Back in May, Warsaw Common Council hired Ground Rules Inc. of Zionsville to complete the city’s comprehensive plan at a cost of $50,750. The plan will look at future land use, preserving the environment and aesthetics, maintaining current industry and expanding industrial businesses. And now, it will involve a neighborhood study.

The Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety on Friday approved an addendum to the comprehensive plan that will include a study of the East Market Street neighborhood with a price tag of $19,200.

Initially, Ground Rules Inc. was hired to complete the plan over an 8-month period. While that timetable is still in place, the B.O.W. has agreed to fund the additional project as a roadmap for even more future possibilities.

The neighborhood study will focus on the East Market Street area and utilize concepts and ideas from the Ball State workshops that were held over the summer. According to city planner Jeremy Skinner, by combining the study with the comprehensive plan, there is a significant cost savings for the city.

Additionally, by now identifying specific housing and development opportunities for the neighborhood, the city will “move up in cue” for future funding possibilities, according to mayor Joe Thallemer. “The timing with the comprehensive plan is perfect,” added Skinner, noting, “having a plan is critical.”

B.O.W. member Jeff Grose said, “I hope it’ll be a boiler plate for other areas, a stepping stone for other neighborhoods to look at.”

The $19,200 expenditure was unanimously approved.