Warsaw Redevelopment Commission Monday approved a declaratory resolution to expand the Warsaw Central Development Area.
The district was created in the early '90s to broaden economic opportunities while creating a community focal point.
The original development area encompassed the blocks between the North/South Conrail tracks, Center Street, Canal Street and the alley between Indiana and Buffalo streets.The expansion of the development areas encompasses the border of Center Lake and Buffalo Street, then south along Buffalo Street and Indiana Street and heading north along the existing development area's boundary returning back to Center Lake.
The expansion will include adding Heartline Pregnancy Center Inc., North Buffalo St., as a parcel of property for the city's acquisition.
Expanding the central development district will allow Warsaw to focus on two major rehabilitation projects, according to Warsaw City Planner Jeremy Skinner.
The first project includes improving the infrastructure and the aesthetics along Buffalo Street. The project will include improving or replacing any infrastructure along Buffalo Street running from the alley immediately north of Main Street to Center Lake.
The second project will include rehabilitating existing commercial property in order to accommodate the construction of a new city hall.
Also during the meeting, the commission heard an update on the Gatke Property.
Aaron Scantlen, president of Sycamore Tree Investments, has proposed to turn the property into a banquet facility. Plans also are to turn the facility into office spaces that can be rented out by businesses.
Scantlen said he will meet with investors this week to discuss funding for the project and architectural drawings have been completed.
Brian Smith, Northern Lakes Skating Association board member, attended the meeting and said he is interested in using some of the property for a possible indoor ice skating rink.
He said he will discuss the idea with Scantlen.
The commission will meet again July 6 at noon at city hall.
