Merrillville approves interlocal with Hobart to enable right-of-way work for Mississippi Street roundabouts

The Town of Merrillville Redevelopment Commission on Oct. 28 approved Resolution 25-19 to enter an interlocal cooperation agreement with the City of Hobart that enables the town to negotiate for temporary or permanent easements and to provide resources for extension and improvements on Mississippi Street related to planned roundabouts.

"We were awarded through NERPC $7,000,000 for two roundabouts," the chair said while presenting the project background, adding the town is responsible for a 20% local match. Staff and engineering consultants previously gave presentations on the Mississippi corridor and the anticipated scope of work.

Joe Svetanoff, a town staff member, and Michael Griffin said the interlocal is intended to allow the town to negotiate purchases or agreements within Hobart's jurisdiction so the town can obtain property interests without resorting to eminent domain where possible. "The most important component of this is it will allow the commission or our employees to be able to negotiate with people who may have property that we need to get either a temporary easement or a permanent one, that happened to be within the jurisdiction of the city of Hobart," Svetanoff said.

A commissioner asked whether the current interlocal covers both the 60th/69th roundabout and the 70th location; staff answered that a separate interlocal might be required for the 70th location. Commissioners also discussed potential related needs for the planned fire station—water-line extension to Polycon Industries property and possible purchase/construction of a salt dome—that may require additional allocation-area funding beyond the $15 million previously set aside for the fire station.

Councilor Xi moved to approve Resolution 25-19; Councilor Uzelak seconded. The commission approved the resolution by voice vote.