Lawrenceburg Redevelopment Commission elects officers, approves Main Street funding and conditional payment for row house work

Brian Johnson was elected president of the Lawrenceburg Redevelopment Commission and the commission approved several downtown funding actions at a regular meeting on Jan. 13, 2025.

The commission voted to restore Main Street grant program funding, approved a conditional payment for work on the downtown row house project and heard an update on the city's first-time homebuyer/new home purchase assistance program and a separate closing related to Strong's Pizza.

The actions move forward funding for downtown revitalization and clear the way for the next phase of a multi-phase row house redevelopment project. Commissioners said documentation and standard closing procedures remain outstanding in a small number of cases.

Elections and leadership

At the start of the meeting the commission completed its officer elections. Brian Johnson was nominated and elected president; Lenny Freiman was elected vice president; and Kevin Schaeffer was elected secretary. The board approved the slate by voice votes during the meeting.

Main Street grant funding

Director (title in meeting transcripts) reported that Main Street finished another year of administering its grant program and requested $146,134 to return the program to its full beginning-of-year funding levels. The commission moved and approved that request by voice vote, authorizing the release of funds to Main Street so the organization can continue its downtown grant programs and design-review activities.

Row house contractor payment — conditional approval

Staff reported receipt of an application and payment certification from contractor M and M for work on the first phase of the downtown row house project. The contractor's claim totaled $246,904.50; staff said supporting documentation on hand only substantiated $235,467.73 and that additional documentation had been requested from the contractor.

The commission considered two related motions: one to pay the amount currently supported by documentation ($235,467.73) and one to authorize payment of the full claimed amount ($246,904.50) once the remaining documentation is provided. The board adopted the motion authorizing payment of the full claimed amount conditioned on receipt of the correct supporting documentation.

New executive director for Main Street; other project updates

Commissioners discussed the recently started Main Street executive director, Rebecca Lovern, and said she would be introduced at an upcoming meeting. Staff noted Lovern's background included event planning and management. The commission also heard that Strong's Pizza closing paperwork had been completed and that funds related to that transaction had been received and wired.

First-time homebuyer/new home purchase assistance program

Commissioners discussed the commission's new home purchase program. The commission initially allocated $35,000 for the current distribution and was advised that later in the year it may be necessary to appropriate an additional $105,000 to cover three additional homes that are under negotiation or construction, for an anticipated total additional appropriation later in the year. Staff said the program historically targeted downtown areas because those areas fall within the redevelopment district and are eligible under the law that defines the redevelopment boundaries and activities. Commissioners discussed the possibility of revisiting district boundaries in the future if lots near other neighborhoods become appropriate for redevelopment incentives.

Other routine business and claims

The commission approved minutes from the Dec. 9, 2024 meeting and approved the claims presented at the Jan. 13 meeting by voice votes. Staff reported a redevelopment account balance of $4,758.30 as of Jan. 7, 2025 (reported in the meeting transcript). The meeting adjourned after public comments and routine closing items.

Ending

The commission said it will introduce the new Main Street executive director at an upcoming meeting and bring back any requested follow-up on the row house documentation and the potential additional appropriation for the home purchase program at a future meeting.