By Mark Schadenberg
Don't hold me to these numbers exactly, but one of the most important tidbits I received from the Woodstock Economic Development office gathering with local Realtors this past Wednesday, pertained to the mayor's comment on why Woodstock's municipal residential taxes are seemingly high.
Pat Sobeski noted that Woodstock's total debt is about $8 million and most of that can be attributed to a debenture of the community complex facility not yet fully paid back. At the same time, Sobeski guessed that Stratford -- with approximately the same population (just under 40,000) -- has a total deficit or debt hovering about $100 million. Sobeski called this a 'conservative' system of not spending money you do not have and making sure you gather enough money from tax payers to pay this year's bills.
Where 401 & 403 meet
Sobeski wasn't the only speaker, and yes there were timbits and donuts, as Len Magyar (Development Commissioner) and Brad Hammond (Development Officer) were also there promoting the community and presenting an update on websites, available serviced industrial land, and a wide range of related topics.
A quick chart on a power point presentation depicted that Woodstock has about 400 acres for future commercial development, and about 160 acres are already serviced. This is also important good news as the city can thereby control the market price for land. In other words, while an independant developer / investor / speculator may think the 'sky is the limit' in selling 50 acres (for example) of industrial zoned land, the city's price will dictate the going rate.
More good news: If a major business is looking for a gigantic new vacant building, Woodstock can accommodate you.
If you're thinking about Woodstock's position in geographical terms -- the community is located at the crossroads of major highways 401 and 403 and thus the new website of: www.cometothecrosswords.com
On the home page, four points are noted, or better yet used in definition of crossroads:
1 An intersection of two or more major roads.
2 A place that is centrally located
3 A point at which a crucial decision must be made
4 A place where your future success begins.
City promotional items list what is called: The Woodstock Value Proposition
There are 14 points, including:
- Sites as large as 100 acres available
- No development charges on industrial construction
- Site approvals in as little as two weeks.
- A new state-of-the-art hospital opened in November 2011
Between the still newish Commerce Way, plus Pattullo Ridge and Bysham Park, and other large sites bordering Devonshire Avenue (North East Business Park is about 500 metres away from Toyota) there are many many opportunities to set up shop in Woodstock.
The ComeToTheCrossroads fact sheet predicts a population of 52,800 by 2031 for Woodstock, which can be attainable with new manufacturers commited to this community: Sysco, Nova Steel, Ancra, and Execulink.
If you want more information about the city I call home, and continue to enjoy my real estate career in, contact:
Mark Schadenberg
Royal LePage Triland
(519) 537-1553
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Feel free to call City Hall as well:
Len Magyar
lmagyar@city.woodstock.on.ca
Brad Hammond
bhammond@city.woodstock.on.ca
500 Dundas St, Woodstock
(519) 539-2382
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