Economic Revitalization Area approved for Michigan City's east side

The area, located north of Warnke Road, west of Royal Road and southeast of CSX railroad corridor, will be a TIF area for about 40 years, Fourth Ward Councilman Tim Bietry said, and the tax abatement will go on for about a decade.

“That’s right in the sweet spot for us,” Bietry said.

Clarence Hulse, executive director of Economic Development Corp. Michigan City, told the council they were working on a project that is “unusually large” for Michigan City, which they were not at liberty to explain.

At-Large Councilman Bryant Dabney explained the abatement process, stating developments start out in the beginning by paying fewer taxes to the city. However, they eventually begin to pay more and more, eventually paying full taxes at the end of the period.

“These are really things that are being used to draw development into a community. So we are using those here in Michigan City, as well,” Dabney said.

Development Director Skyler York then clarified that the TIF’s length of time would be about 25 years, with the ERA extending past that particular timeframe. He said they weren’t establishing the TIF, but the ERA in order to get the project established.

Once they have plans in place, York said, then they would return to the council to formally establish it.

At-large Councilman Dr. Vidya Kora said these ERAs should make it very competitive when it comes to attracting businesses, especially this project, which he said would change Michigan City for the better.

“I think we should be open to that idea,” Kora said.

Councilman Don Przybylinski suggested having a workshop regarding the development. York and Bietry agreed on having the workshop, stating it can be accommodated and they could learn more about what will happen.