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Council approves ERA designations for landscaping firm and Tamara Gardens renovation
Summary
The council confirmed two Economic Revitalization Area designations: one for Cooney Landscaping to build a new 8,100 sq. ft. office/warehouse and another to support a $7.6 million renovation of Tamara Gardens affordable apartments; both actions received favorable committee votes and proceeded to passage.
The Fort Wayne Common Council approved confirming resolutions designating two Economic Revitalization Areas (ERAs) in committee on Oct. 14, advancing both to passage.
Andrea Robinson of Economic Development presented the first request for property at 8211 Smith Road on behalf of Cooney Landscaping (listed in related materials also as WK Indiana Equity LLC). Robinson described a total project investment of $2,000,000 to construct an 8,100‑square‑foot office/warehouse to support commercial landscaping operations. Applicant representative Zack Kessy, who identified himself as president and owner, said the company recently relocated into the county and will use the facility to expand operations: "I want to take a 40‑year‑old business and build it for the next 40 years," he said. The company said it expects to create five full‑time positions with a projected new payroll of about $40,000 per new position and retain 35 existing jobs.
Later in the meeting, Keller Development representatives described Tamara Gardens 3 LP’s plan to renovate two existing multifamily buildings totaling 132 units. Greg Majeski of Keller Development said the $7,619,570 renovation will replace siding, roofs, doors, windows, appliances, plumbing, HVAC and concrete but that the company is "not planning to increase rent because of this renovation." Majeski said construction will phase roughly eight units per month and the developer will minimize relocations, working with a third‑party consultant on relocation logistics and the Uniform Relocation Act; he said tenant relocation costs will be covered by the developer.
Both ERA requests were recommended in committee and recorded with favorable votes (Finance Committee reported 7–1 do‑pass recommendations on each). Committee discussion touched on job creation, payroll projections and tenant protections during renovation.
What’s next: The resolutions advanced with committee recommendations and will appear for final action at the council regular session.
