Meeting Minutes HIGHLAND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION STUDY SESSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007 The Highland Redevelopment Commission (“RC”, “Commission”) met in Study Session on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 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 Adam Gawlikowski. The minutes were prepared by Cecile Petro, Redevelopment Director. ROLL CALL: Present on silent roll call were Commissioners: Dominic Noce, Rich Garza, Adam Gawlikowski, Jim Kessler, and Brice Johnson. Also in attendance was Economic Development Commissioner George VandeWerken. GENERAL SUBSTANCE OF THE STUDY SESSION Presentation by Tiffany Tolbert, Director of the Calumet Region Office of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and Dean Kessler, college student and Highland resident Ms. Tolbert and Mr. Kessler provided historic designation information to the Commission. They stated that there are two types of historic districts. The first is called an “Historic District”. Buildings in that area are bound by strict design standards. The second historic designation is called a “Conservation District”. The guidelines of that district are less stringent, but it does prevent demolition of historic buildings. Mr. Kessler stated that the following areas are prime areas for historic designation within the town: Brantwood subdivision, Ridge Road, Downtown, Hook subdivision, and Henry Street. Ms. Tolbert outlined the process for local designation. First, an ordinance must be passed by the town. She will forward an example to the Commission for their review. The ordinance would designate the districts and establish a committee that would oversee the historic district. In many areas the plan commission or redevelopment commission acts as the committee. The committee would oversee the architectural review of the buildings. Both Ms. Tolbert and Mr. Kessler outlined the positive aspects of creating an historic district. They include historic preservation of existing sites, an increase in property values, long-term ownership of property by residents, an increase in housing ownership, and the possible creation of a tourist destination within the town. Ms. Tolbert explained that once the boundaries are decided upon, sixty percent (60%) of the property owners must approve it. Usually, a public meeting is held for owners, so that they will become informed and to allow discussion of the issue. Citizen Involvement President Gawlikowski stated that he would like to encourage more involvement in the town and with the Redevelopment Commission by Highland residents. He requested ideas from Commissioners. A number of ideas were discussed including the following: create a flyer or newsletter, place posters at local businesses, bring a guest to each meeting, send our agenda to key people in the community, participate in block parties, man a booth at festivals, and develop a catchy phrase and publicize it. The Commission will return to this question at another study session. Mid-Century Design Presentation Downtown Association members, Pat Popa and Judith Mayer, discussed their concept of Mid-Century Design for Highland. They stated that Highland had its fastest building growth during the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s and that the town should embrace that design. Ms. Pop and Ms. Mayer answered a number of questions by the Commission concerning the design and the implementation of this design in the Redevelopment Area. The Commission directed Ms. Petro to contact Wight and ascertain the cost of adding this design concept to their contract. They also directed Ms. Petro to contact businesses in the Redevelopment Area to invite them to attend the next Redevelopment Commission meeting on August 8, 2007. Wight will make their presentation on the draft architectural and design guidelines and standards, and then Ms. Popa and Ms. Mayer will present how the two can be integrated. Fact Finding Trip to South Holland, Illinois Commissioners commented on their recent trip to South Holland, Illinois. They stated that they were impressed with how the design flowed from benches, poles, sidewalks and receptacles. This created a continuous look throughout the development. Commission members also pointed out that the village had more control over the development because they purchased the property and flipped it to developers. Everyone was impressed with the cooperative spirit within the community that was necessary to accomplish the redevelopment. Redevelopment Area Expansion Update The Commissioners directed Ms. Petro to include the properties on the proposed Acquisition List for the Expansion of the Redevelopment Area. This expansion will be voted on at the next meeting of the Commission, August 8, 2007. New Redevelopment Area--Highland Acres The Director reviewed the proposed approval process timetable for the Redevelopment Plan for the new Redevelopment Area. The Commission will receive information from Mr. Dan Botich from Cender and Company at the next Redevelopment Commission study session. Fact Finding Trip to the office of Grubb & Ellis/Cressy & Everett Ms. Petro confirmed the date for a fact finding trip to the office of Grubb & Ellis/Cressy & Everett, a developer in Mishawaka. Two representatives from this firm have visited Highland and have invited staff, Commissioners, and Town Councilmen to visit their offices and Grub Ellis developments completed in and around South Bend, Indiana. The date of the trip will be August 21, 2007. The Commissioners will leave the town hall parking lot at 8:00 AM. Lighting on Kennedy Avenue The Commissioners reviewed a proposed lighting fixture design by Lighting Solutions of Illinois. They agreed with the design and instructed Ms. Petro to ask about adjustable banner sizes for the poles. The Study Session was adjourned at 9:32 PM. BACK TO MAIN MENU