Staff Report – The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has approved Regional Cities Initiative funding to support three projects, including over $3 million for the Buffalo Street project in Warsaw.
These projects will increase innovation, enhance downtown living opportunities, attract talent in the life sciences industry and improve connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians, according to a news release from Indiana Regional Cities Initiative.
“The purpose of the Regional Cities Initiative is to encourage communities to collaborate and plan regionally for their future and attract and retain talent,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “These three projects offer something for everyone in northeast Indiana – urban housing, workforce and business development and health and wellness. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact these projects will have on their communities and the state as a whole.”
On the city of Warsaw’s project, the release states that Warsaw is home to a rich, traditional small town heritage and skilled private sector job growth that supports a growing global orthopedics industry. To meet the needs of its evolving community, the region will redevelop two blocks along North Buffalo Street, connecting downtown to Center Lake and Central Park, adding urban housing, streetscape enhancements and constructing a public plaza.
The redevelopment will include a total of 53 single-family residential units comprised of mews, townhouses and city homes, increasing options for current residents and supporting opportunities to attract talent for the orthopedic industry. The project also will reconstruct underground utilities, streets, sidewalks, alleys and street lights. Additionally, the city will construct a public plaza connecting the existing park to the mixed-use urban housing project to maximize developments along the lake, park and downtown Warsaw.
Total project investment is $17.56 million with state funding at $3.5 million, the release states.
“This project represents a true public-private partnership that will fill an unmet housing need for our professional workforce and generate new property tax revenue for our community. e are most appreciative of the Regional Cities Initiative for its visionary support,” said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer.
The other two projects are The Enterprise Center in Steuben County and the South Adams Trails.
(Story By The Times Union)
