Schererville authorizes $8.45 million FRA agreement and approves three Kennedy Avenue right-of-way purchases

The Schererville Town Council on June 11 authorized the town council president to execute a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) agreement obligating $8,452,558 to the town for the Kennedy Avenue improvement project and approved multiple right-of-way acquisitions tied to Phase 3 of the project.

Director of Operations Andy Hansen told the council the authorization allows the town council president to sign the final FRA agreement; the agreement obligates the funds to the town for the Kennedy Avenue project. The council voted 3-0 to authorize the signature.

The council then approved purchase of right-of-way interests for parcels tied to Phase 3 of the Kennedy Avenue project. The council approved acquisition of properties at 208 Kennedy Avenue and 192 Kennedy Avenue from Banks Lambert Duffy for $28,000 (right-of-way only, based on appraisal) and at 212 Kennedy Avenue from Robert E. Foster and Christine M. Foster for $35,000 (appraised right-of-way amount). Council discussion clarified the acquisitions were for right-of-way only and that one acquisition will remove part of a driveway turnaround to make space for utilities.

All three votes on the FRA authorization and the two property purchases were unanimous, 3-0. Town officials authorized the town manager, director of operations, clerk-treasurer and town attorney to finalize and execute closing documents for the property acquisitions.

No additional funding approvals beyond the FRA agreement were taken at the meeting; the council did not amend or table any purchases.