Hobart Redevelopment Commission approves Greenwood Terrace purchase, accepts 2025 TIF report and funds school grants

The Hobart Redevelopment Commission on Feb. 23 voted unanimously to advance a package of property transactions, accept its 2025 tax-increment financing (TIF) management report and finalize education and workforce grant contracts for local schools.

Marcos Rodriquez Jr., the city’s director of development, told commissioners that due diligence on the Greenwood Terrace parcel—including a Phase I assessment—was complete and that a deed discrepancy had been resolved. Attorney Ryan Cook outlined four title endorsements estimated at up to $1,200. The commission approved the endorsements and a motion to proceed to closing on the Greenwood Terrace purchase, with a purchase price reported as $364,500; both motions passed 5-0.

The commission also approved a real estate purchase agreement involving two RDC parcels abutting the project at 332–338 Main LLC. Commissioners asked about the rear of the property and were told the city will maintain the parking area. That motion passed 5-0.

Separately, commissioners accepted an amended deed of dedication from Hobart Owner, LLC to correct a scrivener’s error in the legal description; that acceptance passed unanimously.

On a separate matter the commission rejected an addendum to a settlement agreement with Patriot Park LLC/Mississippi Partners LLC after staff relayed City Attorney Heather McCarthy’s advice that encumbrances remained on the property. Commissioner Jeremy Cartagena moved to reject the addendum to preserve the original requirement that the property be free of encumbrances; the motion passed 5-0.

Rodriquez presented the required 2025 Annual TIF management report, which must be filed with the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance by April 15. Highlights in the presentation included SR 130 TIF revenue of $1,136,392.93 and expenses of $2,715,659.60; the 61st Avenue TIF generated $8,299,507.39 with $12,902,157.94 in expenses; and combined revenue from the US 30 & 69th Avenue allocation areas exceeded $3.25 million. Rodriquez also noted an outstanding principal of $10,996,000 tied to the Albanese bond. The commission voted 5-0 to approve the 2025 TIF report for submission.

The RDC finalized education and workforce grant contracts that were previously approved in concept. Kate McGill, community development coordinator, and 2025 grant recipient Ms. Tubbs (joining by Zoom with two students) described classroom uses for the funding. The School City of Hobart was awarded $26,000 to purchase new broadcasting equipment for the school system, and the Merrillville Community School Corporation received $4,000 to support its Construction CTE program; commissioners approved execution of the contracts (motion by Nick Triana; vote 5-0). Ms. Tubbs described her class’s hydroponics and geoponics projects—including basil, sweet potato, mint and kale plantings—and said the program plans to expand to microgreens and poultry operations; the commission accepted her report 5-0.

Routine financial items were approved. The register of claims totaling $2,986.46 (including several invoices originating in 2020) was approved after City Engineer Alex Metz confirmed a 69th Avenue project had not been closed out. The RDC also approved Bond Requisition 75, an RDC share payment of $523.15 related to 69th TRAX work. All motions on claims and bonds passed unanimously.

In a staff report Rodriquez said 2026 could be a substantial year for growth, noting developer interest in the Northwind industrial/commercial area, potential retail and dining projects along the Rt. 30/I-65 corridor, a residential developer in due diligence on the Indian Ridge parcel, and recent downtown activity including demolition of a blighted Main Street building and the opening of Dugout on 4th. The commission recorded no further public comment and took no additional formal actions at the meeting.

Votes at a glance: • Agenda approval — mover: Kelly Clemens; second: Mark Kara; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Minutes approval — mover: Mark Kara; second: Kelly Clemens; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Greenwood Terrace endorsements (up to $1,200) — mover: Matthew Claussen; second: Mark Kara; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Greenwood Terrace closing (purchase $364,500) — mover: Matthew Claussen; second: Mark Kara; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Real estate sale (parcels abutting 332–338 Main LLC) — mover: Mark Kara; second: Kelly Clemens; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Acceptance of amended deed of dedication (Hobart Owner, LLC) — mover: Kelly Clemens; second: Mark Kara; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Reject addendum to Settlement & Release (Patriot Park LLC/Mississippi Partners LLC) — mover: Jeremy Cartagena; second: Nick Triana; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved (addendum rejected). • Approve 2025 Annual TIF Report — mover: Mark Kara; second: Kelly Clemens; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Approve 2026 Education & Workforce grant contracts (School City of Hobart $26,000; Merrillville $4,000) — mover: Nick Triana; second: Kelly Clemens; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • Accept report on Grant #4 (Merrillville) — mover: Mark Kara; second: Nick Triana; vote: 5-0; outcome: accepted. • Register of Claims ($2,986.46) — mover: Kelly Clemens; second: Mark Kara; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved. • 2020 Bond Register (Bond Requisition 75, $523.15) — mover: Mark Kara; second: Kelly Clemens; vote: 5-0; outcome: approved.

Next steps: The approved TIF report will be submitted through the state gateway ahead of the April 15 filing deadline; staff will proceed with deeds, closings and execution of grant contracts as authorized by the RDC.

Provenance: The account of actions, vote results and financial figures is drawn from the February 23, 2026 Redevelopment Commission special meeting minutes and staff presentations recorded in the meeting transcript.