The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission heard an update from Area Plan Commission Director Matthew Sandy on the Abonmarche project for the CR 1300N corridor during a Nov. 9 meeting.
Sandy shared some details about a formation of a steering committee beginning for the project. It will not be a decision-making committee, but rather a space for community representatives to shape and contribute their thoughts. Sandy will be the chair of this committee.
Some other notable individuals that have been asked to be involved in this committee are the senior urban planner from Abonmarche, Crystal Welsh; Redevelopment Commissioners Doug Hanes and Jan Orban; Kosciusko County Highway Superintendent Steve Moriarty; and Commissioner Brad Jackson or Cary Groninger. Representatives from Syracuse and Milford also will be involved.
At this point, Welsh and Sandy expect this committee will meet quarterly for about an hour. The town of Syracuse has offered their community center as a meeting location for the committee, but it has yet to be decided where they will meet.
Sandy expressed to the commission that "While Abonmarche will be doing most of the work when it comes to this project, input from this committee is necessary because we know our community best."
Redevelopment Commission President Joni Truex said, "I think this committee will be very beneficial and is a great idea. Thank you again, Matt, for taking charge on this."
Truex then discussed some goals for 2024, mainly aligning ideas and priorities with county commissioners and county council. Truex explained she had met with both Groninger and Jackson separately to talk about different priorities they had and compiled them to provide some insight for the redevelopment commission to carry forward.
Some of these include:
• The importance of the CR 1300N corridor and utilizing the area and the new bridge for the safety and well-being of the community.
• A combined effort between the private sector and the government should be looked at as valuable partnerships.
• Helping and supporting the Southshore housing project.
Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation Project Director Terry Sweeney also gave an update from KEDCO, saying they are currently working on housing initiatives such as the Milford East Fields project, the Etna Green project and the Southshore project. The Southshore project was one most highlighted at the meeting due to there being a challenge trying to get water to the area. KEDCO is hoping to evaluate the project through a study with Baker Tilly to see if it makes sense economically.