“After reviewing the Indiana Code and discussing the district with the [Warsaw Redevelopment] Commission, I am providing you with a resolution that will allow the city to create a Riverfront District,” said City Planner Jeremy Skinner’s memo regarding a Riverfront Development District in Warsaw.
The proposed district would run along Buffalo Street from Center Street north to Center Lake and would include several city blocks in downtown Warsaw. Furthermore, the limits of the district are limited to 1,500 feet from the designated river bank. Should the state accepted resolution 2014-10-02, certain perks would become available to businesses within the district.
map of proposed riverfront district in Warsaw
“Any restaurant that would locate within this district could apply for an alcohol license,” said city attorney Mike Valentine. “By doing this, we facilitate any restaurant getting an ABC license.”
“We are loosely defining the term ‘river,'” said Skinner. “I can’t guarantee the state will accept this resolution. I see no harm and only significant benefit to future developments along Buffalo Street.”
In Syracuse, a similar district was established along Turkey Creek. At the August meeting of the Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission, Syracuse Town Manager Henry DeJulia reported that the district had worked out favorably for the town.
The council approved the resolution. Additionally, the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission voted to back the resolution during it’s meeting on Oct. 6.
In other news regarding Buffalo Street, the council also voted to dispose of two properties on the 300 block of Buffalo Street currently owned by the city. These properties were purchased in order to remove poorly maintained structures on the plots.
“Wed sure like to see some commercial property develop there,” said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. The council approved the request, and bidding on the properties began this morning. The bidding process ends at 4 p.m. on Oct. 13.
Also at the WCC meeting, the city was reimbursed by FEMA $47.026.01 for severe winter storms. The funds were allocated to the MVH fund for use by the street department.
The city released the September 2014 fund report. It also approved a transfer of $4,000 at Oakwood Cemetery to cover lots being sold back to the cemetery.
Finally, at the close of the meeting, David Kolbe, candidate for District 22 State Representative, came before the council. Kolbe stated that he recognized the city has some trouble with funding, and he will bear that in mind should he win his election.