Members of the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission discuss a new state statute. Clockwise from left are Mark Madinger, Virginia Cazier, clerk-treasurer, David Wilkinson, town manager, Nathan Scherer, Don Bokhart and David Rosenberry. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Redevelopment Commission learned a new state statute requires all redevelopment commissions to create spending plans for the funds they oversee. Those plans must be submitted to the state by Dec. 1. The matter was brought up during the commission’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 17.

David Wilkinson, town manager, explained the report must identify all tax increment finance districts and how funds from the TIFS will be used. If the report is not turned in on time, the redevelopment commission will be reported to the state legislature as being non-compliant.

Redevelopment member Corey Mast has resigned from the commission effective immediately. Several members had suggestions for his replacement.

Lot number 7 in the Syracuse Technology Park is still in play. Tax abatement does fall under the town council. Wilkinson told the commission if the council approves his abatement request, the owner plans to go forward with his plans.

A motion to approve the extension of the due diligence time period on the matter was approved.

There was a change order for the Pearl Street parking lot. Wilkinson explained a water main was found attached to septic so they had to be separated.

Three signs will be installed directing people to the parking lot. One will be on SR 13, one on Pearl Street and near the alley way to Pearl Street. The signs will be lit at night. Cost for the new lights is approximately $58,250.

The contractor is also going to adjust the radius of the alley cut and extension to the parking lot.

The town also received $50,000 grant for an electric charging station. The town’s cost for one will now be between $10,000 and $15,000.

All changes are within the original estimate and the project is currently under budget.

The tenants in the technology park are not happy with the solar street lights. The complaint is the lights are too dim. They requested changing them to regular lights.

Commission president Dave Rosenberry said he was willing to partner with the tech park tenants in fixing the problem.

Nathan Scherer reported he sent an email to Kendallville Restorations Inc. about coming to address the commission on how the organization addresses blight in Kendallville. He is awaiting a response.