Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Tucked off Winona Avenue, west of the underpass, the dilapidated remains of the once thriving Gatke factory can been seen above the treetops.
From Durbin Street a hodge-podge of unattended buildings is visible, their window frames jagged with glass broken by vandals.
It's a eyesore one has to search out to see, a fine example of neglected property.
Located within Warsaw city limits, the former train station has a history of industrial use, too, and has set abandoned for about 10 years.
Delinquent taxes total about $300,000.
The city has conducted preliminary environmental studies to identify any corrupted areas and other spots of trouble on the site.
With an Indiana Development Finance Authority Brownfield Remediation Loan, an Indiana Department of Commerce CDBG Brownfield Grant and seed money from the city, the property can be cleaned up for use again.
Warsaw council members approved a resolution to provide $25,000 as matching funds Aug. 27 contingent upon receipt of the brownfield grant and loan approval.
The state's brownfield program provides funding for environmental cleanups, rehabilitating polluted properties for redevelopment.
The 2.5 percent interest loan would be paid back by declaring the area a tax increment financing district.
Included in the project will be tearing down buildings considered unsuitable.
Preliminary projects include demolition of buildings, removal of asbestos, lead paint and phenolic resin as well as tanks that held heating fuel, at a cost of $379,000.
Infrastructure improvements - roads, curbing, sidewalks, storm sewers, sewer and water line installation are estimated at $90,000.
And professional fees of $31,000 bring costs to $500,000.
IDOC's Brownfield Grant would provide $300,000 and the loan would be for $175,000.
At the recent council meeting Don Sweatland, president, and Vic Gamble, plant manager, of Warsaw Chemical expressed a neighborly interest in the property located south of their business.
The improved street would link Winona Avenue and Durbin Street and could affect Warsaw Chemical property.
