5 Things: Blood Drive, Invensys TIF Info Session, One Fund Raises $20M & More

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1. Expect a Chance of Showers Wednesday in Foxborough with a High Near 68

Today’s weather in Foxborough, according to the National Weather Service based in Taunton, calls for a chance of showers, mainly before 7 a.m. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 64. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Thursday night: Clear, with a low around 37. North wind 3 to 5 mph.

2. Invensys TIF Information Session is Thursday

With Invensys’ Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposal set to go in front of voters at Foxborough’s Annual Town Meeting on May 13th, the company will be holding a public information session/open house on Thursday, April 25.

“Community information session is a way to educate the community on what the company’s plans are and the proposed TIF,” said Lynn Tokarczyk, a government incentive consultant for Invensys.

The open house will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at Invensys’ cafeteria across the street from its 38 Neponset Ave. building. The session will include a brief presentation at 7:15 p.m. that will include informative posters, handouts, products and a Q&A.

A TIF, according to Tokarczyk, is a local tool under the state’s economic development center program that can assist companies like Invensys in making decisions to invest to either create or retain jobs.

For Invensys, its proposed project is to invest roughly $33 million in building renovations to retain about 900 high-profile jobs in Foxborough.

The proposal calls for a 15-year TIF agreement between Invensys and the town that would save the company approximately $1.8 million while producing roughly $7.6 million in additional tax revenue over that timeframe. If approved, the town would exempt Invensys completely from new tax payments in years 1-4 of the agreement. “This is a discount on new taxes generated by increased property values [as a result of building renovations],” Tokarczyk said. “[Town] doesn’t lose a dime on current taxes.”

To read more on Invensys’ proposal click here.

Earlier this month, Foxborough’s Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the TIF review committee’s request to accept Invensys’ proposal and will recommend residents’ approval at Town Meeting.

3. One Fund Raises $20M in One Week

Just over a week since the Boston Marathon bombings, a fund established to help victims and their families has raised $20 million.

Mayor Thomas Menino said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon that The One Fund Boston raised the money in just one week.

“The response is more than I could have imagined,” Menino said.

Four people were killed and over 180 were injured as result of the week of terror in Boston, beginning with the April 15 bombings.

Ken Feinberg, administrator for One Fund Boston, said those who feel they’re entitled to a portion of the funds can file a claim between May 15 and June 15. For seven to 10 days after June 15, Feinberg said he would meet with any family in private to discuss their potential claim. The money will then be distributed beginning June 30.

“They will have a check, guaranteed” before July 4, Feinberg said.

There will be two public meetings the week of May 5 to determine who is eligible to receive One Fund money. Feinberg said families who are dealing with a death or who have a relative who has been severely injured will likely be the recipients of the money.

Those who have endured property damage by way of the bombings are “highly unlikely” to receive funds through the One Fund, which is considered a private fund, Feinberg said.

Menino said the city government will work with businesses to get them back up to speed.

Beginning Wednesday, claimants can register for more information at onefundboston.org and or call toll free 1-855-617-FUND.

Well over 50,000 individuals have contributed $5 million, sending in checks and donating over the web at onefundboston.org. More than 60 corporate donors have committed a total of $15 million.  So far, John Hancock, AT&T, Bain Capital, Partners Healthcare, New Balance, and Liberty Mutual have all pledged $1 million each to the fund. Dozens of companies have invited employees and customers to give as well, according to a press release from the mayor’s office.

4. Patriot Place Events:

Here’s what’s happening around Patriot Place today:

• Brigham and Women’s / Mass General Health Care Center Blood Drive: The Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center at Patriot Place will host a blood drive Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Patriot Place concourse next to the Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center. Blood donations will be taken inside the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital Blood Mobile near Gillette Stadium’s Bank of America gate. The appointment book is full for this blood drive as the response has been overwhelming.

• Earth Day Toy Collection Drive at Kidville: Donate your gently used plastic toys to Second Chance Toys during Kidville's Earth Day Toy Collection Drive.

• Fun and Games with 5Wits: Join 5Wits at 6 p.m. for a night of fun and games. Try some of 5Wits’ favorite board and card games and have a chance to take them home for a steal.

• Live Music at Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro: Welcome Matt Michienzie to Tastings' Music Series’ stage.

• Trivia at Red Robin: Come try your luck during trivia at Red Robin every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. sponsored by Sam Adams.

• Bounce Houses: Jump around all afternoon in inflatable bounce houses. Located in the North Marketplace outside of Red Robin, enjoy the afternoon as the kids bounce the day away.

5. Foxborough Police Officers Attend MIT Police Officer Sean Collier’s Funeral Service Wednesday

Funeral service for slain MIT police officer Sean Collier was held Wednesday at Briggs Field on campus of the college. Thousands of students, spectators, and law enforcement officers from across the country were in attendance. Also in attendance were Vice President Joe Biden, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and singer James Taylor.

Several Foxborough police officers were also in attendance. The Foxborough Police Department extended its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Officer Collier on its Facebook page Wednesday.