Merrillville RDC approves four economic development areas after advertised public hearings; some residents raise TIF concerns

The Town of Merrillville Redevelopment Commission on Jan. 28 unanimously approved four resolutions establishing separate economic development allocation areas (tax increment financing, or TIF, areas) following advertised public hearings.

The commission approved:

- Resolution 25-01, creating the Mississippi Crow Economic Development Area and approving an economic development plan for that area (vote: 3-0). - Resolution 25-02, creating the Liberty Estates West Economic Development Area and approving an economic development plan (vote: 3-0). - Resolution 25-03, creating the Broadway North Economic Development Area and approving an economic development plan for the north end of town (vote: 3-0). - Resolution 25-04, creating the Silos East Economic Development Area and approving an economic development plan for the Silos East area (vote: 4-0).

Each resolution was presented with confirmation that required public notices had been published and that town staff and advisers had prepared the materials. Bond counsel Tom Pittman and financial adviser Bob Swentz were present for the items and the commission opened each for public comment as part of advertised hearings.

Public comment on Resolution 25-03 included support from Michael Griffin, identified in the meeting as the town manager, who said he came "to speak in favor of the resolution" and that the plan would extend tools used in existing allocation areas to the Broadway corridor. Griffin said the commission "doesn't think it's gonna capture a lot of increment" but that the designation would allow the town to spend any proceeds on reinvestment and facade grants to address early signs of disinvestment.

Several residents spoke against expanding TIF allocation areas. One resident said the town should not use taxpayer dollars "to enrich a private party" and noted a recent private purchase of the Broadway property for $4,100,000, arguing there should be limits on any facade reimbursement for high-value private purchases. Another resident, Brian Nosarch, said, "We should not be expanding, TIF zones in Merrillville" and warned that broad use of TIFs could become counterproductive if most of the town becomes covered by them.

Public comment on Resolution 25-04, the Silos East area, included concerns that TIF districts divert money from the general fund and local taxing units, including schools and township services. A commenter said data-center development plans had not been discussed in a data committee meeting he attended and urged caution about using redevelopment dollars where general-fund revenue might be appropriate.

Commissioners moved to approve the resolutions after each public hearing. Roll-call votes recorded aye votes from the commissioners present; where noted, two commissioners were absent from earlier votes but later joined for subsequent items.

The approvals allow the town to adopt economic development plans for the specified areas and to capture future incremental property tax revenue inside each allocation area for approved redevelopment uses consistent with the plans and applicable law. The commission noted additional implementation steps will follow, including any program rules for grants or developer agreements.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-01 (Mississippi Crow Economic Development Area): motioned by Leona Uzelak; seconded by Chandler Felton; vote 3-0; outcome approved. - Resolution 25-02 (Liberty Estates West Economic Development Area): motioned by Leona Uzelak; seconded by Chandler Felton; vote 3-0; outcome approved. - Resolution 25-03 (Broadway North Economic Development Area): motioned by Leona Uzelak; seconded by Chandler Felton; vote 3-0; outcome approved. - Resolution 25-04 (Silos East Economic Development Area): motioned by Leona Uzelak; seconded by Chandler Felton; vote 4-0; outcome approved.

The commission's actions establish the areas and approve the related economic development plans; future use of captured increment will depend on program guidelines, development agreements and successive approvals.