Commission OKs First Fridays use of city lot as residents press for Sola fencing removal and clarity on Tailwinds loan

The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission unanimously approved a request Feb. 9 allowing Buddenpreneurs to use commission-owned lots at 7th and Franklin for a First Fridays nonprofit market and community events, with access to power included.

Antonio Conley, representing Buddenpreneurs, told the commission the program teaches children financial literacy and entrepreneurship: “We basically teach the kids financial literacy and entrepreneurship,” he said, describing pop-ups and a computer lab the group plans to showcase at a ribbon-cutting this spring.

During public comment, Tommy Kolovic and Scott Mellon urged the commission to remove temporary fencing and banners around the Sola site. Kolovic said the current appearance could be mistaken for a “migrant encampment” and asked that the fencing be removed while the lot is put to community use. Mellon backed the request and urged a new RFP for the Sola parcel, arguing Farpoint had had its opportunity.

Mellon also asked for clarity on a proposed $2,000,000 forgivable Tailwinds loan for roadway work and on the layout of the proposed road. Skyler York explained the loan’s benchmarks (start, midpoint inspections and final dedication) and confirmed forgiveness is tied to development milestones and final acceptance by the board of works. York said the $2,000,000 figure corresponds to the agreed tranches and that additional costs above that amount would be the developer’s responsibility.

The commission approved the Buddenpreneurs lot use by roll call; commissioners recorded ayes from Clarence, Bill, Tracy and Sherry Wilson.

Staff said they will continue to manage Sola site discussions and the Tailwinds loan structure as those agenda items move forward.