Commission signals intent to shelve Oak Hill Trail and prefer redirecting roughly $2.2M–$2.3M in TIF funds to Petersburg reconstruction

The Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission discussed the Oak Hill Trail project and voted to signal its intent to retain the surplus funds currently shown as a placeholder in the Burkhart TIF spending plan and to prefer using that money toward the Petersburg Road reconstruction if feasible.

John Stoll presented background on the Oak Hill Trail, noting the original plan called for a standalone path on the east side of Oak Hill Road between Millersburg and Kansas to fill a connectivity gap between roundabouts. Stoll said the $2.2 million figure in the spending plan was a placeholder and that cost estimates have not been updated in several years; he estimated the original figure, adjusted for inflation, was roughly $2.1 million and that it could be higher if recent construction-price spikes are considered.

Staff and commissioners reviewed existing pedestrian facilities in the area and identified that large portions of walking facilities already exist north toward Daylight, though a small gap remains between Lynch and several apartments. Commissioners discussed project constraints — including floodplain and restrictive covenants on portions of the Oak Hill corridor — and noted the Petersburg reconstruction has a locally unfunded segment between Kansas and Eagle Crossing that would benefit from additional TIF funding. Stoll said federal funds have been awarded for a segment of the Petersburg work but not for the locally funded portion.

After discussion a commissioner moved that the commission signal its intent to retain the surplus Burkhart TIF dollars (the packet referenced roughly $2.2 million; staff also referenced a $2.3 million figure in conversation) and to prioritize Petersburg Road as the preferred use. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to return in January with a resolution and with updated cost and funding information for the Burkhart TIF and for Petersburg Road.

The vote does not immediately reallocate funds; it signals preference and directs staff to bring back formal recommendations and any required resolutions or ordinance actions. Commissioners emphasized the decision is discussion and direction only and that final project selection and intergovernmental approvals (for rezoning or tax-phase-in matters) will proceed through the normal processes.