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Merrillville redevelopment commission approves reconfiguration of Liberty Estates West allocation area
Summary
The Town of Merrillville Redevelopment Commission voted 5-0 on Feb. 10, 2026, to adopt Resolution 26-01, which divides the existing Liberty Estates West tax-increment allocation area into five subareas to better align tax increment financing with the project construction timeline; staff said the move does not create new allocation areas and will proceed to the planning commission and town council for review.
The Town of Merrillville Redevelopment Commission on Feb. 10 approved Resolution 26-01 to amend the declaratory resolution and economic development plan for the Liberty Estates West tax-increment allocation area.
Bob Swentz of London Witte, the commission’s financial adviser, told commissioners the change is a reconfiguration, not a creation, of new allocation areas. "All we're doing right now is taking the Liberty Estate West allocation area and dividing it up into 5 separate areas," Swentz said, adding the subdivision is intended "to match more the flow of the project and the construction timeline" so tax-increment financing (TIF) can be aligned with when projects are built.
Commission members asked whether the reconfiguration would affect previously authorized developer-backed bonds. Commissioners referenced an earlier $10 million bond for Liberty Estates East and a $20 million authorization for Liberty Estates West. Swentz said the amendment "really doesn't impact the first bond" and that the $20 million authorization could be split into smaller tranches — for example, a $5 million piece — to better mesh with construction timing.
Chair moved to approve Resolution 26-01; Commissioner Uzalak made the motion and Commissioner Haynes Edwards seconded. After no further discussion, the commission recorded the vote as 5-0 in favor and adopted the resolution.
Next steps outlined by staff and Swentz include forwarding the revised plan to the town planning commission and town council for additional hearings and approvals, working with the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance and the county auditor for tax and accounting adjustments, and returning to the redevelopment commission for any required public hearing and final paperwork.
The resolution does not itself authorize any additional bonding or immediate expenditure; staff said any draw on the $20 million authorization would be considered in later, separate actions tied to construction phases and financing closings.
Representatives of the developer, including Randy Hall of Luxor Homes, were present during the discussion. The commission’s action on Feb. 10 was procedural approval of the amendment and sets a path for subsequent administrative steps and public hearings.
