Huntingburg updates economic plans for TIF districts

The process for updating the plans started Tuesday night. The Huntingburg Redevelopment Commission approved the declaratory resolutions for updating the plans for the Northwest Industrial Park, Industrial Park West and East Styline districts.

Planning Director Paul Lake said the economic plans are not guaranteed to be funded by TIF money; however, for them to be considered for the funding, they must be listed in the plan.

The additions to the industrial park districts include the creation of a park on the city’s north side, redeveloping spaces in the Main Street economic development area and making infrastructure improvements in the area. Doing so will help attract and retain the workforce needed for businesses in the industrial park areas, according to the plan.

The Northwest Industrial Park and Industrial Park West are in the industrial area on the northwest side of the city that includes several OFS buildings.

The only change in the plan for the East Styline district is the construction of the Heritage Trail, which is a walking path focused on connecting the different areas of the city. The district encompasses OFS’ corporate office area, the lake and additional land north of the office.

The proposed updates will be reviewed during a public hearing at 6 p.m. July 24; that hearing will be held on the first floor of City Hall, 508 E. Fourth St. They must also be reviewed by the city’s Plan Commission and Common Council for approval before going back to the redevelopment commission for a final resolution.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the redevelopment commission authorized that bids be taken for work to be done on Eighth Street from Shelby to OFS’ corporate line, which sits in the East Styline district. The street will be widened and curb and gutters will be added. Bids will be opened at 10 a.m. July 12 at City Hall; the redevelopment commission will determine a winning bid at its July 24 meeting.