Commission orders two appraisals for Quince Road parcels ahead of planned intersection improvements

The St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission on June 10 approved two professional service agreements to appraise two parcels at the intersection area on Quince Road so the county can evaluate potential acquisition in advance of planned intersection improvements.

Staff said the county was recently notified the properties would be listed for sale and that buying at this stage may reduce future acquisition and relocation costs for planned improvements at the State Road 2 and Quince intersection. The county described the work as a “40,000-foot acquisition” effort to get an initial price and determine whether to pursue a deal.

The commission approved an appraisal from Appraisal Services Inc. at a cost of $750 and a second appraisal from Iverson Grove at $1,000. Commissioners and staff explained the commission routinely obtains two independent appraisals; staff noted appraisers’ fees and valuations can alternate between higher and lower across cases. Staff said they have declined to move to an on-call contract for appraisers because they want the commission to consider each acquisition individually.

Staff also discussed coordination with the state: county staff have been working with INDOT/NDOT on a broader corridor project and said Quince/Timothy could be added to work anticipated in the 2027 time frame. A staff member noted certification requirements limit the pool of appraisers who can perform this work.

A motion to approve the two appraisals carried with recorded affirmative votes from commissioners present. Staff said further acquisition decisions will depend on appraisal results and ongoing coordination with the state.