. 14. Economic benefits of project certification: Provide a description of the t economic benefits that are anticipated for the business and the project, if the project is certified. Also,provide any information, documentation or studies demonstrating any additional benefits (i.e. reduction of blight, reuse of abandoned buildings, clean up of ' contaminated property,job training, provision of day care, any contributions to the community, etc.) likely to accrue to the area as a result of Certified Project designation. Please describe: The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is engaged in a consistent year-round business activity that emphasizes skilled and highly skilled employment,both elements of which help to create economic balance here in Salem where it has often been skewed toward the service ' and retail sectors. As The Bioengineering Group enlarges its staff of professionals, technical and skilled workers,the firm encourages not only their contribution to the company and the City of Salem, but also, encourages employees to appreciate and settle tin Salem and surrounding communities. The company and its founder and President, Wendi Goldsmith, are interested in offering ' expertise to the community in the form of ecological restoration to promote a coherent and positive identity for the multi-purpose corridor along the North River in Salem. It is the firm's intent to encourage the City and active businesses in the area to collaborate in ' carving out a clearer identity that could play a small yet significant part in adding to the enrichment of the already recognized historical and cultural identities in Salem. The Bioengineering Group's building is located in a section of Salem that in undergoing revitalization in the form of public park improvements (North River Canal park), new 7 1 � ' businesses and infrastructure improvements such as the Bridge Street improvements and the proposed Bridge Street bypass road. Certified Project designation will permit River ' Wharf Realty Trust to assist this company's growth and contribute to the overall economic welfare of Salem. Additionally,the location of this prosperous and healthy company will further attract other viable economic uses. 1 Economic benefits to applicant ' • Improvements to the building and property and expansion of The Bioengineering Group's workforce are economically feasible with the receipt of investment tax ' credits and property tax benefits • River Wharf Realty Trust will receive approximately $4,257 in local property tax benefits over five years ' • The rehabilitation of the facility will entitle River Wharf Realty Trust to state 5% investment tax credits ' Economic benefits to the City of Salem • The new location and expansion of The Bioengineering Group could provide an ' incentive and an anchor for the development of the Business Park along the North River Corridor. Additional improvement of the Corridor would add to the attraction of the newly constructed park area, and could incorporate the historical and cultural identities of Salem in making the area more attractive to tourists/visitors. • The quality of the neighborhood would be improved and enhanced by recognizing the need for improving the properties and integrating the utilitarian role of the business ' park district. • As the company expands its work force,the need for professionals will increase, and ' with that, expectations for increases in property investment and taxes. • The company is expected to add fifteen new jobs in Salem. • Tax revenues to the City will be increased because(1)the Commercial Street building ' will now be occupied by a successful business that contributes to the job market and use of sales and services from the community as a whole; and(2) improvements to the building and property will result in an increased value of the property. ' Special Requirements for Real Estate Projects ' 1. Will the business own or lease/rent the facility? ❑ Own ✓Lease/Rent ' If leasing/renting, please identify the developer/landlord, and state who will be the taxpayer of record for the purpose of paying local real estate taxes. ' The Landlord is River Wharf Realty Trust. The property was purchased by The Bioengineering Group, Inc. in the form of its holding company,River Wharf Realty 8 1 ' Trust. As a matter of standard business practice, The Bioengineering Group, Inc., leases the building from the Realty Trust. ' If owning, will the business fully occupy the space? ❑ Yes ❑ No ' If no, does the business intend to lease/rent the remaining space? The space will be occupied by The Bioengineering Group and a tenant new to Salem: ' Summa, Inc., distributors of graphic equipment. I ' 2. Describe how the various tax benefits and other economic incentives that will result from Certified Project designation will be allocated among the business(e's) developing the project(i.e. a developer or landlord) and the business(e's) intending to purchase, lease or ' rent space at the facility(i.e.tenant or tenants). As River Wharf Realty Trust is the holding company of The Bioengineering Group, Inc., the tax relief received from Certified Project designation will assist The Bioengineering Group, Inc. in its renovation plans for the building. ' Supplemental Information t 1. Name(s) of business(e's) intending to take advantage of state tax incentives: ' Business Name: River Wharf Realty Trust Federal Employer ID: 04-6895020 Address: 18 Commercial Street Salem, MA 01970 Phone: (978) 740-0096 Fax: (978) 740-0097 Contact Person: Wendi Goldsmith/Grace Spence Type of Organization(check that which applies): ' Corporation: ❑ For profit; S Corp.; ❑ Non-Profit ✓ Business Trust ❑ Partnership: ❑ General Partnership; ❑ Limited Partnership ' ❑ Individual ' 9 ' Level of interest: (Indicate the benefits the company seeks) ' ✓ 5%Investment Tax Credit ❑ 10%Abandoned Building Tax Deduction(if applicable) ' ✓ Local Real Estate Tax Incentive Beneficiary 2. Names and Addresses of Organization (please respond according to type) ' Realty Trust: i ' Robert G. Solomon, Trustee Wendi Goldsmith, Beneficiary ' Corporation: ' Wendi Goldsmith,President 3. Please provide names, addresses, phone numbers and contact persons ' for organizations which may own or control or be affiliated with the applicant organization: tRobert G. Solomon 7 Mall Street ' Salem, MA 01970 (978) 740-0096 ' Wendi Goldsmith 7 Mall Street Salem,MA 01970 ' (978) 740-0096 ' 4. Certificate of Good Standing: A Certificate of Good Standing for The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is attached with this application. 1 mccAtif\forms\cpap.wpd ' 10 1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Division III , Certificate Unit PO Box 7066 September 30, 1999 Boston.MA 02204 ' BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. ' 53 MASON STREET SALEM, MA 01970 1 ' CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING ' It is hereby certified by the Commissioner of Revenue of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as of the above date, that the above named corporation is a domestic corporation organized in Massachusetts on January 16, 1996 and that said corporation is in good standing with ' respect to any and all returns due and taxes.payable to the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 62C, and the statutes referred to in Section 2 thereof. ' This certificate does not certify the corporation's standing as to unemployment insurance taxes under G.L.Ch. 151a or taxes under any other provisons or law. No. 53653 By ' Assistant Chief, Automated Systems Bureau 1 THIS IS NOT A WAIVER OF LIEN ISSUED UNDER GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 62C, SECTION 52, ' AND CANNOT BE USED FOR SUCH PURPOSE. 5066 - 69976 1 ' Frederick A.Laskey ®° ted "mcy 1 PBP f Commissioner 1 THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. ' Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 EEO POLICY STATEMENT ' The Bioengineering Group, Inc. ("TBG"), its officers, and managers are fully committed to equal employment opportunity and to the implementation of an effective affirmative action employment program without regard to race, sex, ' religion, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or handicap. It is TBG's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons and to prohibit discrimination in all aspects of its personnel policies, program practices and operations, and in all of its working conditions and relationships with employees and applicants for employment. ' All TBG employees and managers are responsible for supporting TBG's policy on equal employment opportunity and for assuring that the workplace is free from discrimination. As evidence of its commitment to affirmative action in employment, TBG has made equal employment opportunity a critical element in its managerial performance appraisal system. Annual evaluation will be made to measure program accomplishments in affirmative action, and measures will ' be taken to remedy imbalances or lack of progress. 2. PLAN FOR PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT ' The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is committed to providing a work environment free of sexual harassment. TBG routinely informs employees that such harassment is a violation of.Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and that TBG prohibits sexual harassment of its employees in any form. Reports of allegations will be treated with discretion, thoroughly investigated, and acted upon to eliminate such harassment and to prevent recurrences. 3. STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE MONITORING/EVALUATION SYSTEM In order to permit ongoing assessment of the TBG affirmative action employment program, a copy of all personnel actions are given to the TBG Director of Human Resources as they occur. This allows for the analysis of hiring and promotions. Since the TBG work force consists of fewer than 200 employees, hiring and promotion can be adequately monitored without a computerized system. ' In addition to the ongoing assessment of personnel data and trends, an effective, bias-free system of auditing is essential to any affirmative employment 1 ' 2Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 ' Page 2 ' program. Accordingly, on an annual basis, the following will be reviewed by the Director of Human Resources: - Effectiveness of barrier elimination strategies. ' - Selection process of new hires during year. Annual findings will be presented in writing to TBG management with ' recommendations for correcting problem areas. 4. PROGRAM ANALYSES- RECRUITMENT AND HIRING ' It is TBG's policy to promote from within whenever possible. When this is not possible, professional, administrative, technical, and clerical positions are advertised in several local newspapers in the recruiting area in an attempt to reach a diverse group of job candidates. ' As provided by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Management Directive 714 (EEO-MD-714), Section 13a(5), numerical objectives (goals) are optional because of TBG's limited employment size. Due to the ' dynamic nature of TBG's business and the market segment in which it operates, such objectives would be restrictive to its ability to operate cost-effectively and at the level of expertise for which it is known. 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 ' RESOLUTION APPROVING CERTIFIED PROJECT APPLICATION OF RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST ' WHEREAS, River Wharf Realty Trust has applied for designation as a Certified Project under the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program created by Chapter 23A of Massachusetts General laws; WHEREAS, River Wharf Realty Trust meets the minimum standards of the Economic Development Incentive Program and the local economic development goals and ' criteria established as part of the documents creating the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; ' WHEREAS, the proposed certified project is located at 18 Commercial Street, within the boundaries of the Salem Economic Opportunity Area. The legal description is as ' follows: The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, bounded and described ' as follows: Parcel No. 1 ' Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY corner of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running ' in a NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to a point; thence turning and running in a NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50.05) feet along land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.;thence turning and running in ' a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 57/100 (92.57) feet;thence turning and running in an ' EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty (50) feet to the point of beginning. ' Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem, Rear of North Street, Salem, Mass.,May 1955, Revised October 1955 —Edgar W.Nickerson, ' City Engineer" in Book 4809, Page 500. Parcel No. 2 ' The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: ' Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100 (388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street; thence running , ' SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road ' seventy (70) feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem; thence turning and running NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem, eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85)feet to land now or formerly of ' H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.; thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc., seventy and 12/100 (70.12) feet to land now or formerly of Cook; thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY ' by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and 06/100 (86.06) feet to the point begun at. ' Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled "Land of the City of Salem, rear of North Street May 1955,Revised October 1955, Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer" and hereinbefore referred to. ' For title, reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord, dated May 14, 1965 and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267, Page 342. ' WHEREAS, the City of Salem has agreed to offer River Wharf Realty Trust a Tax ' Increment Financing Agreement; WHEREAS, The Bioengineering Group, Inc., having leased the building on the property of its ' holding company,River Wharf Realty Trust, will invest approximately $240,000 to renovate a property at 18 Commercial Street into professional offices, an investment which creates approximately 15 new,permanent jobs for residents of the Beverly& Salem Regional Economic Target Area. WHEREAS, the renovation of the property at 18 Commercial Street will substantially improve ' the aesthetic appearance of the property and reduce blight in one of Salem's business districts; ' NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Salem City Council approves the Certified Project application of River ' Wharf Realty Trust, designating this project as a certified project for a period of five years, and forwards said application for certification to the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council for its approval and endorsement. i 1 Adopted this day of , 2000, by the Salem City Council ' Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., Mayor Date Attest: Deborah E. Burkinshaw, City Clerk ' SEAL 1 t i 1 1 Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program ' Tax Increment Financing Plan I. Location A. Economic Opportunity Area (EOA): Salem EOA B. Municipality: City of Salem ' C. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Zone: ' Attached are: • map of the ETA • map showing the general location of the proposed private project ' parcel by parcel map with property lines and the outline of each building, infrastructure improvements, all thoroughfare, public rights of way and easements • zoning map ' Common description of TIF Zone: ' The proposed TIF Zone is located at 18 Commercial Street in the Salem Economic Opportunity Area(EOA). The tax parcel is Map 26, Lot 51. ' Legal description of TIF Zone: ' The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any,bounded and described as follows: ' Parcel No. 1 Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the ' SOUTHWESTERLY corner of land formerly of George F. Lord, thence running in a NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to a point; thence ' turning and running in a NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50.05) feet along land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc.; thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 1 1 ' 57/100 (92.57)feet;thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty (50) feet to the point of ' beginning. Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South ' District Registry of Deeds entitled"Land of City of Salem, Rear of North Street, Salem, Mass., May 1955, Revised October 1955 —Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer"in Book 4809,Page 500. ' Parcel No. 2 ' The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: ' Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100 (388.44) ' feet Southwesterly from North Street; thence running SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy (70) 1 feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem; thence turning and running NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem, eighty- nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons,Inc.;thence ' turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc., seventy and 12/100 (70.12) feet to land now or formerly of Cook;thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and ' 06/100 (86.06) feet to the point begun at. Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the ' City of Salem, rear of North Street May 1955,Revised October 1955, Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer" and hereinbefore referred to. ' For title, reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord, dated May 14, 1965 and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267, Page 342. tD. Narrative Description of TIF Zone: ' Needs, Problems and Opportunities: ' Designation of this TIF Zone meets the needs of, solves problems for and creates opportunities for River Wharf Realty Trust and the City of Salem. ' Solving problems and meeting the needs of River Wharf Realty Trust: River Wharf Realty Trust,holding company for The Bioengineering Group, Inc., 2 1 1 � 1 purchased the land and building at 18 Commercial on June 30, 1999 and leased it to The Bioengineering Group, Inc., a small consulting firm that made a sizable investment in ' Salem in locating at 18 Commercial Street and undertaking the extensive renovations to the property. The building or portions of the building were unused for some time prior to the purchase, and the building needed to be transformed into professional office space ' from what was essentially an open warehouse. In order for The Bioengineering Group, Inc. to remain in Salem, it recognized it would ' be necessary to raise funds to convert the building into a viable business location. With that in mind,the company set out to investigate sources for funding and economic assistance. With the recommendation of legal and financial advisors, The ' Bioengineering Group formed River Wharf Realty Trust for the purchase of the property. The Bioengineering Group,Inc. recognized that the Tax Increment Financing Certified Project designation,would be especially helpful in assisting the company in its ' early years of growth and expansion. ' Creating Opportunityfor River Wharf Realty Trust: Assistance from the City of Salem and the Massachusetts Office of Business ' Development through Certified Project designation will create the opportunity for River Wharf Realty Trust to assist The Bioengineering Group to grow its business in Salem. Although the company has already demonstrated successful growth in the environmental ' technology consulting field,the company is still small and values the opportunity to stay in Salem where it has already discovered local need for its services. ' This project provides the Bioengineering Group, Inc. with the ideal opportunity to jumpstart economic development on the Commercial Street corridor and to be the first of many anticipated businesses to create a business park in this area that is fronting on the recently established North River Canal Park. The project is also anticipated to employ 15 permanent, net, new jobs in the ETA. ' Solving problems and meeting the needs of the City of Salem: ' Designation of the TIF Zone and approval of this TIF Plan will help River Wharf Realty Trust, which will expand the tax base and increase the supply of healthy, growing businesses in the City of Salem. The establishment of a professional firm such as The ' Bioengineering Group in this business corridor will help to spur further economic growth, as other firms are attracted to this improved business district. ' The City has undertaken several initiatives in this area to boost economic development and aesthetic appearances. The existence of the North River Canal Park provides a very attractive setting in which to locate a business. The proposed Bridge Street By-pass, ' which is located nearby to this development, will improve travel in Salem. Additionally, the nearby former Parker Brothers site is slated for redevelopment as a high end 1 3 1 ' residential and mixed use development, which will greatly improve this section of Salem. tCreating Opportunityfor the City of Salem: ' Certified Project designation permits River Wharf Realty Trust to assist The Bioengineering Group to remain in Salem where it can continue dialogue with community representatives to learn ways that it can service the local area with ' environmental solutions while helping to bring employment opportunities to the City as well. The City of Salem will benefit by the presence of a stable company that improves ' the appearance of the Commercial Street area, adds permanent jobs and will be a vital component of an overall economic development revitalization. E. Property owners within the proposed TIF Zone: The property owner is: ' River Wharf Realty Trust(holding company for The Bioengineering Group, Inc.) Robert G. Solomon, Trustee ' H. Time ' The TIF Plan and TIF Zone described here will be in effect for a period of five years. ' III. TIF Zone & Economic Development A. Economic Opportunities and Economic Benefits to the ' Community: Approval of the proposed TIF Zone will create the following economic development opportunities and benefits: ' Creates jobs: 15 net, new permanent jobs. The Bioengineering Group will expand its work force from the present thirteen employees to an additional fifteen technical, administrative and management positions over the life of the TIF. With that, there are expectations for increases in property investment and tax revenues to the City. ' Generates addtional tax revenue through the life of the TIF and beyond: see attached spreadsheet entitled "5 Year Tax Increment Financing Plan". Tax revenues to the City will be increased because (1) the Commercial Street building ' will now be occupied by running, successful businesses contributing to the job market and use of sales and services from the community as a whole; and(2) improvements to the building and property will have occurred. • Improves appearance of vacant property through renovation. The quality of the neighborhood would be improved and enhanced by recognizing the need for ' 4 1 ' improving the properties and integrating the utilitarian role of the business park district. ' The new location and expansion of The Bioengineering Group could provide an incentive and an anchor for the development of the Business Park along the North River Corridor. Additional improvement of the Corridor would add to the attraction of the newly constructed park, area, and could incorporate the historical and cultural identities of Salem in making the area more attractive to tourists/visitors. ' B. Proposed and Potential Land Uses: (analyze how the land uses are appropriate for anticipated economic development) I ' The property will be used for the professional offices of The Bioengineering Group,Inc. ' In addition to the building improvements,plans are being made to include an attractive greenhouse where the company will be able to grow and demonstrate the use of wetland plants appropriate to the New England area. It is anticipated that the improvements and greenhouse will greatly enhance the restoration to the area already initiated by the City and contribute to ongoing economic development initiatives. C. Zoning in the TIF Zone: The TIF Zone is located in a Business Park Development district. A Hazardous Waste: (identify any parcels,public or private, in zone which are confirmed hazardous waste disposal sites, in accordance with chapter 21E, MGL. ' Describe any public or private site remediation activities and any reuse plans) Not Applicable ' IV. TIF Zone Projects A. Planned Private Project: ' The Bioengineering Group,Inc. is renovating a 5,000 square foot warehouse at 18 Commercial Street consisting of one floor and a mezzanine into its professional offices. ' B. Provide Documentary evidence of the level of the developer's commitment to the proposed and required construction in the TIF ' project: ' The Bioengineering Group,Inc. has already paid legal and professional fees related to the appraisal, 21E assessment,building inspection, and closing costs associated with the purchase of the property and building. Wendi Goldsmith, owner and president of the 5 ' company, also contributed personally towards the down payment. Additionally, the company has engaged the services of an architect, general contractor and roofing, ' electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors for the development of this project. C. Budget for Project: 1 The costs of completing the project are as follows: �Ost Ufa mrovem��3�t�s( i _Wdge s ' Architecture Fees 3,600 ASTM Screen/Limited Assessment 500 ' Report Roofing 30,775 ' General Construction 56,500 Plumbing 8,000 ' Electrical Work 35,500 ' Heating and Ductwork 20,000 Air Conditioning 8,600 ' Lighting 2,850 Interior Finishes 25,000 ' Telephone/Voicemail System 12,500 I ' Building/Company Sign 900 Security System 2,700 ' Greenhouse 20,000 Misc. Services: blueprints, permits, 6,500 ' waste removal, etc. Misc. Supplies: lumber,paint, 6,000 hardware, ladder rental, etc. Total Improvement Costs $2399925 1 6 1 ' D. Relevant business plans: ' Time schedule for development: ' Scheduled construction completion: Fall 2000 Expected increases in job creation: ' 15 permanent professional, technical,management, skilled and unskilled jobs Estimates of tax revenue based upon increased valuation of parcel: Please see attached spreadsheet entitled"5 Year Tax Increment Financing Plan" ' E. Participation in other federal, state and local economic ' development programs and initiatives: N/A ' F. Planned Public Projects: ' N/A ' V. Financing for TIF Zone Projects ' A. Anticipated Financing for Private Projects: Source: Amount: Danvers Savings Bank—SBA Loan/Mortgage $342,000 Danvers Savings Bank-Line of Credit 100,000 City of Salem Note 50,000 ' Danvers Savings Bank Loan 90,000 Investment from W. Goldsmith 55,000 Total $637,000 ' B. Anticipated Financing for Public Projects: ' N/A I ' C. Detailed Projection of Costs of Public Construction: N/A 7 i D. Will Betterments be used to finance any public-private projects, now or within the proposed life of the TIF Plan? N/A tE. If Betterments or Special Assessments are a part of the TIF Plan: ' N/A F. Describe how private projects will be financed: 1 Evidence of private financing commitments: ' The Bioengineering Group has received approvals and funds for the financing of this project from Danvers Savings Bank and the City of Salem. ' VI. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING A. Authorization to use TIF: The attached City Council resolution dated ' March 9, 1995 authorizes the City of Salem to use TIF in the Salem EOA. Also attached is a City Council Resolution approving the TIF Plan for River Wharf ' Realty Trust on B. Amount of proposed tax increment exemptions from property t taxes: As the attached spreadsheet shows,the Chairman of Salem's Board of Assessors estimates that property tax benefits will total approximately $4,257 over five years. Also, see the description of the proposed TIF Plan in part D of ' this section. C. Maximum percentage of public project costs that can be recovered through betterments or special assessments: ' N/A ' D. TIF exemption from property taxes: As the attached spreadsheet shows, the City estimates the tax benefits to total ' approximately $4,257 over 5 years. 8 1 1 ' The exemption plan works as follows: ' Year River Wharf Realty Trust Pays: 1 75% of the increment, plus the base tax bill ' 2 85%of the increment,plus the base tax bill 3 95% of the increment,plus the base tax bill 4 95% of the increment, plus the base tax bill t 5 95%of the increment,plus the base tax bill 6 100% of the increment,plus the base tax bill The effective date of tax increment exemption is July 1, 2000 (Fiscal Year 2001). The property becomes eligible for the tax increment exemption on the July first ' following the date on which the EACC approves the plan. Term of the exemption: 5 years 1 VII. Approval of TIF projects ' TIF projects are approved by the Salem City Council. The Mayor and his staff are responsible for negotiating TIF Plans and, after Council approval, executing those plans. ' Evidence of local approvals of the proposed TIF Zone and TIF Plan is provided here in the form of a resolution authorizing a TIF agreement passed by the Salem City Council ' on ' \MC\TIF\Bioengineering\TIFPLAN.doe 1 9 ' RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING IN THE ' SALEM ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AREA ' WHEREAS,the City of Salem is part of the area designated the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; ' WHEREAS,there is strong support for economic development and the use of Tax Increment Financing as an economic development tool to create jobs and encourage business ' expansion and relocation to the City of Salem; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Salem that: ' (1) Tax Increment Financing may be used as a tool to encourage economic ' development within the Salem Economic Opportunity Area. (2) The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and implement Tax Increment ' Financing agreements. Adopted this day of /LCGi/�L? 19 � by the Salem ' City Council at a regular City Council meeting with a quorum present. Neil J�HarKngton, may6r Date�� ' ATTEST: ' Deborah E. Burkinshaw, City Clerk 1 SEAL 1 1 ' RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT ' For River Wharf Realty Trust ' WHEREAS, the City of Salem is part of the area designated the Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; ' WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Salem has prepared a Tax Increment Financing Agreement in accordance of Chapter 40 and 751 CMR 11.00; ' WHEREAS, there is strong support for economic development and the use of Tax Increment Financing as an economic development tool to encourage business expansion in and relocation to the City of Salem; ' WHEREAS, there is strong support for using Tax Increment Financing to encourage the renovation of 18 Commercial Street, the property owned by River Wharf Realty ' Trust and leased to The Bioengineering Group, Inc.; ' WHEREAS, this property is located in the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Salem City Council that: (1) The Tax Increment Financing Agreement be adopted as it has been substantially submitted to the City Council. A copy of said Tax Increment Financing Agreement is ' attached as Exhibit A, and made part of this Resolution. (2) The area to be designated as a Tax Increment Financing Zone is: The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, bounded and described as follows: ' Parcel No. 1 ' Beginning at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY corner of land formerly of George F. Lord,thence running in a ' NORTHERLY direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to a point; thence turning and running in a ' NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 051100 (50.05) feet along land now 1 ' or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.;thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and ' 57/100 (92.57) feet; thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty (50)feet to the point of beginning. Containing 4,560 square feet of land, as shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled "Land of City of Salem, Rear of North Street, Salem, ' Mass., May 1955, Revised October 1955—Edgar W.Nickerson, City Engineer" in Book 4809, Page 500. ' Parcel No. 2 ' The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows: ' Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100 (388.44) feet Southwesterly from North Street;thence running ' SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street line of said proposed road seventy(70) feet to other land now of formerly of the City of Salem;thence turning and running ' NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem, eighty- nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, Inc.; thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of H.P. Hood and Sons, ' Inc., seventy and 12/100 (70.12) feet to land now or formerly of Cook; thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and 06/100 (86.06) feet to the point begun at. Containing 6,156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled"Land of the ' City of Salem,rear of North Street May 1955, Revised October 1955,Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer"and hereinbefore referred to. I ' For title, reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord, dated May 14, 1965 and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267, Page 342. ' (3) A map of the Tax Increment Financing Zone is hereby attached as Exhibit B and made part of this Resolution. ' (4) The Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be binding on all subsequent owners of the property in the Tax Increment Financing Zone. The City of Salem reserves the right to review and renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement if the business activity ' ceases to be fully operational during the life of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement, as specified in the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. (5) A copy of the adopted Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be forwarded to the ' Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council for its approval. ' (6) The effective date of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be July 1, 2000 (Fiscal Year 2001), whichever is later. ' (7) The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and implement the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. ' Adopted this day of 2000 by the Salem City ' Council at a regular City Council meeting with a quorum present. ' Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., Mayor Date ' ATTEST: ' Deborah E. Burkinshaw, City Clerk SEAL 1 1 i 1 1 RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST 5-YEAR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN Base Value FY 00 $205,500 Tax Rate $31.65 Value After Building Renovation $450,000 Increment in Value $244,500 Base Year FY 2000 Year Taxes'R 'd efto. P "t TO . .................. ............ 10 oo..... Blit kw x ,;.... .. ............... Rate U . .... W ............ BASE $205,500 $31.65 $6,504 0% $6,504 $0 $6,504 $0 1 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 75% $6,504 $5,804 $12,308 $1,935 2 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 85% $6,504 $6,578 $13,082 $1,161 3 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 4 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 5 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 6 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 100% $6,504 $7,738 $14,243 $0 TOTALS $91,962 $87,885 $4,257 NOTES *TIF % = Percent of increment that is taxed "Taxes Paid Each Year= Base Tax Bill plus Taxes on Increment ***Tax Benefit Each Year= Benefit to River Wharf Realty Trust Base Value consists of FY2000 Assessed value of 18 Commercial Street r -b �5�1 ��j F Y'+(�/ 06: o� O s • \0?3 5' �R6 \ �� •.✓ 'S9B6� .10 O t • -oo 61 • s /� '; It 9 v y� , \ ` �\ 7 h A° �, '� • $O 3�gB1 O ° •• 000 '6 ioC. \\ \\\ 61 - •00 A, rep oV \ �00 it OI a 6 • 65a O't •• `•o �t10 1�61i�� X550 Ob 034 2 a b, •o' 6 pc + -1(34 q g3 O oa \ `\ At 0-1 + • 1990 4b / \ \ \ / / tj2 � River Wharf Realty Trust \\ \\ e14 5 Q2 a9� A \\ 1 06 9 0 060 j0i110 0o \ \O • a _ I6, �e Private Project 6A 9 \ A \ i 00 X1500 0 VL CO 0 3196U G` A060 \� `,o` G O M 4S4•� N /// w 1 504 S.D..�� ' RIVER P / / M AO° O ° 6°°° �'�•" y5e °I ' 11 910 ' 21 • �1. /� II 11 / tP li c 1 + `\\• •:' R1H A51y I /��i// E � `•� ''� ji `�' SAL 90 • 3A .• I . + Msw / // �1.• �• �,061. \ 1 • / 5 2 I Ot�y9O s `•• .ca`"`�� / /' s�"' Assessor's Map 635 Private Project Indicated 121 AC 40 , j2�so _o TIF Zone Indicated _ // / ! roIV a� RIR V917 0�� . .. �o.• .I 1 TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AGREEMENT ' CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS and ' RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST This agreement is made this_day of 2000, by and between the CITY OF ' SALEM, a municipal corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having a principal place of business at City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970, acting through the Mayor, Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., (hereinafter called "the ' CITY"), and RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST, u/d/t dated June 30, 1999 (Recorded with Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 15780, Page 107),with a principal place of business at 18 Commercial Street in Salem, Massachusetts, 01970 (hereinafter called "the ' TRUST") . This Agreement will take effect as of July 1, 2000 (Fiscal Year 2001). ' WHEREAS, the TRUST has permitted The Bioengineering Group, Inc. (hereinafter called"the LESSEE" of the TRUST)to renovate the building at 18 Commercial Street in Salem as the professional offices for the LESSEE; and ' WHEREAS, the CITY is willing to grant tax concessions in return for guarantee of the renovation of this distressed property and the creation of employment ' opportunities for local workers; and WHEREAS, the Salem City Council resolved on November 9, 1995 to allow the use of Tax ' Increment Financing as a tool to encourage economic development within the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; and ' WHEREAS, the Salem City Council resolved on to endorse the Tax Increment Financing Plan negotiated by the CITY and the TRUST. ' NOW,THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein,the parties do mutually agree as follows: ' A. THE TRUST'S OBLIGATIONS ' 1. The TRUST shall purchase and permit the LESSEE to renovate the property at 18 Commercial Street in Salem. "The FACILITY" as used herein means the building at 18 Commercial Street containing approximately 5,000 square feet plus site improvements. 2. During the life of this agreement, if the TRUST decides to sell the FACILITY or the business or to otherwise transfer control of the FACILITY or business and/or operations ' thereof, the TRUST shall give the CITY at least three months notice of said sale or transfer. Said notice shall be given by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Mayor, City Hall, 93 Washington Street, Salem,Massachusetts, 01970. 1 1 THE CITY'S OBLIGATIONS The CITY shall grant a tax increment financing exemption to the TRUST in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter A, Section 3E, Chapter 40, Section 59, and ' Chapter 59, Section 5. Said exemption shall be granted on the improvements to the FACILITY. Said exemption shall be valid for a period of five (5) years, beginning with fiscal year 2001 (July 1, 2000) and ending with fiscal year 2006. During each year of t this agreement, the TRUST will pay taxes based on the base value of the FACILITY and on that portion of the value of the FACILITY which is not exempted under the agreement. The base value is established by the Board of Assessors (the Board) and is the assessed value established for the most recent fiscal year immediately prior to the fiscal year in ' which the property first becomes eligible for the tax increment exemption of the FACILITY unless an abatement is approved by the Board. ' The exemption schedule on the value of the FACILITY works as follows: For the fust year,the TRUST will pay the base tax bill and will pay taxes on 75%of the full value of improvements to the FACILITY. The full value of improvements to the FACILITY is hereinafter called "the INCREMENT". In year two, the TRUST will pay taxes on 85%of the full value of the INCREMENT,plus the base tax bill. In year three,the TRUST will ' pay taxes on 95% of the full value of the INCREMENT, plus the base tax bill. In year four, the TRUST will pay taxes on 95% of the INCREMENT,plus the base tax bill. In year five,the TRUST will pay taxes on 95% of the INCREMENT, plus the base tax bill. In year six, the TRUST will pay taxes on the full value of the FACILITY. C. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 1. This Tax Increment Financing Agreement shall be binding on all subsequent owners of ' the property. The City of Salem reserves the right to review and renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement if the business activity ceases to be fully operational ' during the life of the Tax Increment Financing Agreement. 2. If the TRUST decides to expand the facility at any time during the life of the Tax ' Increment Financing Agreement,the CITY and the TRUST may renegotiate the Tax Increment Financing Agreement to exempt all or part of the value of the expansion from property taxes. The exact amount of that exemption will be determined at the time of ' expansion. Executed as a sealed instrument on the day and year first above written. tCITY OF SALEM RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST ' Stanley J. Usovicz, Jr., Mayor Robert G. Solomon, Trustee tNotary Public ' My commission expires 1 1 1 1 Beverly & Salem Regional Economic Target Area E SE NTY a lJ 0 NBEVERL SALEM 8 4 CITY OF SALEM ZONING MAP 0 B1 - Business Neighborhood t ® B2- Business Highway - }} ■ 64- Wholesale & Automative O 65 - Central Development O BPD- Business Park Development &I I- Industrial ■ R1 - Residential One Family M R2- Residential Two Family ■ R3- Residential Multi-Family N RC- Residential Conservation Low z LEDGEMILL PA PAIIK • � ) v��L.J � Ow R[ r a`=•`\`fir i'r,_ GIT / � A ♦ fl'/ ( Lj� w w i, �— - — I l • -i`r —GALLOWS HILL 1 I rJ PARK Mi✓i'� aT y r Gvq ap i 3 r�� i r +/=NGa u ar�/ iV '/ I\� ♦Fr � T � - � E � _..a j a / �� << ♦ �'tNe1 ,mss ♦ •{ J 4 oa•_ °° r< :,,,R•Na, `'' ./, TIF ZONE 1 i MYr Y T > J5.2- F11 _ rl li y( r L VVV} 1 IO aywRar " , D �� SALEM ` <oTT 6 X °•o ct� QHIGH ` r 2 •z !a �- SCHOOL c>sTi[ For • �r.r.INwr'w 1 _. •ow.•ofa � a � � •IwTlr _ • y i • MOlPIT11L lERTRMI F•'^ t o g ' 4. ' � 4 __\ a CT I � Q N'• O. ;r a• _ r - IF ® t' LAND PARK _ _ alart k� r • P I wunycTON ao.wlwrw 1 MUNICIPAL — GOLF / I.' T 1 i-,�: r. t AFr • t COMMON COURSE e ` 1 [ .. = C I � • a i w• OL F •"" it;i O 011. • � ±ar '�'� O / '� \ srtw wuml� 1 y0 r r � • / � •w S 'II ,f•� rl \`., /•a Mr aC u 'PALMER COVE I General Location Map • °"�. .t[• r`. . River Wharf Realty Trust, 01 d'� J STATI ENOALE BL •• • ALEE TIF Zone Indicated COV J `e [ 1 1 1 1 Attachments 1 Photographs ' Building Elevations Floor Plans 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 tPre-Construction Conditions, 18 Commercial Street . yr s I N � ly 52 L'� 6I 2 i I I� I I I \ s TF i IN,YJ I I��JV yZ 0 — I - z S�, Y I� w N r "Nol PI it �rt L V G +1 , A; , � I ISI SM I`v' - sf q f I I Lo I a j I 1' 1 i i I I � Z '1 m� ! O vS I q i 01ZIP Ul 01) "•.�' 9� l � I O�all : \ d ,\ `\ IN u!o l 0 n I: �L n s J S Ell mW 1Cc rn I:: r L �ry m { i I i : ,T i 1 , 777 t Z t i I eaz z i N TI r W e N t 3 t 1 . r• � r• � � � r• Pi r• � r• � � � t• � t• r• t• d Ir r I � s � I f l T e f a 2> 4 yf I $ I 1 i I I n r r 1 , i V � �LhTJ4+.. � � a a ' _ • � �II � i I r� II I r I I . r t - �la Tp y y y t�P //7, lop 79, 7dd /fj yop F� 2000 //7/ 700 877 900 zos soa e �r s r 91 �y ..; ...... �.. a c. '. : .. . S Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue Taxpayer Service Division Certificate Unit PO Box 7066 September 30, 1999 Boston. MA 02204 BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. 53 MASON STREET SALEM, MA 01970 CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING It is hereby certified by the Commissioner of Revenue of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as of the above date, that the above named corporation is a domestic corporation organized in Massachusetts on January 16, 1996 and that said corporation is in good standing with respect to any and all returns due and taxes payable to the Commonwealth under General Laws, Chapter 62C, and the statutes referred to in Section 2 thereof. This certificate does not certify the corporation's standing as to unemployment insurance taxes under G.L.Ch. 151 a or taxes under any other provisons or law. No. 53653 By Assistant Chief, Automated Systems Bureau THIS IS NOT A WAIVER OF LIEN ISSUED UNDER GENERAL LAWS, CHAPTER 62C, SECTION 52, AND CANNOT BE USED FOR SUCH PURPOSE. 5066 - 69976 Frederick A.Laskey ®pnnfe°°"'a`i'°1etlpapef Commissioner THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 1. EEO POLICY STATEMENT The Bioengineering Group, Inc. ("TBG"), its officers, and managers are fully committed to equal employment opportunity and to the implementation of an effective affirmative action employment program without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or handicap. It is TBG's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons and to prohibit discrimination in all aspects of its personnel policies, program practices and operations, and in all of its working conditions and relationships with employees and applicants for employment. All TBG employees and managers are responsible for supporting TBG's policy on equal employment opportunity and for assuring that the workplace is free from discrimination. As evidence of its commitment to affirmative action in employment, TBG has made equal employment opportunity a critical element in its managerial performance appraisal system. Annual evaluation will be made to measure program accomplishments in affirmative action, and measures will be taken to remedy imbalances or lack of progress. 2. PLAN FOR PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT The Bioengineering Group, Inc. is committed to providing a work environment free of sexual harassment. TBG routinely informs employees that such harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and that TBG prohibits sexual harassment of its employees in any form. Reports of allegations will be treated with discretion, thoroughly investigated, and acted upon to eliminate such harassment and to prevent recurrences. 3. STATEMENT OF ADEQUATE MONITORING/EVALUATION SYSTEM In order to permit ongoing assessment of the TBG affirmative action employment program, a copy of all personnel actions are given to the TBG Director of Human Resources as they occur. This allows for the analysis of hiring and promotions. Since the TBG work force consists of fewer than 200 employees, hiring and promotion can be adequately monitored without a computerized system. In addition to the ongoing assessment of personnel data and trends, an effective, bias-free system of auditing is essential to any affirmative employment 2Affirmative Action Employment Program January 1996 Page 2 program. Accordingly, on an annual basis, the following will be reviewed by the Director of Human Resources: - Effectiveness of barrier elimination strategies. - Selection process of new hires during year. Annual findings will be presented in writing to TBG management with recommendations for correcting problem areas. 4. PROGRAM ANALYSES- RECRUITMENT AND HIRING It is TBG's policy to promote from within whenever possible. When this is not possible, professional, administrative, technical, and clerical positions are advertised in several local newspapers in the recruiting area in an attempt to reach a diverse group of job candidates. As provided by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Management Directive 714 (EEO-MD-714), Section 13a(5), numerical objectives (goals) are optional because of TBG's limited employment size. Due to the dynamic nature of TBG's business and the market segment in which it operates, such objectives would be restrictive to its ability to operate cost-effectively and at the level of expertise for which it is known. 2 RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST 5-YEAR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN Base Value FY 00 $205,500 Tax Rate $31.65 Value After Building Renovation $450,000 Increment in Value $244,500 Base Year FY 2000 Rear Property Tax T at Tli HASWIT .......... TOM an.... 71axas.:: Aid Tax Benefit . ...... ...... .......... ............. .. ........ ......... .......... .............. .......... .......... ...... 10 Abil Bill Increment ............ BASE $205,500 $31.65 $6,504 0% $6,504 $0 $6,504 $0 1 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 75% $6,504 $5,804 $12,308 $1,935 2 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 85% $6,504 $6,578 $13,082 $1,161 3 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6.504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 4 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 5 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 95% $6,504 $7,352 $13,856 $387 6 $450,000 $31.65 $14,243 100% $6,504 $7,738 $14,243 $0 TOTALS $91,962 $87,885 $4,257 NOTES *TIF % = Percent of increment that is taxed "Taxes Paid Each Year= Base Tax Bill plus Taxes on Increment ***Tax Benefit Each Year= Benefit to River Wharf Realty Trust Base Value consists of FY2000 Assessed value of 18 Commercial Street MAR-25-00 THU 12:59 PM THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP FAX NO. 978 740 0097 P. 1 Y f l THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP, INC. 18 Comnwrcial Street Salem,Massachusetts USA 01970 Phone 978-740-0096 Fax 978-740-0097 Ematl nmtl@blosagioeerin&,om WWW http:/Avww,bioengineering.eom Fax Transmission To: �'olt.H �Lohh� n le AEP . Fax No. o V 0 V Date: \AQ,9- ,IS a o 0 0 Pages: (including cover) From_ Subject: Notes ov` cwv� ct-4vk@.J 1. �d4tV-- 'cro vI k, 04r-.V Z. 3 .s to r%L MAR-23-00 THU 1 :01 PM THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP FAX NO, 978 740 0091 P. 2 THE BIOENGINEERING GROUP,INC. FINANCIAL MODEL CASH BASIS MONTH OPENING YeW 2000 YEAR 200, YEAR 2002 YEAq 200.1 �T- EST. E YEAR 2004 YEAR 2006 CASH ON NO $/8187 53.626 $945 EST. EST. . SALES S9 518 f55,215 $140,076 EST 39 ,000 a7.107,00p $1,275050 $1574,613 $2,880,636 E21o7,�4 A Ai LE 391 5111 f1' •1 1. 3 , 2, ,700 P ES 3414, 1 . REade, 1 , 526=4001. 7,181, 1.394. UL 312. 1 311, s 0 31.941 0.500 pRECT .250 •0 ' IP S Eos $4 , S 85,191 14,290 137,075 37,200 6, 12 3 1, 18 33.400 1"o 10,0 9 IZ 23 $14.427 ESi3w � 3,340 ggg 808 UT1Ll $z EXPE E2, 3z .40 4.400 f 4.725 8.198 T 8$5.280 ,827 R.353 .823 87801S AGE/BHIP NG z400 10, 31 i, 18 3 5 18.03 379,236 TING NT. 81.9 5,B .879 539, 343,281 f ot5 $0.6fe ICE ENS $ 310, 35,440 S11,5so313,28 1 939 19,127 FI E .800 9 . 1 31 T/ 28 1 eSIZO23 q O RAMC 1, f1, 31,452 ,8 0 f5 ' 17 381,934 .800 280 .004 O P SIO, 0 8• f ,e 1 15, 2 $12.000 13, 28.034 1, 1 71 200 14.5 18.888 ,03 000 3 1 f 74.5 S4 $48.000 PENSE $18, ,038 5 f 1.500 7, row 1 1 f2 B32.73 318, $20.639 TOTAL CASH QPENSE 3788,770 aL022, 71 31.238.485 37,500,887 St 787.782 $2.057,090 DEBT SERVICE SBA IJNE f89,893 540.418 DEBT SERVICESALEM C7YY 30 50 $0 f0 39.472 38,1722$e.472 18472 SSA72 $8.472DEBT SERV.CONSTR,.SBA 312.!,9 a,a51e3.518 373,$46 513.638Y2(S8W $4850 4978 5,976 34.876$16.666 55,976 $5.978 518174So so -so so TOTAL EXPENSES $821,761 31,109,581 1 487 $7529883 11,798,767 32,085,076 ENDING CASH $3'$26 3945 $9515 f56275 $140.076 $262.4524 TAX 6 DEPR. 321,OOD 3,9,$50 318,953 S18,005 3,7,105 $76,249 MATED NET PROFIT AFTEA INTEREST,TAXES D DEPRECIATION 4 (829. 8.438) p 8122. 1 a 5 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING IN THE SALEM ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AREA WHEREAS,the City of Salem is part of the area designated the Beverly& Salem Regional Economic Target Area and the Salem Economic Opportunity Area; WHEREAS,there is strong support for economic development and the use of Tax Increment Financing as an economic development tool to create jobs and encourage business expansion and relocation to the City of Salem; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Salem that: (1) Tax Increment Financing may be used as a tool to encourage economic development within the Salem Economic Opportunity Area. (2) The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute and implement Tax Increment Financing agreements. Adopted this day of ' 19 , 19_�by the Salem City Council at a regular City Council meeting with a quorum present. Neil J. HarAngton, May6r Date ATTEST: Deborah E. Burkinshaw, City Clerk SEAL t' - 53 MASON STREET BTHE. SALEM,MA 019]0 IOENGINEERING 979-740-0096 - GROUP, INC >. `...:978-740-0097 . t - - - W W W.BIOENGINEERING.COM` Wednesday, August l8, 1999 RECEIVE Mary,Cassidy _R"7 AUh 23 Ohl' .8: 3 City of Salem One'Salem Green SALEM Salem,MA 01970 -PLANNING . DEPT . 'Dear Mary", -I am writing to follow up on our recent conversations, and ask that you share this information , With Patrick and others who may able to help move things along. I am interested in, promoting a coherent and'positive identity for the multi-purpose corridor along the North River " in Salem;both as a property and business owner with self-interest there as well as a citizen and professional looking to share my insi;hts and energies with the community as a whole: From h t ese combinedperspectives, I believe I have a uni ue'and valuable contribution to'make to het 4 p pull together the disparate, and-at times conflicting,needs, opportunities,constraints, and interests-affecting the',area. As a trained professional active in the ecological restoration of river . corridors,involving both te`chnological'as"well_as economic solutions,:I have turned a skilled eye - toward.the fact-finding mission I undertook when recently deciding to buy property adjoining the river., The North River Corridor has,a long and colorful history, and the more I.learn about it, the . more astounded I am that few people know much. At this point in time, it appears that the City, and the businesses active,in the,area are in a position to collaborate in carving out a clearer identity that could,play its small yet significant part;in adding to,the rich tapestry of historical and cultural identities in Salem., . Myproposal is to designate the North River Corridor from North Si. to Flint St.,as River Wharf Business Park, This area.is currently zoned as Business Park Development;'and suffers from a fragmented identity.",Although;currmt park construction and road improvement work are certainly improving the aesthetics of the area, as well as upgrading access and floodproofing, it stops short of the mark. What is in ing is an effort, a little PR spin,if you will, that gracefully" integrates the utilitarian role of the business park'district withthe people-friendly role of the park. As it stands, many agree that the new park has just been plopped'between an inaccessible road and rail corridor and a dusty, trucking lane,adjoining,some very run down commercial properties. "Indeed, the,designated'access ways to the park require visitors to drive, walk, or bike Jo an area that appears"quite"unwelcoming to the recreating,public. For the casual observer, such as a tourist entering Salem,Jhe.scene also fails to make sense as one reads the landscape:, is it a river you want to play near; or a canal polluted by modern industry? ;One wonders,what the.City has in mind for the area; as the initial message appears muddled, if not conflicted. With luck; the,entire.North.River Corridor from Salem Sound to the Peabody;border,"and upstream aswell,will be undergoing,a renaissance: Vacant and underutilized properties will find new uses with support from the Brownfields program-watershed restoration initiatives by' , Salem, Peabody,.and Salem:Sound'2000 will receive state and federal funding and achieve implementation, and transportation improvements will promote greater access, use, and visibility for the area. These ends will be best achieved if the remarkable histon of the river is;recognized "" CONSULTANTS IN EROSION CONTROL WATER OUALITY.AND HABITAT RESTORATION and embraced as a,vision for the future is forged. In fact, the first settlers of Salem with Conant occupied the banks of the North River for its substantial fishing resources, and the first armed conflict of the American Revolution was fought here due,to.the strategic location of the river crossing though few know of Leslie's Retreat: The sheltered,waters were used for early:maritime commerce connected to trade and whaling, acid iii Salem's heyday,homes along Federal'St. boasted gardens thatsloped down to beautiful.gem-green marshes extending toward the riverbank,and several wharves provided access. North of Flint S,t. in,the district still known.as Blubber Hollow, whale fat was rendered in one of the first industrial'sites in Salem's history.. Ultimately it became one of the,earliest and most intensely.industrialized rivers as tanneries and other businesses used the water for manufacturing processes as well as waste.conveyance. The heavy waste discharges,'particularly of hides and toxic heavy metals, gave rise to problems first with anthrax,the earliest occupational hazard identified in the industrial world, and mores'. 'recently with,chronie'water and.soil contamination. ,In response to.the declining condition of the river, state and local funds were used at the turn of the century to fill iii,the saltmarshes,and old . river channel:segments that had-become a foul-smelling-heahh hazard: The current development of the area happened incrementally with little vision or coordination: The role a revitalized North River Corridor will play in supporting the future prosperity of Salem should not be ,underestimated. In creating an identity for the area, it seems appropriate to-create'signage at its access point off of route 114. One sign that clearly states'the name RiverWharf Business Park,perhaps with-a simple attractive logo;would go a longway toward helping any passersby,to make visual'sense of the:area. If the-sign had an arrow indicating.how to access the Business Parkusing the quirky - intersection with 114 and North St. Extension;it would greatly help:businesses that struggle when deliveries,or visitors need to 'find their location: Further investment in this area,which is being sought in conjunction with the Brownfields initiative, would be promoted by giving- companiasthe'chance to have abetter address. For instance, `"14 kiverWharf Business Park off North St. (i 14) in;Salem" is a lot more appealing than"1'4 Commercial St.,-no;not Commercial St:.Extension, it's around the corner from North St:Extension just off Route 114; yes there is a road there..."., However there is no need to change the names of the streets which might incur heedless printing expenses for small businesses operating there, as.well as creating confusion among truckers and others who regularly use street atlaks'to locate delivery locations.-In fact, the streets:in this area are poorly identified on the common published atlases,.and better signage, and an office park lot nurimbering system would alleviate existing confusion. Currently,business owners in the area have pooled resources to erect:an unofficial sign off route 1.14 that is in- . deteriorated condition, fails to.meet sign permitting codes,and hence has received numerous formal and informal complaints. Additionally,the sign is-s-located inadequately to help visitors enter the area, and is fundamentally illegibledue:to the factthat it attempts to list each company, individually by name on very small'surfaces. One well designed sign would be an immrovement for the.general community as well as the business e 1 a e her .I m it i s s oc t d t e. t see s fa and appropriate,.rate. • , g y pP p for the businesses to'share in the expenses, and for the Cityto organize the effort and incorporate the Business Park identity into its active planning process for the area: ,It seems-a natural step to, ; add onto the process that originally characterized the area as business park development for zoning purposes. ; A I look forward to discussing these ideas.further and sharing additionalthoughts,about related issues:affecting the corridor,and.the City in general. Thanks for your interest inthis matter,and don't hesitate to call.' Sincerely, The Bioengineering Group,Inc `Wendi Goldsmith President E t 53 MASON STREET BTHE SALEM,MA 01970 IOENGINEERING 978-740-0096 GROUP, INC r^a:978-740-0097 W W WBIOENGINEERiNG.COM Wednesday, August 18, 1999 Mary Cassidy City of Salem One Salem Green Salem, MA 01970 7 Dear Mary: ,lam writing to follow upon our recent conversations, and ask that you share this information with Patrick and others who may be able to help move things along. I am interested in promoting a coherent and positive identity for the multi-purpose corridor along the North River in Salem, both as a property and business owner with self-interest there as well as a citizen and professional looking to share my insights and energies with the community as a whole. From these combined perspectives, I believe I have a unique and valuable contribution to make to help pull together the disparate, and at times conflicting, needs, opportunities, constraints, and interests affecting the area. As a trained professional active in the ecological restoration of river corridors, involving both technological as well as economic solutions, I have turned a skilled eye toward the fact-finding mission I.undertook when recently deciding to buy property adjoining the river. The North River Corridor has a long and colorful history, and the more I learn about it, the more astounded I am that few people"know much. At this point in time, it appears that the City and the businesses active in the area are in a position to collaborate in carving out a clearer identity that could play its small yet.significant part in adding to the rich tapestry of historical and cultural identities in Salem. My proposal is to designate the North River Corridor from North St.to Flint St., as River Wharf Business Park. This area is currently zoned as Business Park Development, and suffers from a fragmented identity. Although current park construction and road improvement work are certainly improving the aesthetics of the area, as.well as upgrading access and floodproofing, it " stops short of the mark. What is missing is an effort, a little PR spin, if you will, that gracefully integrates the utilitarian role of the businesspark district with the people-friendly role of the park. As it stands, many agree that the new park has just been plopped between an inaccessible road and rail corridor and a dusty, trucking lane adjoining some very run down commercial properties. Indeed, the designatedaccess ways to the park require visitors to drive, walk, or bike " to an area that appears quite unwelcoming to the recreating public. For the casual observer, such as a tourist entering Salem,:the scene also fails to make sense as one reads the landscape: is it a river you want to play near; or a canal polluted by modem industry? One wonders what the.City has in mind for the area, as the initial message appears muddled, if not conflicted. With luck, the entire.North.River Corridor from Salem Sound to the Peabody border, and upstream as well, will be undergoing a renaissance. Vacant and underutilized properties will find new uses with support from the Brownfields program,watershed restoration initiatives by Salem, Peabody, and Salem$ound2000.will receive state and federal funding and achieve implementation; and transportation improvements will promote greater access, use, and:visibility for the area. These ends will be best achieved if.the remarkable history of the river is recognized I. -..CONSULTANTS IN EROSION CONTROL.,WATER QUALITY.AND HABITAT RESTORATION ' s 1 and embraced as a vision for the future is forged. In fact, the first settlers of Salem with Conant occupied the banks of the North River for its substantial fishing resources, and the first armed conflict of the American Revolution was fought here due to the strategic location of the river crossing though few know of Leslie's Retreat. The sheltered waters were used for early maritime commerce connected to trade and whaling, and in Salem's heyday, homes along Federal St. boasted gardens that sloped down to beautiful gem-green marshes extending toward the riverbank, and several wharves provided access. North of Flint St. in the district still known as Blubber Hollow, whale fat was rendered in one of the first industrial sites in Salem's history. Ultimately it became one of the earliest and most intensely industrialized rivers as tanneries and other businesses used the water for manufacturing processes as well as waste conveyance. The heavy waste discharges, particularly of hides and toxic heavy metals, gave rise to problems first_ with anthrax, the earliest occupational hazard identified in the industrial world, and more recently with chronic water and:soil contamination. In response to the declining condition of the river, state and local funds were used at the turn of the century to fill in the saltmarshes and old river channel segments that had become a foul-smelling health hazard. The current development of the area happened incrementally with little vision or coordination. The role a revitalized North River Corridor will play in supporting the future prosperity of Salem should not be - underestimated. In creating an identity for the area, it seems appropriate to.create signage at its access point off of route 114. One sign that clearly states the name River Wharf Business Park, perhaps with a simple attractive logo, would go a long way toward helping any passersby to make visual sense of the area. If the sign had an arrow indicating how to access the Business Park using the quirky intersection with 114 and North St. Extension, it would greatly help businesses that struggle when deliveries or visitors needtofind their location. Further investment inthis.area, which is being sought in conjunction with the Brownfields initiative, would be promoted by giving companies the chance-to have a better address. For instance, "14 River Wharf Business Park off North St. (114) in.Salem" is,a lot more appealing than "14 Commercial St., no, not Commercial St. Extension, it's around the corner from North St. Extension just off Route 114,.yes there is a road.there...". However there is no need to change the names of the streets which might incur needless printing expenses:for small businesses operating there, as well as creating confusion among truckers and otherswho regularly use street atlases to locate delivery locations. In fact, the streets in this area are poorly identified on the common published atlases, and better signage and an office park lot numbering system would alleviate existing confusion. Currently,business owners in the area have pooled resources to erectanunofficial sign off route 1.14 that is in deteriorated condition, fails to meet sign permitting codes, and hence has received numerous formal and informal complaints. Additionally, the sign is located inadequately to help visitors enter the area, and is fundamentally illegible due to the fact that it attempts to list each company individually by name on very small surfaces. One well designed sign would.be an improvement for the general community as well_as the businesses located there. It seenms,fair and appropriate for the businesses to share;in the expenses, and for the City to organize the effort and incorporate the Business Park.identity into its activeplanning process for the area. It seems a.natural step to add onto theP rocess that originally characterized the area as business park deveiopment:for zoning purposes. I look forward to discussing these ideas further and sharing additional thoughts about related issues affecting the corridor and the City in general. Thanks for your interest in this matter, and don't hesitate to call. Sincerely, The Bioengineering Group, Inc. Wendi Goldsmith President J Essex M � s }y o e \ 3 r � . •yipp ��t�y� _ \ • F�' 1ilr irat , ' 1W yJ { y arv} Ti •�- � c O� I. { � • ? _ 1'�1 .f >; I � h �_T h ly y'• 1�1:..f Y d� April 29, 1999 To the Members of the Salem City Council: We ask that you consider the following proposal in the interests of the residents, businesses, and advocates of our community. The geography of our city, and particularly its extensive coastline, has influenced every aspect of its development. From early Native American fishing settlements to the industrial development of the nineteenth century, our land use patterns have been shaped by the water that surrounds us. Today, as Salem seeks to redefine itself for business and tourism, it is important that we celebrate this rich maritime legacy. In 1629, when Roger Conant left Gloucester to found the town of Naumkeag, he chose a'site near the marshes and tidal flats of the North . River. This estuary supported a great diversity of marine life, including extensive fishing.grounds and shellfish beds, while the river that flowed.into it provided a reliable source of fresh water. As Salem grew_and prospered,its>coastal-land use became increasingly complex. The North River became a major shipbuilding site, and East India trading ships.moorediri its channel at the wharfbehind the Peirce Nichols mansion: In the mid=nineteenth+century,'when the shipping era passed, industrial sites sprang up along the river's banks and brought a new wave of -prosperity. Sadly, this development.alsoled to the degradation of the river through careless disposal:of industrial waste. In the 1-880's,responding to growing health hazards, the,City Council voted to fill most of the tidal flats and divert the river into a>narrow channel: As a community we are faced today with many decisions about our economic future. We,areseeking to redefine our image to make the best possible use of existing resources,,including the coastline, and we.are, revitalizing our historic areas. The development of the National Maritime Heritage Site,.and significant recent cleanup efforts at the North River,:point the way for the.future; " In keeping with this spirit of transformation, we propose that the city change the name of Commercial Street, located next to the North River. The current ial era neglecting the river's rich past. It also name reflects only the industrial g g stands in stark contrast with the new image created by the North River Canal Park, currently under construction. The road serves as a major access route to the park, which is itself in search of a thoughtful and fitting name. We propose the name "River Wharf Road" to replace "Commercial Street". The name change will honor the river, celebrate Salem's maritime legacy, and symbolize the restoration and revitalization of the North River area. Respectfully, MRY-17-99 10 :13 RM y P. 02 � � ( 7� CilCLlj ;J Is there something to be ashamed of in Salem's industrial history? It seems that a group of business owners thinks so. Wendi Goldsmith, president of Bioengineer in the g Group, is proposing to Chan the name of Commercial ge 1something' more picturesque — amel Road. y River Wharf In a letter to the Salem City Council co- signed by Chamber Director Ellen DiGeronimo' and Karen Hopkins of Salem Sound 2000; Goldsmith —whose company is located on Commercial Street — suggests.that "sadly" the industry along the North River, "led to the degradation of the river through careless disposal of industrial waste." "The name change will honor the river, cel - Salem's Salem's maritime legacy, and sym- bolize the restoration and revitalization of the North River area," the letter says. "I think it's a splendid idea," added Di- Geronimo. In City Council June 10, 1999 Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses & Legal Affairs Thursday, May 27, 1999 To the Salem City Council: rIt Please be advised that the following Business Owners, Property Owners, Taxpayers, and Employees, are oppose4 to the proposed renaming of Commercial Street, Salem. o _T N D J � Name Address Company - /V- -------------------------------------------------- _�---- - ,�J . = -- - - - -a-- =� ---- - =�-f- -------------- / __ �n,� a __ GJ1f,LfeU�2C�k41 ���ctFS ------- ---1- ° /t _GL,l:9_v_ K Y�✓ J _<!1�/AC�J --- ------------------------------- ---------------------m --4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------=---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Salem Evening News, Salem, MA — June 2, 1999 Letters to the editor Street names could highlight maritime tradition To the Editor. The restoration of the North River canal area in Salem has pro- gressed very quickly this spring. Already it is difficult to re- _ ., �r 3 member how neglected the land between North and Flint Streets LrC4T+ 1 used to appear to visitors. When the new park is completed, this waterfront will become a recre- ational destination and provide an attractive greenbelt for one of the major access routes to downtown _ k 4 f s ig As a symbol of the transforma- - a x` tion of the riverfront, we propose that the city change the name of News file photo Commercial Street, located,along New park being built along the North River canal In Salem Is giv- the North River across from Ing a new look to Commercial Street seen on the right in this Bridge Street. We propose the view looking towards the Salem Suede complex. name "River Wharf Road" to com- memorate Salem's maritime.his- tory and celebrate the North River, constructed to reflect the char- see it as a step toward achieving a a natural resource that has played atter of the new park, for which it balance between quality of life and an important rollee i port and Salem's LsindusThe proposal to change is name will serve as a major access road. economic I enc courag viability interested in tory aa Shipp trial center. The name will re- stands before the City Council. the revitalization of the area to member the prominent wharf that Some have criticized the initiative, contact their representatives and once projected into the river be- claiming that it amounts to nega- show their suppooldsmith;President hind the Peirce Nichols House on tive commentary on Salem's com- g The Bioengineering Group Federal Street. merce and industry. Those of us Salem Commercial Street has been re- who have supported the proposal ;f 53 MASON STREET BIME SALEM,MA 01970 IOENGINEERING 978=740-0096 GROUP, INC .:97e-740-0097 + I IV 1LD " WWWWOENGINEERING.COM Tuesday, October 12, 1999 e Ii� r I®Y Y StaniUsovicz �5. ' 4.i Cityof Salem SAQ )� One Salem Green P ' NNINCa d1� Salem, NU 01979 �T " " ' 9y - noy ops Sq Dear Stan.• • oFF�c"N M ' Construction on the new office for The Bioengineering Group,is moving forward nicely. We hope to wrap things up and take occupancy before year's end: I remain ever grateful for the. support from you and your staff related to:the permitting and,financing:of the project. I would like to invite you over for a personal tour once things are complete! Early in the process of scouting.for a new office and contemplating the needed renovations, Stephanie Cronin'of Mass Business Development suggested that our firm might well be eligible for various forms of tax.incentives thither,agency helps to,coordinate. She.has now recommended that I should write a letter to you in order to.initiate a dialog between her office and your staff in:the planning:department: As I understand it, several opportunities exist that ,may match our eligibility including municipal and state tax breaks, but that Salem and.the state both have to endorse,our proposal to move forward., There is much I still:need to learn about how these programs work, and I do not yet have a clear idea of what maymaterialize. 'I would appreciate"achance to explore the`possibilities further -.with your. and will gladly use any available assistanceto help'my small business grow and prosper here m Salem:` Sincerely, The Bioengineering oup,`Inc: Wendi Goldsmith President Cc: Stephanie Cronin CONSULTANTS IN EROSION CONTROL.WATER QUALITY.AND HABITAT RESTORATION CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS PLANNING DEPARTMENT ONE SALEM GREEN PATRICK REFFETT • 01907 City Planner (978)745.9595 EM.311 Fax(978)740-0404 MEMORANDUM TO: Wendi Goldsmith,The Bioengineering Group FROM: Mary Cassidy,Economic Development Planner RB: _ TIF Process for The Bioengineering Group ~� DATE: January 14, 2000 I have been informed by the City Planner that the Mayor is interested in developing a five (5) year Tax Increment Financing Plan at the following percentages: Year 1: 75% of the increment plus the base tax bill, Year 2: 85%of the increment plus the base tax bill, Year 3: 95%of the increment plus the base tax bill, Year 4: 95% of the increment plus the base tax bill, Year 5: 95% of the increment plus the base tax bill. In year 6, 100% of the increment will be paid, along with the base tax bill. The are a number of items to be prepared in order to develop a Tax Increment Financing package for review by the City Council. I have outlined the process below and have included the necessary materials to get the process started. The first step is to prepare the Certified Project Application and the TIF Plan. The development of the Certified Project Application and the TIF Plan will involve a collaborative effort between you as the project proponent and myself as the Planning Department representative. The approach I prefer is to have you fill out the forms as a first draft with as much information as possible, and then for us to review it jointly. I have all the forms on my computer so I can do the final drafts. To qualify for tax benefits, an applicant must gain both local and state approval. The process is as follows: 1. Prepare application for certified project status and include all supporting materials. 2. Prepare TIF plan and include all supporting materials. 3. Prepare TIF Agreement, City Council Resolution to approve the Certified Project and City Council Resolution to Authorize a TIF agreement. 4. Submit all of the above materials to the City Council with a cover letter from Mayor Usovicz. 5. Obtain City Council Approval } i 6. Send entire Certified Project application to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development for State approval. The TIF always goes into effect the July 1 after the EACC approves the project. It is preferable to activate the TIF as close to the completion of construction as possible. Therefore, we should seek to submit the application to City Council this February or March, and if it is approved, to the State as soon as Council acts. The TIF would begin on July 1, 2000 (FY 2001). The EACC meets at the end of every month (except August). Although the TIF benefits will not begin until July 1, 2000,the 5% investment tax credit can be utilized as soon as EACC approval is obtained. The investment tax credit can be applied to virtually any type of tangible, depreciable investment, including improvements to or construction of a new facility and the purchase of capital equipment. The tax credit has a 10 year carry forward provision which means that if income does not exceed investment, the tax credit may to applied to several years of income, abating tax liability over time. I am enclosing in this package the following items: • Certified Project Application • Tax Increment Financing Plan (outline sheet and form) • Request for a Certificate of Good Standing form • Sample Resolution Approving a Certified Project Application • Sample Resolution Authorizing a TIF • Sample Tax Increment Financing Agreement • Previously approved TIF application for another firm You can utilize the previously approved TIF Plan as a guide for the type of information you should include in your application. I believe this information provides a realistic picture of the process. Please contact me if you have any questions about this matter. 06i30/g9 2: 11 inst. 793 BK ti,.l t �158x1 .,,i ' 1iC QUITCLAIM DEED / I I, THOMAS A. SULLIVAN, of Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, for consideration paid, and in full consideration of Three Hundred Thousand and no/100ths Dollars ($300, 000 . 00) , grant to ROBERT G. SOLOMON, TRUSTEE OF RIVER WHARF REALTY TRUST, u/d/t dated June 30, 1999 and recorded immediately prior hereto, of 18 Commercial Street, Salem, MA 01970 WITH QUITCLAIM COVENANTS, the land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any, bounded and described as follows: Parcel No. 1 Beginn11 ing at a point on the northerly side of Commercial Street at the SOUTHWESTERLY corner of land formerly of George F. Lord, thence running in a Northerly direction along the Westerly property line of the property now or formerly of George F. Lord, a distance of eighty-nine and 85/100 (89 . 85) feet to a point; thence turning and running in a NORTHWESTERLY direction a distance of fifty and 05/100 (50 . 05) feet along land now or formerly of H.P. Hood & Sons, Inc. ; thence turning and running in a SOUTHERLY direction along land now or formerly of the City of Salem, a distance of ninety-two and 57/100 (92 .57) feet; thence turning and running in an EASTERLY direction along the Northerly street line of Commercial Street, a distance of fifty (50) feet to the point of beginning. Containing 4 , 560 square feet of land, as .shown on a plan filed with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds entitled "Land of City of Salem, Rear of North Street, Salem, Mass. , May 1955, Revised October 1955 - Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer" in Book 4809 , Page 500. Par cel No. 2 The land in said Salem with the buildings thereon, if any,_,situated on the North side of the North River Canal and bounded and described as follows : Beginning at the SOUTHEASTERLY corner of said lot on the Northwesterly side of a proposed road the same point being three hundred and eighty-eight and 44/100 (388 . 44) feet Southwesterly from North Street; thence running SOUTHWESTERLY by the Northwesterly street fine of said proposed road seventy (70) feet to other land now or formerly of the City of Salem; thence turning and running NORTHWESTERLY by said other land now or formerly of the City of Salem, eighty-nine and 85/100 (89.85) feet to land now or formerly of H.P. Hood & Sons, Inc. ; thence turning and running EASTERLY by said land now or formerly of 1 b\0�� H.P. Hood & Sons, Inc. , seventy and 12/100 (70 . 12) feet to land now or formerly of Cook; thence turning and running SOUTHEASTERLY by said land now or formerly of Cook, eighty-six and 6/100 (86 . 06) feet to the point begun at. Containing 6 , 156 square feet of land and being shown on a plan entitled "Land of the City of Salem, rear of North Street May 1955, Revised October =6a, Edgar W. Nickerson, City Engineer and hereinbefore referred to. `1955 For title, reference is made to Deed of Catharyn H. Lord, dated May__._._ _ 14, ISMOC and recorded with the Essex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 5267 , Page 342 . x1965 WITNESS my hand and seal this, / day of 1999 . � Thomas A. Sullivan COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Essex, ss.. 1999 Then personally appeared the above name Thomas A. Sullivan, and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his free act and deed, before me, r Notary Publc ' My commissi n xpires: Cerise Jaleflan, Notary Public My Commission Expires, December 2,2005 lal W Iii 6K / \/w tis 1 r1 a•. al s 1 i' J l 2 The Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program CERTIFIED PROJECT APPLICATION APPLICANT INFORMATION 1. Name and address of business(es) submitting this application (please list fiscal year end for each business): 2. Name and address of project (if different from above): 3. Location of ETA: 4. Location of EOA: 5. Authorization: I/We, (print) , of the business(es) applying for Certified Project designation, hereby certify that the information within this application is true and accurate, and reflects the project's intentions for job creation and investment. I/We understand that the information provided within this application shall be binding for the duration of the project certification. (Signature) (Date) (Signature) (Date) (Additional Signatures, if necessary) (Date) Certified Project Application - Page 2 6. Nature and Purpose of Project: Describe briefly the nature and history of the business as well as the specific expansion/growth/relocation plans: the level of new investment (with a breakdown of type of expense: construction, renovation, acquisition of equipment, etc.) and employment levels - both current and projected. Provide time frames for both the projected total investment and job creation. As part of this narrative, please explain why the business is seeking Certified Project designation. - l Certified Project Application - Page 3 7. Is this business new to Massachusetts? ❑ Yes ❑ No If no: • Where are the existing Massachusetts facilities? • Will this project require/trigger the closing or consolidation of any Massachusetts facilities? If yes, please explain. 8. Is this project an expansion of an existing business? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, check the appropriate box: ❑ at existing location ❑ at new location in same municipality ❑ at new location in different municipality 9. Job Creation In order to qualify for Certified Project status, the governing statute and regulations require the creation of net, new, permanent full-time employees in Massachusetts. On the chart provided (see next page), please fill in the blanks provided. WORK FORCE ANALYSIS AND JOB CREATION PLAN New Jobs: JOBS,If any TOTAL, EMPLOY- to be relocated Projected New New Jobs: New Jobs: New Jobs: New Jobs: New Jobs: Years 6-fo MENT from another Permanent Year One Year Two Year Three Year Four Yeoar Five (29----1 If Applicable LEVEL MAfacility Jobs (79—� (19-� �---� �--j Total Employees at Certified Project Facility in Mass. — - - — Total Employees in— Massachusetts o Massachusetts at other sites. #of Employees at— --- -- ---- -- --- -- -- -- Certified Project Location who live in . the ETA of the Certified Project. #of Permanent Full- Time Employees — #of Permanent Part- _ Time Employees #of Temporary Full- _ Time Employees #of Temporary Part- _ Time Employees JOBS BY (List#of Jobs, and Average Wage/Salary. Please feel free to use your company's classification system. CLASSIFICATION #of Management Positions #of.Professional Postions - #of Technical Positions # of Skilled Positions — ----- #of Unskilled Positions Certified Project Application - Page 4 10. Certification for Abandoned Buildings Does the proposed project involve the renovation and reuse of an abandoned building? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unsure If yes or unsure, please answer the following questions: (a) How long has the building been vacant? (If known, state date) (b) During this period of time, what percentage of the building was vacant and unused? If the percentage varied during this time period, provide information for each change in the percent of vacant space and the applicable time period. 11. Local Employment - What actions will you take to recruit employees from among residents of the ETA? Provide any information, documentation, or studies which demonstrate that: (a) the business has the intention and capacity to achieve the anticipated level of new permanent full-time jobs for residents of the municipality/Economic Target Area; and (b) taking into consideration existing economic conditions, the proposed project is likely to succeed in creating and repining the anticipated level of new permanent full-time jobs for residents of the municipality/Economic Target Area. t Certified Project Application - Page 5 12. Affirmative Action - Does the business have an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Plan or Statement? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, please attach a copy. If no, describe the business' hiring policies and practices. 13. Agreement Between the Business and Area Banks - Describe briefly the business' local banking relationship(s), if any. Does the institution with which the business banks participate in the Massachusetts Capital Access Program, which is designed to commit a portion of the business' deposits to fund loans to local businesses? 14. Economic Benefits of Project Certification - Provide a description of the economic benefits that are anticipated for the business and the project, if the project is certified. For example, describe anticipated state and local tax benefits, municipal road or infrastructure improvements, assistance from local job training programs, the impact of local permit streamlining and other benefits anticipated if the project is certified. Also, provide any information, documentation or studies demonstrating any additional benefits (i.e. reduction of blight, reuse of abandoned buildings, clean up of contaminated property, job training, provision of day care, any contributions to the community, etc.) likely to accrue to the area as a result of Certified Project designation. Certified Project Designation - Page 6 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL ESTATE PROJECTS 1. Will the business own or lease/rent the facility? ❑ Own ❑ Lease/Rent If leasing/renting, please identify the developer/landlord, and state who will be the taxpayer of record for the purpose of paying local real estate taxes. If owning, will the business fully occupy the space? ❑ Yes ❑ No If no, does the business intend to lease/rent the remaining space? 2. Describe how the various tax benefits and other economic incentives that will result from Certified Project designation will be allocated among the business(es) developing the project (i.e. a developer or landlord) and the business(es) intending to purchase, lease or rent space at the facility (i.e. tenant or tenants). SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 1. Name(s) of the business(es) intending to take advantage of the state tax incentives Business Name: Federal Employer Identification //: Address: Phone: Fax: Contact Person: Type of Organization (check that which applies): ❑ Corporation: ❑ For profit; ❑ S Corp.; ❑ Non-profit ❑ Business Trust ❑ Partnership: ❑ General Partnership; ❑ Limited Partnership ❑ Individual Level of Interest: ❑ 5% Investment Tax Credit ❑ 10% Abandoned Building Tax Deduction (if applicable) 0 Local real estate tax incentive beneficiary Certified Project Application - Page 7 2nd Business Name (if applicable): Federal Employer Identification N: Address: Phone: Fax: Contact Person: Type of Organization (check that which applies): ❑ Corporation ❑ For profit; ❑ S Corp.; ❑ Non-profit ❑ Business Trust ❑ Partnership ❑ General Partnership; ❑ Limited Partnership ❑ Individual Level of Interest: ❑ 5% Investment Tax Credit ❑ 10% Abandoned Building Tax Deduction (if applicable) ❑ Local real estate tax incentive beneficiary *** If there are more than two businesses intending to take advantage of the state tax incentives associated with this project, please provide the above information for all such businesses. 2. A - If a corporation, please list the names and addresses of the officers and directors of said corporation, and any person and/or corporation with a financial interest of five percent or greater in said corporation. B - If a partnership, please list the names and addresses of all partners, and include the proportionate share owned by each partner. C - If a business trust, please name all members and beneficiaries of said trust. 3. Please provide the name, address, phone number and contact person for any organizations which may own or control the applicant organization, or who are affiliated with the applicant business organization. 4. Certificate of Good Standing - Please provide proof of good tax standing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts via a Certificate of Good Standing, which is a letter issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. To obtain a copy of a Certificate of Good Standing, please see Attachment I of this application. 2123/96 02/24/1997 16: 51 617-887-6298 DOR COLLECT PAGE 02 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ABCC/CERTIFICATE UNIT P. O. BOX 7066 BOSTON, MA 02204 (617) 887-6550 REQUEST FOR A CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING DATE OF .REQUEST FEDERAL I .D. # OTHER NUMBERS) NAME OF CORPORATION D/B/A ADDRESS ZIP TOWN DAYTIME TELEPHONE -- PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BY CHECKING ALL THAT APPLY: I SWEAR UNDER THE PAINS AND PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT MY COMPANY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND DOES NOT COLLECT THE FOLLOWING TAXES : _- INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING SALES/USE TAX MEALS TAX ROOM OCCUPANCY SIGNATURE OF CORPORATE OFFICER PERSON TO CONTACT RELATIVE TO THIS REQUEST: NAME -- RELATIONSHIP TO TAXPAYER: DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER WITH AREA CODE: -- ATTACH A CHECK FOR $10 . 00 MADE PAYABLE TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS AND MAIL TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS • Commonwealth of Massachusetts Massachusetts Office of Business Development c/o Springfield Technical community college One Armory Square Springfield, MA 01105 WILLIAM F. WELD TELEPHONE: GOVERNOR (413) 784-1580 ARGEO PAUL-CELLUCCI - FAX: LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR (413) 739-9175 DAVID A. TIBBETTS SECRETARY JOHN R. REGAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT APPLICATION SIGN-OFF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM Date : Municipality: Economic Target Area : Economic Opportunity Area : Proposed Project : I have reviewed the above referenced project application for completeness in accordance with the provisions of the Economic Development Incentive Program . I have made a preliminary determination that this application is consistent with the requirements of the program. MOBD Case Manager - - 83 MASON STREET BTHE '. SALEM,MA 01970 IOENGINEERING yj i 979-740.0098 rT eu.979-760-0097 GROUP, INC v ` y.WW.BIOENGIN,EERiNG COM. Monday, December.06, 1999 RECEIVE Stan Usovlcz' 20 0"N —a_ Fid 13. 30 - City of Salerri One Salem Green SALEM Salem, MA01970' P'RNN!1NG DEP Dear Stan: Thank you for being so generous with your time during our meeting of November 15`h. l have called Mary Cassidy to follow up on.our discussions,and we have',not yet been able to catch up by phone.jjhought it practical to write a'brief letter that might.help in,pursuing'the next steps' we had identified in cur.conversation'. As we dtscussed,.our firm is able to qualify for 'support through the MA Office of Business Development that greatly_assist in faeili'tating'the growth and enl ancing"the stability of our new.company based in Salem,. Supportthrough,this program involves tax incentives through both the City and the Commonwealth, and indeed requires at least a small commitment-on the• i part of the`City to enable us to qualify.for a state tax credit for our real estate 'improvement investments. !understand that City government must parcel out incentives such as tax,increment _ financing very JudiciouslY, and thatreci rents are typically lar e employers or other catalYzin g businesses-such.as hotels: Ori the other hand, the City has-ari interest in offering a modest tax break to our firm as it will make us eligible for a state tax credit. .The one-time cash sayings this represents will put us in a position to invest'more'towards improving our building exterior and purchasing equipment that will allow us to create more jobs. Salem would make a minor:' concession the help us grow, urd within a few short years would be collecting even more tax revenue as we re-invest that money'into ourreal estate improvements and new jobs. I would like . to request a one-year 251/o tax increment:financing package that would"greatly alleviate the financial pressure on my small and growing business.- I am making'the most out of the support >; you have already offered;through a loari to finance S50,000'in renovations to-the:property at 18 . Commercial St. With further.support from the Commonwealth, our firm would be in a strong position to survive our,'growth phase and help contribute to the City'over the coming years thrill ob rra_atic'" of 11. new skilled i,..OF- - v' Please let me know-how I can help,to pursue this proc . Sincerely; The Bioengineering'Group, inc. 31 Wend1 Goldsmith 99 Senior Bioengureer Q1�C �:�� CONSULTANTS,IN EROSION CONTROL WATER,QUALITY.AND HABITAT RESTORATION FAX FROM: CITY OF SALEM, MA PLANNING DEPARTMENT ONE SALEM GREEN SALEM, MA 01970 (978) 745-9595 FAX (978) 740-0404 DATE: 31Z2-10D TIME: TO: 6r4G� '�" V C� FROM: FAX#: `74 0 C)() i 7 SUBJECT: PAGES: (Not including cover sheet) COMMENTS: &' _ mt'-( � 713 i3 , ---- --- --- i Qv-eSt-iwr� FICetMortgage _ 53 MASON STREET BTHE SALEM,MA 01970 IOENGINEERING '978-740-0096 GROUP INC., u:976-740-0097 - � '.WWW.BIOENGINEER7NG.COM March 3, 2000 Economic Assistance Coordinating Council M0-,za. Massachusetts Office of Business Development One Ashburton Place-Room 2101 . ' Boston,MA 02108 - To the Members of the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council. The Bioenginecring'Group, Inc: has recently purchasedproperty:af 18 Commercial Street in the City of Salem in a"commitment to,continue its business operations and to plan for'the growth and „expansion of the company withimthe City,. We]rave already begun renovations and improvernmts of the building and are dedicated to continuance and completion of those plans. In addition;we expect to construct a greenhouse and to work toward changing the estheticsof our property"to encourage others in : the development of the Business Park along the North River Corridor. Our commitment to continue business in Salem is based or an'understanding with City officials;e ' in which the City will offer property tax credits to:make our project economically feasible. The Bioengineering Group; Inc. would like to take advantage',of state investment credits,offered through ' the.Commonwealth's Economic Developmenthtcentive Program to contribute to the development and visitor attraction of the newly'constructed.park area along the North River Comdor` The economic and comriiunity benefits of this,prolect are described.wrthin our application'for certified project status.'We invite your,interest and questions. Sincerely,: The Bioengineering Group,Inc.. Wendi Goldsmith : President 4 64 OL r _ CONSULTANTS N EROSION CONTROL.WATER OUALITY SAND HABITAT_RESTORATION River Wharf Realty Trust The Bioengineering Group, Inc. Application for Certified Project Designation Tax Increment Financing Plan ✓^-�t,o 5ai 5�ie'vING `•A-e>U -_ een -h_ �` _r cA,__M- '+nA- -- Presented to: Salem City Council March 30, 2000 g CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS PLANNING DEPARTMENT PATRICK REFFETT ONE SALEM GREEN City Planner 01970 (978)745-9595 EM.311 Fax(978) 740-0404 May 25, 2000 Ms. Grace Spence The Bioengineering Group, Inc. 18 Commercial Street Salem, MA 01970 Dear Grace: Enclosed please find a copy of the Certified Project Application for River Wharf Realty Trust and The Bioengineering Group, Inc. that was submitted to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council of MOBD for consideration at their May meeting. I enjoyed working with you to put this application together. You were always timely and helpful. Sincerely yours, Mary C. Cassidy Economic Development Planner CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS PLANNING DEPARTMENT PATRICK REFFETT ONE SALEM GREEN City Planner 01970 (978)745-9595 Ext.311 Fax(978)740-0404 May 25, 2000 Ms. Wendi Goldsmith President The Bioengineering Group, Inc. 18 Commercial Street Salem, MA 01970 Dear Wendi: Enclosed please find a copy of the Certified Project Application for River Wharf Realty Trust and The Bioengineering Group, Inc. that was submitted to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council of MOBD for consideration at their May meeting. It was a pleasure developing this document with you and Grace Spence. I am sure we will meet with success at the EACC and your TIF application will go ahead. I wish you the best in your business endeavors and thank you for investing in Salem. Sincerely yours, Mary C. Cassidy Economic Development Planner �p.`'•l ) >, ,»/ �/ PARR sa 3 AV, i LEDGE HILL LLOWS ow PARK �I�r J oo +. . wtaow agrtx [ 3 x oi<w� W ' -... � e o!� el/ ♦` /i \I P': wroo �~ p + + taw, aoa "'Oha c ar' ••• rY ii \\ N+ � r � T w z � r b ' i 1'> • • a ` p a l q ii `V r > e ' •wl �7 t • 1 + y' r �' L I J/w ar \ .a to 11111, +� �4 3T aa�. SALEM ` wrr o X t. ••o c l Q� NI6N ar. r[+ ` SCHOOL �< 1plPlll• � t+f Iw Myr_ IrTN 1 0 r� -'wrllr + t + CAOIa ^/ i �- - ----= LAND PARK MUNICIPAL "\J I \ ••a w *r. �w i r \/ ! 4 • _ .c f \��`7 a` is r 'wr"Ycrow ao.oow.Y ! • m uu .t+ i SALEM GCID WON OLF "� — ar. COURSE z�l I+' s arts . r — � [• � ar. aoaroY • — � r>Pr.ia> < •o J. ' � YLPI Mwal� dao PALMER - . 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