Plan Commission finds two RDC economic-development areas consistent with town plans

The Whitestown Plan Commission voted to approve two planning commission orders finding that proposed economic development areas (EDAs) are consistent with the town's growth and development plans.

Town staff explained that Planning Commission Order 2025‑01 applies to the Padgett Commons EDA, which the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) created as an allocation area tied to tax-increment-financing (TIF) assistance for the Padgett Commons redevelopment. Staff said the RDC's declaratory resolution had pulled that ground out of an existing TIF area while continuing to pledge 50% of the revenue to repay prior commitments from the original TIF.

Planning Commission Order 2025‑02 consolidates several existing TIF districts and right-of-way areas near Interstate 65 to create a larger consolidated EDA that can use revenues from multiple districts to support development projects. Staff told commissioners the consolidation does not restart or extend the tax-capture timelines on existing districts; it only consolidates allocations for coordinated use of funds. The RDC had already approved the declaratory resolutions; the planning commission's role is to confirm consistency with the comprehensive plan.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether consolidation would reset TIF timelines; staff confirmed it would not. After discussion the commission approved each order on separate voice votes. Staff said the RDC previously approved the related declaratory resolutions at its April meeting and this step is required to move to the confirmatory hearing process.