Development News for La Porte, Indiana

Public Sculpture to be Replaced on Plaza 618

The board approved the replacement of a public sculpture on the Plaza 618 property with a new one by artist Tim Adams, funded by the Urban Enterprise Association. The existing sculpture will be returned to the artist as part of a lease trade-out. This initiative is part of the city's efforts to enhance public art and downtown aesthetics.

City Approves Payroll, Claims, and Emergency Well Replacement; Water Usage Data Shared

The board approved payroll and claims for various city funds, including civil city, sewage, and water. They also approved credit card transfers for April and May, funding various departments. A discussion about the water usage of a potential Microsoft facility versus agricultural use was held, with data indicating significantly lower water consumption for Microsoft. Additionally, an emergency well replacement at the Kankakee well field was approved due to the failure of two existing wells, with a new, larger well to be drilled to ensure adequate water supply and efficiency.

New Assistant Police Chief and Officer Sworn In

The Board of Public Works and Safety conducted the swearing-in ceremony for Jay Eulman as the new Assistant Chief of Police. Chief Drangmeister and Assistant Chief Eulman expressed their confidence and vision for the department. The board also swore in Xavier Roman as the newest police officer. Both ceremonies included family introductions and photo opportunities.

Demolition of Former School Sites Approved for Affordable Housing Development

The board discussed and approved the authorization to bid for the demolition of two former school sites: the former Sacred Heart Church site (128 Bach Street) and the former Washington School site (111 Roosevelt Street). These demolitions are part of a larger plan to develop 42 affordable housing units in partnership with Advantex Corporation. Additionally, a $650,000 grant from the Health Foundation of La Porte was approved for the demolition and site improvements at the Sacred Heart Church location, and an $82,000 grant for consultants to develop job descriptions and program specifics for housing development staff was also approved. A separate authorization for additional work items for Lochmueller to manage the bid and demo process for both properties was approved, not to exceed $30,000.