Schererville approves land purchases and $262,131.54 pipeline reimbursement for Kennedy Avenue improvements

The Town of Schererville on Dec. 30 approved multiple actions to advance the Kennedy Avenue improvement project, including acceptance of a $262,131.54 utility reimbursement from Explorer Pipeline Company and purchases or settlements for three parcels totaling $626,400.

The measures, all approved by unanimous votes, fund right-of-way, temporary easements and a court-set eminent domain settlement related to phases 1 and 2 of Kennedy Avenue work. The council authorized the town manager, director of operations, clerk-treasurer and town attorney to finalize closing documents where required.

Why it matters: The Kennedy Avenue improvements will expand the roadway and associated storm drainage. The actions clear property and utility obstacles the town says are necessary for construction to proceed.

The council accepted a utility reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Co. for $262,131.54 to cover a utility casing extension near Division Street tied to the Kennedy Avenue project. "This is for a utility casing extension near Division Street, to accommodate the Kennedy Avenue project," said Robbie Hanson, identified in the roll call as IT, noting the agreement is similar to one the council approved the prior month but with a different pipeline company. The motion to accept the agreement passed 5-0.

Separately, the council approved purchase of property and a temporary easement from Midwest Pipe Co. for parcels tied to Kennedy Avenue phase 2 at a combined price of $511,900 for the property plus $1,500 for a temporary easement, for a total of $513,400. Hanson described the parcel group as "approximately 2 and a half acres of right of way and some temporary easements" and pointed to mapped sections that will accommodate the roadway expansion and storm drainage. The motion carried 5-0.

The council also approved settlement of a condemnation action for parcel 3 in phase 1, a court-set payment of $113,000 for the property identified as the Ricosie eminent domain parcel. Hanson told the council the $113,000 amount "was based on the consensus of 3 certified appraisers that were appointed by the court." He added that INDOT pays for phase 1 of the project and that this was the last property needed for phase 1. That motion carried 5-0.

Council discussion included a question about whether negotiated prices matched appraisals. Hanson said the purchase amounts were "based on the appraisal, then they did an appraisal as well, and then we met partially in the middle there," and noted the final figure was roughly $11,000 more than one appraisal.

Actions taken include acceptance of the Explorer Pipeline reimbursement, approval of the Midwest Pipe Co. purchase and temporary easement, and approval of the court-set eminent domain settlement. Each passed unanimously.

The council authorized town officials to finalize execution of documents related to the purchases and easement. No construction schedule was specified at the meeting.