Virginia Cazier, left, Syracuse clerk-treasurer, gives the oath of office to Mark Madinger at the start of the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission’s regular meeting Tuesday night. Madinger replaces Jim Layne who recently moved outside the town limits. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Redevelopment Commission swore in a new member, Mark Madinger, during its regular meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 20. Madinger lives on Harkless Drive in Syracuse

Commission members reviewed a draft of an appropriation request for several projects. Virginia Cazier, clerk-treasurer, explained the appropriation must be printed in the local paper before the commission can vote on it.

The appropriation requests moving $57,500 from professional services and $119.60 from reimbursement to the Rabbit Ridge tax increment finance district.

Also $32,129.76 in professional services will be moved to the Polywood TIF and $35,366.68 in interest on debt will be moved to Polywood Allocation principal and interest.

The commission will vote on the matter at its September meeting.

Town Manger David Wilkinson reported the sale of Lot 7 in the Syracuse Technology Park is not as closed as the commission hoped. The new owner has raised concerns that Elkhart County will most likely not give him a tax abatement on the property. He was asking if the commission would be able to offer any other incentives.

Town Council member Larry Siegel, who arrived early for the meeting, spoke up, explaining the Syracuse Town Council handles abatement requests for the Syracuse Technology Park. Wilkinson said he specifically spoke to someone in Elkhart County who has been involved in every abatement for the park. He also noted the council has to sent approvals on tax abatements in the park to both Elkhart and Kosciusko county officials. Wilkinson said he would look further into the matter while Dave Brandenberry, commission president entertained a motion to table the issue.

Wilkinson said if the sale of lot No. 7 falls through, the buyer is interested in other property in town.

Nathan Scherer gave a brief report on his and Wilkinson’s visit to Kendallville to learn more about Kendallville Restorations Inc. a nonprofit that works to eliminating blight.

The organization purchases old blighted properties, restores what is salvageable and then sells the property.

Scherer said the nonprofit restores two to four homes a year. There are also restrictions so the sold property cannot be broken up into a duplex or apartments.

Scherer suggested having representatives come speak to the commission.

Brandenberry asked Don Bokhart, school board representative to the commission, if this was something the building trades class could assist in.

Bokhart said the class currently doesn’t have an instructor and is partnering with Fairfield Junior/Senior High School. He did think it would be something the building trades class could help out with in the future.