Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOMPENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (RC) met in Study Session on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at 6:38 PM in the downstairs Conference Room within the Municipal Building at 3333 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana. The Study Session was called to order by Commissioner Brice Johnson. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Commissioners: Bernie Zemen, Rex Burton, Adam Gawlikowski, and Brice Johnson. Commissioner Dominic Noce was absent with prior notice. Also in attendance were Town Manager Rich Underkofler and members of the public and media. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION 1. Updates on the following items were given by the Director: A. Hammond Loan Agreement and Bond Ms. Petro stated that Hammond Redevelopment Commission has issued two awards, one for demolition and one for environmental cleanup in the River Park Apartment area. She also stated that Hammond will request the full $2M loan amount. B. Best House on the Block Contest The Director reported that the number of entrants has reached twenty-nine in the Neighborhoods Inc. Best House on the Block Contest for Highland. C. Second Forum—Combined comment list from residents and RC members A combined list of comments from residents and RC members was presented to the Commissioners. The comment list was organized by category. 2. 2006 Capital Improvement Plan for the Redevelopment Commission including an Overlay District The Town Manager reviewed the Redevelopment Department’s proposed budget and explained each line item. The largest expenditure this year will be for the demolition of the River Park Apartments ($2.1 M). Other projects for 2006 include completion of the Comprehensive Plan, establishment of a zoning overlay district, establishment of a TIF district, and funding for architectural and engineering services for Kennedy Avenue streetscape. The Redevelopment Commission also will use funds for real estate assembly option agreements and for sub area development plans. Mr. Underkofler explained each of these projects to the Redevelopment Commission. In future years, the Redevelopment Commission will fund a gateway and way finding plan and signs; real estate assembly acquisitions; roadway, water and sewer infrastructure; building construction for sale or lease; and Kennedy Avenue streetscape construction. By 2009, the Redevelopment Commission should have TIF moneys available for TIF grants and loans for existing and new development incentives and for the construction of a boardwalk and bridge along the Little Calumet River Boardwalk. He stated that there would be a major policy change in the repayment of the River Park Apartment demolition bond. The repayment would now go toward the local match needed for the reconstruction of Kennedy Avenue and not to pay off the bond as soon as we receive repayment from Hammond. Commissioners had a number of questions which Mr. Underkofler answered. 3. Redevelopment Commission President’s proposal for the Redevelopment Commission. Commission President, Brice Johnson, stated that we did not have sufficient time to discuss his ideas with the Commission. He would like to place this on the agenda at a later date. 4. Mr. James Wojcik, owner of Plaza Lanes addressed the Commission Mr. James Wojcik, owner of Plaza Lanes, addressed the Commission about his concerns regarding the proposed medians along Kennedy Avenue. He stated that he likes the idea of green space along Kennedy, but is concerned about the traffic problems with medians, and specifically, the ability of his customers to enter and exit his business safely. The Study Session was adjourned at 7:45 PM for the Joint Study Session of the Redevelopment Commission and the Plan Commission. BACK TO MAIN MENU