Capsule Reports - Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024

Commission updated

Portland Plan Commission received clarification during a brief meeting Thursday.

Consultant Ed Curtin of CWC Latitudes explained that the Portland Downtown Economic Development Plan approved by the plan commission in May includes the creation of a residential tax increment financing (TIF) district around the Hood Building, home of The Graphic Printing Company. He noted that the creation of the TIF was in the document but was not specifically discussed during the May meeting. He said he wanted to make sure plan commission members were aware of that portion of the plan before moving forward.

Following a question from plan commission member Randy Geesaman, Curtin noted that the Hood Building is part of the city’s existing conventional TIF district. The economic development plan would create a new residential TIF district.

John Hemmelgarn, director of Jay/Portland Building and Planning, asked about plans for the building. Curtin said the redevelopment commission will seek proposals, but that the idea is to keep the first floor commercial and develop the top three floors as apartments.

The Portland Downtown Economic Development Plan will now move to Portland City Council for approval before returning to the redevelopment commission for a confirmatory resolution.

Naming proposed

State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) has proposed renaming the Indiana 67 bridge over the Salamonie River near Jay County Junior-Senior High School after Lance Cpl. Andrew Whitacre of Jay County.

Whitacre was killed while serving in the Marines in Afghanistan in 2008. He was a 2005 Jay County High School graduate.

Prescott made the proposal to the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation.

“As we honor the life and sacrifice of Lance Cpl. Andrew Whitacre, we are reminded of the profound courage and dedication he displayed while protecting our nation,” Prescott said in a press release. “Naming this bridge in his honor would be a tribute to him and ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

If approved by the committee, Prescott will file a formal resolution to be considered by the Indiana General Assembly during its 2025 legislative session.