RDC approves revitalization
By Carrie Napoleon Post-Tribune correspondent July 23, 2012 8:00PM
Updated: August 25, 2012 6:12AM
CROWN POINT — Officials took the first step Monday in creating a new North Street/Indiana Avenue redevelopment area.
The Redevelopment Commission 3-0 approved a resolution in support of the creation of the revitalization district pending approvals from the other necessary city boards and commissions and the costs associated with creating the district.
“It definitely is an area in my opinion that is in strong need of revitalization, especially when you come into the city,” RDC member Carol Drasga said. Drasga said many of the buildings within the area are dilapidated structures that have outlived their previous uses.
Mayor David Uran made the proposal to the RDC for an extension of the existing tax increment financing district and revitalization area that would create opportunities for businesses in the area to take advantage of tax abatements or potential TIF-funded public infrastructure improvements, among other redevelopment tools.
“It opens up the doors for great conversations and promising prospects out there,” Uran said.
The area would extend from the existing southern boundary of the current revitalization area at D&L Woodwork at Indiana Avenue southward capturing all the duplex buildings, Vesuvius USA Corp. and the former Lake County Greenhouse Corp. and connect with the Sportsplex TIF.
Uran said it is not the city’s intention to force out any existing businesses or rental units in the area but to create opportunities for existing and new businesses to tap tools that will help with redevelopment and revitalization in one of the key entry corridors into the city.
He said the current assessed valuation of the area is not reaching its potential and the tools made available to potential commercial developers will help raise the assessed value of the area.
