Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee member: three opportunity-zone submissions, housing and enforcement remain priorities
Summary
Members said staff submitted three opportunity-zone applications to support housing and infill projects, while attendees warned Indiana law and lengthy court processes make nuisance abatements slow and uncertain.
A committee member told the Redevelopment Commission that officials have submitted applications for three opportunity zones and that approved zones could help finance housing and infill projects in parts of town that previously lacked incentives.
"We submitted for 3 opportunity zones," the committee member said, adding that previous opportunity zones expired after a change in administration and that the commission is uncertain how many of the new submissions will be approved. The member said qualifying zones would enable projects that were not possible under the prior configuration.
Speakers also described enforcement challenges for derelict properties. Rosemary, the Clerk Treasurer, said it took almost two years to reach the point of demolishing one blighted building because of court processes and ownership complications. The committee member said state law constrains local authority and that fines sometimes fail to produce remediation because owners find it cheaper to pay the penalty than fix the property.
Commissioners discussed potential ordinance changes and incentive strategies to encourage property rehabilitation and avoid protracted legal fights. The meeting did not include a formal vote to change ordinances; staff and members said they would continue to explore legal and incentive options before bringing proposals back to the RDC.
