How would you like to get a break on your property taxes for ten years?
Some home and business owners in Macon will get a chance to do just that under a new city program. It's called Enterprise Zones.
"The basic goal of the enterprise zone is to spur development," said the Director of the Economic and Community Development Department Wanzina Jackson.
Jackson said they've targeted two areas in the city.
The first in south Macon within the boundaries of Broadway and Houston Avenue.
The other is on the east side, near Jeffersonville and Millerfield Roads.
"The way that we actually determined the two pilot areas was number one to look at the statistics, looking at the numbers, looking at what type of redevelopment had been done on those particular areas," said Jackson.
Jackson said to qualify you must meet certain criteria.
Homeowners can increase the value of their property five times the land's value.
Business owners can increase their property value or add five new full-time employees.
Beverly Pitts owns Hairlines Salon on New Clinton Road in east Macon.
"I enjoy it because I love people and the interaction with people," said Pitts.
For 28 years she's worked in the beauty industry. Her current shop falls just inside one of the city's new enterprise zones.
Pitts said she's interested in joining the enterprise zone.
"We've got space in fact we've got for additional stylists here and I'd love to have some new people and as well benefit the area where we live," said Pitts.
She also said she likes the idea of getting a break on her property taxes.
"I think it's a win, win as well," said Pitts. "We win by getting the tax break, but we are also able to employ people so that's still a benefit all the way around."
For Jackson, she hopes the benefits of this new incentive can help boost the economy and revitalize key areas of the city.
She says they plan to send out information packets to home and business owners in the areas in about 30 days, and they'll also have public information sessions.
If you want to find out more about the enterprise zones you can call the Economic and Community Development Department at (478) 751-7190 .