By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - A lot of "Grand Theft Auto" is coming to Union Centre, and that's a good thing.

Jack of All Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, which makes the popular "Grand Theft Auto" video games, plans to build a 400,000-square-foot warehouse and headquarters on Meridian Way.

That's double the space the company has been leasing at 8800 Global Way for three years for the U.S. distribution of "Max Payne," "Midnight Club," "Spec Ops," "Railroad Tycoon," "Duke Nukem," "Conflict: Desert Storm" and other video games.

Township trustees have approved a 60 percent tax abatement for seven years on the company's new $17.3 million investment through the Ohio Enterprise Zone program. Jack of All Games, however, will pay its full amount of taxes - $355,700 over seven years - to the Lakota Local School District, said Melissa Koehler, West Chester Community Improvement Council executive director.

Butler County commissioners are expected to approve the deal by early February. The company employs 100, though the workforce can double during busy seasons, she says.

This is the first tax abatement presented to trustees in nearly two years. The township offers so many advantages to businesses - three Interstate 75 interchanges, close proximity to two Interstate 275 exits and no income tax - that tax breaks aren't often recommended by Koehler's office, she said.

"We are probably the most conservative community in granting enterprise zone agreements," Koehler said. "Location is what brings businesses here. No income tax is a bonus."

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com