Merrillville holds off on Prairie Creek road ownership
By Matt Mikus mmikus@post-trib.com December 11, 2012 9:14PM
Updated: January 13, 2013 11:07AM
MERRILLVILLE — The Town Council will wait until a maintenance bond is in place for roads in the Prairie Creek subdivision before taking over the ownership of the roads. The council also approved tax abatements for a new office development.
The town planned to accept the responsibility of the streets and roads in Prairie Creek subdivision at the town council meeting Tuesday, but decided to table the matter until a maintenance bond of $121,940 was placed by Robinson Engineering. Until the maintenance bond is installed, town attorney John Bushemi said, the responsibility of maintaining the road will stay with the developer, Scott Reder.
A future office building for Horizon Financial Management will receive both personal property tax and real property tax abatements. Frank Termini, the managing partner, said the company plans to expand from its current 60 employees to a new facility that could hold 240 employees.
The Rev. Robert Mabon received special exception approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals to remodel the building at 5650 Harrison St., and start the Solid Foundation Church and a fellowship hall and youth center on adjacent properties.
Town Council President Shawn Pettit asked residents to consider serving on four committees. The Police Commission has one open Republican seat, the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Storm Water Management Committee have one vacant Democratic seat each. The Planning Commission has two vacant seats, one from each party. The council will accept letters of interest until noon Dec. 31 at the town hall.
