The future of these buildings, known as the Gatke Property, will be determined in July. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

Nothing is “bubbling” on the Gatke Property on McKinley Street, just off Winona Avenue. Because there’s been no movement on the property, the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission will discuss further plans at its July meeting.

The topic of the property was brought up at the close of the commission’s meeting Monday. “It seems we’ve been dealing with it forever,” stated board member Tim Meyer. It is believed the cost to rehab the buildings is what may be keeping things from getting done.

Mayor Joe Thallemer stated following a Ball State report there were potential things that could happen to the property and buildings and a few ideas. “There was a point,” indicated Thallemer, where the thought was to look at what to do. “It’s time to move on.”

Charles Smith, commission member, stated it was unanimous at one time that time was needed to find a potential buyer, but there has been no developers interested. He stated there was up to $40,000 available to use for the property, to demolish and clean up, but the cost has increased.

It was noted this area along with other property in the area to rehabilitate were part of the Steller Grant application redevelopment area, which would have moved the project quicker. However the city was not chosen as a finalist in its first year of application.

Jeff Johnson stated the property may look more attractive to a buyer if it had nothing on it. Thallemer noted there was someone look at the front building, but one estimate to rehabilitate the building was $1.9 million. Johnson noted if something didn’t happen soon it would be a big pile of bricks. The property has been marked no trespassing, however, people are often seen taking photos for nostalgia purposes.

Thallemer stated there are potential funds available to use towards the possible demolition of the building. This will be discussed at the July 6 meeting.

Meyer stated several years ago there was ample time for the building, but the building has been available by the city since 1999. “We’ve seen ideas come and go,” he said noting it was time the commission “get more serious about that (the property).”

In other matters, the commission signed the rental agreement with John Powell on farming what is known as the Kerlin Farm Property of the City of Warsaw. The agreement, the same as last year, states Powell will pay the city $190 per acre to farm the 53 acres. Payments will be due May 1 and Nov. 1. The only responsibility of the city is to clean up brush and mow the perimeter and protect the property with commonly accepted farming practices.

It was noted the bond rating for the city was received, maintaining its rating of AA minus. The bond sale on the Central Tiff District project was to take place Tuesday.

It was also noted the purchase of property in  the Polk Drive area was wrapping up as the closing date documents are completed.

Some questions were asked regarding the tech park spec building and if it would ever be occupied and who is handling the sale. Jeremy Skinner, city planner, stated there has been a lot of interest locally and from businesses out of the area. Bradley Company is marketing the building and park.

The next meeting of the commission will be at noon, Monday, July 6.