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Westgate leaders outline projects, ribbon cutting and delays as Prometheus becomes ‘National Security Industrial Hub’
Summary
Westgate redevelopment leaders told the commission they lost a hoped state funding increase, scheduled a High Bridge ribbon‑cutting for June 20, described progress on the Bob Jackson property and daycare planning, and discussed rail and branding for the Prometheus project (referred to in documents as the National Security Industrial Hub).
Westgate representatives updated the Greene County Redevelopment Commission May 22 on multiple development matters at the Westgate Crane Technology Park and surrounding properties, including a June ribbon‑cutting, stalled state funding, property negotiations and childcare needs for base workers.
Brianne reported the legislature did not approve the funding increase Westgate had sought. She said the High Bridge ribbon‑cutting is scheduled for June 20 at 2 p.m. and that Westgate’s liaison work with Crane is transitioning as long‑time contacts retire.
On property acquisitions, staff described ongoing negotiations for the Bob Jackson property. Instead of carving a 5.5‑acre parcel with a life estate, Jackson is reportedly discussing selling the entire property to Westgate, which staff said would simplify acquisition and would be paid for partly through grants such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund if the transaction completes.
Staff also said the Indiana Department of Transportation expressed confusion about Westgate’s legal status when MDOT reviewed set‑aside parcels north and south of Jackson Farm; Westgate staff are working with county counsel to confirm eligibility for state grants and clarifying Westgate’s status as a governmental redevelopment entity, not a 501(c)(3).
Leaders stressed local need for daycare tied to Crane activity. Brianne said a daycare survey done by Indiana University was provided to Crane for review several weeks ago; Westgate staff continue to press Crane for timely feedback because local employers and base workers report childcare shortages.
Separately, Brianne and staff described ongoing coordination with Acme and JLL on the Prometheus‑area marketing and said the project brand in defense documents and marketing materials is now the “National Security Industrial Hub” (NSIH). She said Acme and JLL are handling broader marketing while Westgate continues two‑week coordination meetings with Acme to address site work such as road alignment and property owner outreach.
Brianne said she and Nathan Abrams met Brian Elias, vice president of business development for Indiana Railroad, to explore whether rail service could be offered to the hub; Indiana Railroad is expected to be “very active” with the redevelopment work and will coordinate with Crane contacts about rail options.
Commissioners and staff discussed whether Westgate or another public park body would operate walking trails adjacent to Crane and noted the property management question remains unresolved. Westgate staff mentioned possible management by Martin Davis County Park (West Boggs Park) but said no formal agreement exists.
The commission received the report for the record and asked staff to continue coordinating with Crane, MDOT and grant partners to resolve outstanding issues.
