GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) — Will property tax breaks help bring new growth and businesses to Gadsden County?
That's what neighbors and leaders are hoping comes from an ordinance, that commissioners passed Tuesday night.
"Back in the 70's Quincy was a booming town. There was a lot of different businesses here," said Rudolph Evans Owner of LR's Lounge.
Rudolph Evans is following in his dads footsteps opening a business in downtown Quincy LR's Lounge.
He wants to see this city get back to the good days.
"Through the years a lot of businesses closed and moved away. And we hope to bring Quincy back to where it was. It's a beautiful town and there's a lot of good land," said Evans.
Land that's ready to be a new home for businesses.
People who grew up in Quincy tell WTXL, this downtown used to be full of life and activity. Now when you walk around here every block has at least one rundown storefront with boarded up windows.
Hope is on the horizon after commissioners approved an ordinance on Tuesday that will offer property tax breaks for new businesses or existing ones that are expanding.
A bill Evans says he wishes he could've benefited from.
"Saved me a lot of money. I wish it would have been but I'm glad it's here now and it's going to help a lot of people. People will come and say I can open my business here," said Evans.
And in the end that's the goal, encouraging businesses to set up shop in Gadsden County.
Despite passing this tax exemption bill, commissioners are going to do more research into how the application process will work for businesses wanting to open their doors in Gadsden County.
