Guilford County is holding a public hearing on Thursday, Dec. 18 to take public input on whether or not the county should hand over about $200,000 of taxpayer money to a growing company; however, since the county has recently adopted the practice of refusing to inform county residents of what the company is ahead of time, it’s anybody’s guess whether the company coming here is a good thing or a bad thing.
Since the county now only reveals the name of a company seeking incentives at the time of the hearing, county residents have no chance to research companies or ask neighbors what they think or really form any opinion at all.
Announcing the incentive proposal without announcing the company’s name essentially defeats the entire purpose of a public hearing – but it probably doesn’t matter anyway since the Guilford County Board of Commissioners always approves every incentives package that’s brought before it.
In this case, the name is “Project Superman,” and, according to the public notice, the Board of Commissioners will consider providing up to $196,500 in economic development incentive payments. Under the county’s formula, the proposal is based on paying the company $1,500 per job created.
The company behind Project Superman is said to be considering Guilford County along with other sites across the United States; however, whenever the item makes it to the point where it’s on the county commissioners’ agenda that means it’s a done deal and Superman has already decided to come to Guilford County.
The press release states that the company is looking at 7910 and 7915 Triad Center Drive as a possible home for its new operation.
The county believes the project would “stimulate and stabilize the local economy” and would “promote business” while creating a substantial number of new jobs that pay at or above the median average wage in Guilford County.
The notice also states that Project Superman would involve an investment of roughly $13.5 million in real or personal property and equipment. The company is expected to create 131 new jobs by December 31, 2030, which is the benchmark date the county is using to measure its performance.
After the commissioners approve the deal on December 18, the incentive payments will come from the county’s General Fund and will only be paid out if the company meets the terms of a local economic development agreement.
As is the case with all such agreements, Guilford County will require Project Superman to enter into a contract laying out the job creation, investment numbers, and compliance obligations before any money goes out the door.
The county’s notice also makes it clear that the company is pursuing state incentive packages – and potentially incentives from other local governments.
For now, the only name the public has for the project is Project Superman, and county residents won’t know the real company until the moment the public hearing begins.
Whether it’s good or for the community bad depends on who shows up when the curtain is finally pulled back at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room on the second floor of the Old Guilford County Court House.
Until then, the public is left with a classic Guilford County guessing game: Who is Superman, what does he do, how many jobs will he really bring – and whether handing out nearly $200,000 with zero advance disclosure is something county residents are comfortable with.
No public names, No PUBLIC MONEY, Real Simple.
Sigh.
The county and city should always be required to announce to thg public the name of the company and what product or service will be provided.
What fantastic news! It’s always exciting to see a major production choose our community as a backdrop. Having “Superman” film in Guilford County isn’t just a bit of Hollywood glamour—it’s a real economic boost for local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to the hard-working crew members hired locally.
Beyond the economics, there’s a genuine thrill in knowing places we drive by every day will be part of a modern myth. It sparks the imagination for kids and adults alike. Hats off to the Greensboro and High Point film offices for helping to land this. Let’s all extend a warm, Southern welcome to the cast and crew, and maybe keep an eye out for a certain red cape!
Hope they enjoy their time in our corner of North Carolina
Taxpayer money should not be given to businesses. The size of the company, the amount of the incentive, the location of the business, none of these matters. It is our, mostly property owners, tax money. How in God’s name did we get to the point that government and businesses play cat and mouse games with taxpayers: the business requesting the money is looking at other places to fleece so the Commissioners must work fast and in secret and the government cannot reveal to taxpayers the name of the business because the taxpayers of Guilford County are not smart or savvy enough to handle the information. I call bull. I am exhausted paying more and more property taxes while others do not pay any; I am exhausted with my property tax money going to DEI hires when qualified non DEIs can’t find jobs; I am tired of businesses looking for and expecting handouts; and I am tired of the few voters who vote, continue to vote for milquetoast commissioners afraid to challenge Skip Alston and inadequate commissioners who are not up to the job. What is wrong with these voters?
Wonder how much of the money ends up being donated to a well known candidates election fund?