News-Record.com

Greensboro City Council will be asked for $1 million worth of economic incentives Tuesday night for a proposed retirement community.

Council members have said it's a good project in a good location. But the issue has also brought to life an ethical debate among council members.

Kisco Senior Living, which has senior housing facilities in six states, is looking for a new location in North Carolina. They already run two complexes -- Heritage Greens and Abbotswood at Irving Park -- in Greensboro. Now they are looking to develop the former Pilot Life headquarters at 5300 High Point Road into a new facility.

They're asking for help to get city water and sewer services out to the site. They want a $1 million grant over four years.

For the benefit, they will invest $98 million in renovations of existing buildings and will create 125 jobs with an average salary of $30,600, according to information provided by the city.

Council has been looking for a good reason to spend economic development dollars. And several council members say this would be good development on a site that has been unused for years.

But Councilman Mike Barber has raised issues about the way the issue was brought to council.

Councilman Robbie Perkins represents the land owner, Lincoln Financial Group, and would get a commission if the sale is approved. It was Perkins who introduced the potential buyer to the city's new assistant city manager for economic development, Jim Westmoreland.

Westmoreland brought the issue to city council in a closed session. Perkins sat out. Some council members first learned about the request, and Perkin's involvement, that evening.

Barber asked that council be made aware of possible incentive requests, and any council members involvement, as soon as the issue reaches a city leader's desk.

Barber requested a closer look at the ethical issues. Perhaps he will get his chance Tuesday night.