Redevelopment Commission approves professional services contract to design Anderson Road Park; reimbursement tied to proposed park bond

The St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission on Feb. 18 voted to approve a professional services agreement to start design work for the long-planned Anderson Road Park in Granger.

Staff said the county owns approximately 115 acres at the northeast quadrant of Anderson Road and Beech Road and envisions a natural park with trails and amenities. The contract presented to the commission was with ELC, Indiana LLC; staff materials and presenters also referenced DLZ as the lead design team for project work. The design scope includes public outreach (three public meetings), a project website, and preparation of concept designs intended to lead to a planned groundbreaking around August 2025, staff said.

Staff told commissioners the county would initially pay for the design using redevelopment funds and expects to be reimbursed from a park bond the county is contemplating later this spring if the bond and other approvals are secured. "Funds that we expend on this contract then would be reimbursed out of that park bond," county staff said, while also noting the bond and bond issuance must be approved by the Park Board and the county council. Staff acknowledged a financial risk until the bond is approved.

The contract was approved by the Redevelopment Commission and will be presented to the Park Board for consideration at its March 18 meeting, staff said. Staff and project contacts (including Steve Schlosson with Parks and Jeff with DLC/DLZ) were available to answer commissioner questions during the meeting.

Commissioners voted in favor of the motion to accept the contract; staff noted the agreement is a bridge step to advance design work in an area with other planned development activity.