Racine reacts to Foxconn job news

RACINE COUNTY (CBS 58) -- Hiawatha owner Tammy Graceffa says local businesses are expecting a Foxconn boom.

“We’ve been ramping up our help as well," Graceffa said. "Hiring more people, and getting them prepared.”

She’s enjoyed the extra business from construction workers, but says the reports of Foxconn shifting their development from a manufacturing factory to a "technology hub" are disappointing.

“I am saddened for the community; for my children, for my children’s friends, thought they were, and adults that thought they were going to be in the work force over there.” 

Some residents say even if there are more white collar jobs than anticipated, it’s still good for the community.

”It will boost revenue here," Racine resident Parrish Williams said. "Create more jobs because we’re looking at the extension from the company because there are going to be smaller companies popping up.”

Racine county sent us a statement, saying despite that Reuters article, Foxconn told them today, they remain committed to building an advanced manufacturing operation in Wisconsin with 13,000 jobs.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says jobs are the most important part of the equation.

“Obviously I don’t think anybody loves seeing the headline," Barrett said. "I think it will be a few days before we have an understanding as to what truly is happening. But, a lot of money is being spent, and we clearly want to have jobs that come along with that.”

Foxconn is behind schedule on jobs, they did not create enough last year to earn any state tax credits.