Redkey park funds OK’d

Thirty years ago this week, plans were approved in an effort to help attract industry to Redkey.

The Oct. 1, 1991, edition of The Commercial Review featured coverage of Jay County’s Economic Development Income Tax advisory committee approving the use of $230,000 for the development of a Redkey industrial park.

The proposal submitted by Jay County Council president Gene Stigleman on behalf of the Redkey Economic Development Committee called for a 71-acre industrial park on the southwest side of the town along Indiana 67. About half of the approved funds were set aside to purchase the property from two landowners.

“We have secured contracts with them,” Stigleman said. “Overall, it’s probably the best price we’re going to get in Redkey, even at $2,000 an acre.”

The rest was for various items including sewer and water lines and road improvements.

“There really isn’t a contingency in there,” said engineer Richard Mote of Mote and Associates. “The budget’s tight.”

Engineering for the project was expected to be complete by early 1992, followed by permitting and the start of construction in April 1992.

Stigleman said the site was chosen because of location, which offered access to utilities and the Norfolk Southern railroad.

“I look forward to working with the community of Redkey and your engineering firm to make this project a reality,” said Norfolk Southern development engineer Jason Reiner.

Portland Mayor Jim Luginbill raised several issues with the project, including questioning whether the water lines would be adequate to accommodate industry. He also expressed concern that only half of the advisory committee’s 14 members were present.

Ultimately, the money for the project was approved on a 6-0 vote with Luginbill abstaining.