La Porte redevelopment commission authorizes testing and legal review for pin fusion site

LA PORTE — The La Porte Redevelopment Commission on Wednesday approved two measures intended to advance sale and cleanup work at the site referred to in the meeting as the “pin fusion” property.

Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, asked the commission to authorize two not-to-exceed amounts: $10,000 to complete additional soil testing (six borings) and $10,000 to hire the law firm Ice Miller to review the testing and coordinate submission to Brownfields and state reviewers. “We’re gonna ask you for not to exceed of 10,000 to complete that testing,” Cook said, explaining the steps were needed to obtain a bank “comfort letter” to allow the prospective buyer to close.

Cook told commissioners the figure for the legal-review contract is intentionally set above the expected cost “because we don’t want to have to come back” if the final bill slightly exceeds estimates. He asked that Brian (last name not specified) be authorized to review and sign any necessary contracts ahead of the next meeting so work can begin without delay.

Officials said the additional testing responds to state reviewer (IDEM) instructions to treat the site at a residential screening level and to sample for compounds including hexavalent chromium when required. Staff emphasized the testing is part of due diligence tied to Brownfields participation and bank underwriting, not a final cleanup action.

Both motions were made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair recorded the outcome as passing unanimously in the meeting record.

Commissioners and staff said they expect work to begin immediately and to share documents and results with the commission as they become available.