Embrace businesses such as Navistar

I took it upon myself to investigate the facts surrounding the Navistar move to Lisle. Here are my findings:

1. The environmental risks from the Navistar development are minimal. The chief EPA bureau officer in Springfield said there would be "no measurable increases in pollution," noting the boiler keeping Navistar offices warm literally produces more pollution than the six testing rooms. Furthermore, if Navistar wants to increase the number of engines being tested, it needs to apply for federal permits and seek permission from the village of Lisle.

2. Lisle will realize greater tax revenues than if the property remains idle. The 2009 appraised value on the Lucent property was $109 million. Lucent has been paying about $2 million a year in property taxes. Lucent recently appealed this appraisal to have the property assessment reduced. As a result, the assessing board lowered the new value to $80 million. The $30 million shortfall in assessed valuation on this property will be made up from the rest of the pool of local properties. Navistar offered to pay property taxes at the pre-appeal appraisal amount on the Lucent property, which is $109 million. This is a huge gesture by Navistar and should not be underestimated. In return, Navistar would not have to pay the full tax amount on their planned $100 million improvement of the property.

3. The Navistar development would also indirectly create significant revenue for the community and local businesses Lisle will gain approximately $100,000 a year through its 5 percent utility tax. We also get the taxes from the increase in local hotels, restaurants, retail and housing.

What can we do to make Navistar come to Lisle? We are in tough economical times. It's not the time to fight companies wanting to come to town, it's the time to embrace them and become partners.

Rocky Ruggiero

Lisle