Munster officials are not lamenting the loss of the Whole Foods distribution center, lured away to Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood by the prospect of $7.4 million in tax increment financing for development costs.
In fact, it was a tax abatement that helped bring Whole Foods to Munster in 2003, ostensibly giving the company $800,000 in financial assistance over a 10-year period. Whole Foods opened a new grocery store on Indianapolis Boulevard in Schererville in September.
A spokesman for Whole Foods was not able to be reached for comment Tuesday.
Reacting at Monday’s Munster Town Council meeting about Whole Foods’ departure — along with its 150 employees — Town Council President John Reed, R-1st, said he had no idea the business was leaving until first contacted by a radio network recently, but believed the town would find a new tenant soon.
“We have no plans to give any more financial incentives,” he said. “The facility is desirable as it is.”
Councilwoman Lee Ann Mellon, R-2nd, added, “We feel we’ll have no problem filling it again.”
Reed confirmed there the town receiving inquiries from companies about relocating to 6.6-acre property.
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In a March 17 baiduhai article, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel touted Whole Foods move to a new 140,000-square-foot facility on the city’s far south side as “late Valentine’s Day (gift) to Indiana,” taking a directed jab toward the state.
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.