St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission votes to spur more growth, add to TIF district on county's west side

The growth and development at New Carlisle's eastern doorstep gained more traction Tuesday at St. Joseph County's Redevelopment Commission meeting. Here are two (well, maybe three) key actions taken.

Properties added to New Carlisle EDA

The commission voted Tuesday to add 34 properties to the northwest corner of the New Carlisle Economic Development Area, which is a tax increment finance district.  

But the proposal still must go through several public hearings and approvals. It was just last fall that the county's move to expand the district by 309 properties drew the anger of local residents, some calling it a "land grab."

Last year's action:County approves expanded New Carlisle development area in spite of residents' anger

Bill Schalliol, the county’s executive director of economic development, said this expansion would enable the county to work with the town of New Carlisle on various projects, such as trail and bike routes and rail options. Partly, it would allow bonding for the projects. 

He said the 34 added properties include Kate O’Connor’s Irish Pub and homes east of that along the southern edge of U.S. 20. It also adds in farmland south of there between Wintergreen and Edison roads and a ditch west of an American Electric Power station. It also would add farmland northeast of U.S. 20 and Timothy Road.