Developer backs out of LaPorte retail plan due to the economy

By Stan Maddux, Times of Northwest Indiana correspondent

LAPORTE | The economy has dealt a blow to a 50-acre former industrial site targeted for a major retail development near LaPorte's downtown.

The developers, Miller-Valentine Group based in Dayton, Ohio, blamed declining conditions in the retail market for withdrawing from the project.

LaPorte Mayor Kathy Chroback called the decision "a bitter pill to swallow." Since the late 1990s, the city has been demolishing old buildings and cleaning up the brownfield site formerly occupied by Allis Chalmers.

Chroback also found room for optimism, saying environmental remediation and other remaining site preparations will continue until another developer comes forward.

The project, which first emerged as a possibility several years ago, consisted of two major retail chains and smaller stores.

Miller-Valentine Group also left the door open to resume the project should economic conditions change and the opportunity still exists.

"We would welcome the chance to take this project to completion," said Jerry Arkins, president of Miller-Valentine Commerical Development.