Mall owner offers thanks

Money loaned to the owners of the Portland Antique Mall has helped to make needed improvements to the facility.
Brad and Pat Daniels, owners of the Antique Mall, told Portland City Council on Monday that the $75,000 in economic development income tax (EDIT) funds loaned to them by the city has been crucial in improvement the mall and Jay County Event Center.
City council also discussed upcoming meetings and work on replacing a sewer line, and got an update on grant money received for improving the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Brad Daniels told council that the money loaned to him and his wife was used to replace the roof of the antique mall and improve the interior. He said that since making the improvements, the mall has seen increased interest from vendors and now has a waiting list for space.
“We appreciate the EDIT funds, we couldn’t have done it without it. It jumpstarted the whole project, there was really so many things we needed to do,” Daniels said. “Your money was very well spent and we appreciate it.”
Additionally, the couple discussed the popularity of Jay County Event Center, and said that dates for the summer are already filling up.
Council member Janet Powers reminded council and the public that Ball State University urban planning students will present their final revitalization recommendations at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Jay County Public Library. The students have been working the entire semester to create a plan to improve Portland’s downtown.
Mayor Randy Geesaman took time to thank Donald Gillespie, John Moore and others who were involved in creating the new five-year plan for the city’s parks. The plan will be up for approval Tuesday night at the 7 p.m. Portland Park Board meeting.
Geesaman also informed council members that Jutte Excavating has started work on the replacement of a collapsed 24-inch sewer line underneath the property at 509 W. High St. He said he thought work would take about two weeks.
City officials will meet with representatives from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs on Dec. 12 to finalize the plan for the $600,000 in grant money that the city was awarded last week for work on its wastewater treatment plant.
Council also approved claims totaling $938,415.91.