## Longview City Council Enhances Investment Incentives for Flanders

The Longview City Council has recently taken significant steps to augment the incentives provided to Flanders, a company poised to make substantial investments at its facility located on Harrison Road in Longview, Texas.

Flanders is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, and its Longview plant is referred to as Flanders CR Intermediate in official communications with the City Council. This facility is slated to invest an impressive $1.07 million in state-of-the-art equipment that will enhance its operational capabilities.

### Job Creation and Workforce Expansion

In addition to the equipment investment, Flanders has committed to creating 50 new full-time jobs. By the end of 2028, this will bring the total workforce at the plant to 108 employees, which demonstrates Flanders’ dedication to contributing positively to the Longview economy. The company specializes in the advanced development, manufacturing, integration, and deployment of cutting-edge technologies for large-scale machinery that utilize electric rotating systems.

This investment is also part of a new strategic alliance with GC USA, aimed at expanding Flanders’ footprint in the railway sector, further solidifying its long-term presence in Longview.

### Previous Incentives and Long-Term Commitments

Previously, the Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) approved a financial incentive package of $170,000 for Flanders. This amount will be distributed over five years, contingent upon the company fulfilling its commitments regarding investment and job creation.

Heather Malone, the vice president of LEDCO, has highlighted Flanders as one of Longview’s “legacy industries,” noting that the company has been an integral part of the local economy for more than 60 years.

### Tax Incentive Agreement

In a move to support this investment, the City Council approved an agreement in December designed to effectively refund some of the property taxes that Flanders will incur on the new equipment. According to the council agenda, “Under the agreement, the city would pay an annual cash incentive to the company in an amount not to exceed 50% of the city property taxes on the additional equipment.” This structure serves a purpose similar to tax abatement, with payments continuing for a period of 10 years, based on the increase in property value following the company’s improvements.

### How AI legalese decoder Can Help

As businesses like Flanders navigate complex legal agreements and incentives, the AI legalese decoder can be instrumental. This tool helps simplify intricate legal language, making it easier for companies to understand their obligations and the benefits associated with various agreements. By breaking down legal jargon into more straightforward terms, it empowers businesses to make informed decisions and ensures that they comply with their commitments, thereby maximizing the advantages of incentive programs.

## Longview Restaurant Secures Variance for Alcohol Sales

Tortas y Tacos El Patron, a family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant, is now open at 1715 Mobberly Ave. in Longview, bringing a delightful culinary option to the community.

Veronica Bissaraga, the proud owner, and her son, Jose Bissaraga, share a vision initially realized through a food truck operating under the same name. The restaurant’s hours are impressive, opening from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

### Variance Approval from City Council

Recently, the Longview City Council approved a variance to existing city codes that typically prohibit businesses selling alcohol from being within 300 feet of a church. Notably, the New Life Outreach Church, located at 1801 S. Mobberly Ave, sits directly across the street from Tortas y Tacos El Patron. The pastor of that church, Rev. James Thompson, expressed his support for the restaurant’s alcohol sales by signing a document indicating he had no objections, thereby facilitating the approval process.

## Spectrum Expands Internet Access in Gregg County

Spectrum, a key player in rural internet services, has expanded its fiber broadband network, extending internet, mobile, television, and voice services to more than 3,100 homes and businesses in previously unserved or underserved regions of Gregg County. This expansion includes critical areas such as Longview, Gladewater, Kilgore, and White Oak.

### Investment in Fiber Infrastructure

The company has launched a multi-year construction initiative fueled by over $7 billion in private investment. This ambitious plan is set to enhance the network infrastructure by adding upwards of 100,000 miles of fiber, ultimately providing multi-gigabit speeds to more than 1.7 million new locations nationwide.

Residents and business owners eager to learn about the timeline for service availability in their areas can visit spectrumruralexpansion.com for more details.

### High-Speed Internet Solutions

Spectrum’s offerings are promising, with internet speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for both residential and business clients. With plans starting at 500 Mbps and no added fees for modems, data caps, or binding contracts, the company is making high-speed internet accessible to more clients than ever before.

## Exciting Developments for Angry Chickz in Longview

Angry Chickz, a brand known for its California-born Nashville Hot Chicken, has revealed plans to expand its footprint significantly. The company has officially sealed its most substantial development deal to date, a franchise agreement that will introduce 25 new locations across 11 markets in Texas and New Mexico over the next five years.

### Longview on the Expansion Map

Specific timing for openings has yet to be disclosed, but Longview is confirmed as one of the promising markets set to welcome an Angry Chickz restaurant, with the first location slated to open its doors in 2026.

### Community Engagement

As businesses expand, community engagement becomes essential. Residents in Longview can look forward to enjoying Angry Chickz’s unique offerings soon, enhancing the local dining scene and contributing to the area’s economic growth.

### Conclusion

These developments signal a remarkable growth trajectory for Longview, showcasing not only increased job opportunities and business expansions but also greater accessibility to essential services. For businesses navigating these changes, tools like the AI legalese decoder can provide valuable assistance in understanding and maximizing legal opportunities that arise from such expansions.

*— Business Beat appears every Wednesday. If you have items for the column, please email [email protected]; mail to Business Section, Longview News-Journal, P.O. Box 1792, Longview, TX 75606; or call (903) 237-7744.*