Funds Will Be Found To Demolish Gatke Buildings
After close to 15 years of discussion, hearing proposals with no sustainable recommendations, Warsaw Redevelopment Board unanimously voted to proceed with entire demolition of buildings in 2016. Funds will be sought from various city funds. However, if a viable sustainable solution is presented, demolition of at least one building will be put on hold.
However before the vote was taken, Dave Taylor, a member of the Kosciusko County Convention Recreation and Visitors Commission, spoke. Stating he was not there representing the commission, he said there is potential in the one building. He proceeded to explain how tourism brings money into the area, and the lack of a place to hold two-day car shows is a loss of tourism money to the city and county.
He suggested the one building could be used to host car shows, bike races, a staging area for art shows and indoor concerts. He noted Bobby Jordan has stated he would repair the roof for $28,000 and Dave Porter would repair the brick work at the cost of materials only. He noted Brad Bishop with OrothoWorx and Susie Light with Kosciusko Community Foundation would support the project.
Taylor additionally said the tourism commission is looking for places to fund projects and possibly would be interested. He noted that building would be the cheapest and easiest to develop, mentioning it would be ideal for antique stores, wine galleries, art stores and more.
He asked for time to get support. Taylor was asked why nothing had been done over the last couple years. He noted it was put on the back burner and taken out of his hands. It was noted he would have six to 10 months to provide a sustainable solution.
Jeremy Skinner, city planner, led the discussion after members reviewed budgets for each TIF district, were presented a TIF report and approved the no excess assessed value report. “There has been a lot of conversation, opportunities” he stated. “We looked at demolition and received quotes six to seven years ago, we had a Ball State Charrette, we marketed it and it keeps coming back no money. The cost of rehabilitation far exceeds no construction …”
Charlie Smith stated he felt it was unanimous to demolish the building, noting concern of the liability due to the condition of the buildings, and with McKinley being heavily traveled.
Discussion was held on removing several of the buildings, leaving the warehouse. However, it may be more costly to do the demolition in sections.
Skinner noted the buildings which are two stories are more of a liability than the warehouse. He recommended starting with the largest building. He stated there are holes in the floors and people have been starting fires in the building.
“I want to get this going,” said Richard Snodgrass, with George Clemens adding there has been talk about it, different proposals. “It’s time to move on,” Clemens stated.
Jeff Johnson stated “We have been very patient, listened to all the options. We’ve exhausted all their options … no one has come up with anything to do with it … what is the stopping point?” he asked. Noting that it would be early spring 2016 before demolition, he agreed to allow options open until demolition began.
Mayor Joe Thallemer questioned the cost of repairing the roof as estimates received were much higher. He also noted the city will find the money for the demolition as there are several other large demolition projects in the works. “Nothing happens until the ball swings. It may not be until 2016. If something comes along we will consider it.”