Pemon Council approves revised UEE/UEZ strategic plan after heated public debate; maps and consultant payment questioned

Pemon Township Council voted on March 5 to approve Resolution 99-2025, a five-year strategic plan that narrows the township's Urban Enterprise/Enterprise Zone area, after extended public comment and several motions to table the item.

The vote was divided. In the final roll call council members Ward, Harper and Dewey voted to approve; one member voted no and one abstained. Council discussion centered on concerns from residents that the plan's public materials did not include a clear map showing which lots and blocks were removed and how the reduced area will affect businesses and residents.

Residents repeatedly asked the council to display a visible map before approval. "I would like to see or at least know the E UE zones and what is and isn't in it myself so I would ask that you table that for tonight until we can actually get something that as a public we can see," one resident told the council during public comment.

Council defenders argued the revised plan is a smaller, more targeted UEE area and that the resolution includes nine pages listing lots and blocks that will be removed. One councilor said the shrinkage was an overall improvement and suggested that the bill list payment to the plan consultant be postponed until clearer mapping is attached.

Before final approval the council tabled Resolution 97-2025 (a separate grant-related matter) to obtain invoices and documentation; councilors also discussed a previously awarded $1.1 million grant for West End Park and said they expect the state to reimburse approximately $750,000 of previously spent funds.

Why it matters: the UEE/UEZ designation affects which commercial properties can receive redevelopment and façade-support funding and how local sales-tax shares are allocated. Residents and business owners asked for clearer, public-facing maps and line-item uses for the $433,000 in UEE/UEZ funds to ensure transparency about who benefits from the program.

What happened next: council instructed staff and the solicitor to pursue more detailed maps and documentation; one councilor proposed approving the resolution but withholding payment to the consultant until maps and attachments were added to the record.

Votes and formal actions (selected): the council recorded a motion and roll-call approving Resolution 99-2025 by 3 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain; Resolution 97-2025 was tabled pending further documentation. Several motions and votes on payment timing and bill-list items were discussed on the record.

Council members said they will provide copies of the plan at the municipal offices and attempt to attach GIS layers or clearer maps for public review before disbursement of consultant fees.