04-09-05 Informal Meeting Common Council

Home Browse Search

$551,452 million total investment 6,059 jobs would be created $6.8 million in real estate taxes would be generated $ 2 million in COIT taxes would be generated $650,000 hotel/motel taxes would be generated Phase 1 of the project is seeking annexation and rezoning. A transportation analysis and interchange discussion will soon be underway. He sees Portage Prairie as a strategic asset of planned growth over a 10-15 year period. The power point ended with a slide stating "Portage Prairie-A New Community-An Old Tradition". In response to questions from Dr. Varner, Mr. Hunt stated that the light industrial use would go regardless of the interchange and that retail is also needed. There would be development without an interchange but in that case there would be more impact on the local roads. Mr. Hunt also stated that there would be $550 million in investment approximately. Development agreement would address various types of facilities and time lines so that the project will "bootstrap itself as much as possible". Dr. Varner noted that there are many definitions of smart growth which think tanks have developed and he appreciated the site of the one described. Council Member Kelly inquired into the odds of getting the interchange. It was noted that MACOG computer models will help determine whether it is necessary and appropriate. INDOT owns the Indiana Toll Road and they will look at how it may be impacted. County Council Member W. Randall Przbysz noted that the MACOG study will not begin for a few months, and voiced concern why they annexation and rezoning would be voted upon prior to that study being completed. Mr. Hunt stated that the decision of the city involves economic development strategy; and the city should look at whether this area has a role in the city's future. State Representative Ryan Dvorak stated that he lives in the 1st District and believes the question to the city should be how is the proposed development going to impact the city; does the city want to stimulate development in the city or property near the state line. He noted that he has pending legislation in the Indiana General Assembly which would give property owners in the affected township a better voice. Mr. Hunt stated that the city should realize opportunities citing Mishawaka's grade separation on Main Street as going forward because of tax monies. Dr. Varner requested from Mr. Hunt information on the Indianapolis project which they began in 1995 with regard to space available, monies generated, investments and also the same April 9,2005 Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council -page 4-