Michigan City RDC opens 2026 with officer elections; public commenters press for faster development
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Summary
At its first 2026 meeting the Redevelopment Commission elected Sheila Matias president, heard public pleas to accelerate development of the former Sola and You Are Beautiful sites, and set a follow‑up schedule for staff to pursue project approvals.
The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission opened its first regular meeting of 2026 on Jan. 12, elected new officers and heard two public commenters urging faster development of key sites.
In roll call and nominations, Sheila Matias was elected president, Sherry Wilson elected vice president and Phil Latchford elected secretary; roll call votes recorded four ayes and no nays for each office. The chair thanked commissioners and staff and moved into routine business.
During the public‑comment period, Scott Goodman of PowerPoint Development (Chicago) introduced himself and told the commission his team remains ready to build a hotel on the "You Are Beautiful" site and is "ready to get the hotel done at any time." Another commenter, Scott Melon, urged a faster RFP or proposal process for the former Sola site, saying the regional market has changed and Michigan City "deserves something there" rather than letting the site sit for years. Melon also asked whether consultants had met deliverables before the commission considers a contract extension.
The meeting proceeded through routine approvals of minutes, claims and balance sheets before taking up agenda items. The meeting closed with staff updates on ongoing projects including the 11th Street Station tower, which staff said had about 114 theoretical reservations and expects move‑ins in August 2026.
The commission set its next meeting for Feb. 9, 2026, and adjourned.