HAGERSTOWN -- The City of Hagerstown is considering whether to offer developers tax breaks and other incentives to spur downtown development.
On Tuesday, City Administrator Bruce Zimmerman and several city department heads talked to the City Council about offering the incentives.
Zimmerman said Hagerstown officials have been meeting with developers to determine how the city's existing codes, fees and programs could be modified to help downtown development in today's sluggish economy.
The possible incentives discussed include:
o City property tax credits for commercial and residential properties
o Utility credits
o Permit fee waivers
o Expediting paperwork for proposed downtown projects
o Discounts at city parking facilities
o Rent assistance for new businesses that occupy upper floors