City Planner Jeremy Skinner discussed future sanitary sewer work and the Gatke property during the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Redevelopment Commission discussed a sanitary sewer study agreement and an economic development agreement for the Gatke property during the meeting held Monday, Aug. 13.

The sanitary sewer study agreement is through Wessler Engineering. They will evaluate the feasibility of providing sanitary sewer to the area north of the recent Airport Industrial Park annexation. This mainly includes the airport and surrounding properties to the north and east. The second part of the agreement is for Wessler Engineering to look at possible routes for the sanitary sewer. No actual engineering will occur at this stage.

City Planner Jeremy Skinner noted that getting sanitary sewer to the airport has been discussed for a while now. “Seeing that it’s in the city we should probably see how we can get sanitary sewer to the area.”

He explained that the study includes more than just the airport so that the infrastructure would be in place for any future developments or annexations. By looking at the larger area now, this could cost the city less money and work in the long run.

The commissioners approved the $19,500 agreement.

The commissioners then got a first look at an economic development agreement with Michael Kinder & Sons, Fort Wayne, for the Gatke property. The agreement will lay out requirements of the city and of the developer for the redevelopment of the property.

The project would include the rehabilitation of the 20,000 square-foot existing building into a multi-use space. The building could then be used for retail, eateries, art production or professional offices. Michael Kinder & Sons are rehabilitating the building and would then lease the spaces out to interested businesses.

The agreement is in the very early stages right now. Deadline dates for the two phases of the project and any requirements of the city will be added to the agreement moving forward.

“Everyone’s appetite has been whet on this thing, everybody is dying to know what the finished project is going to be,” said Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer. “The developer is still putting those pieces together but he has to know the framework that he is working within, and that includes the disposition of the property … that’s really what this is about.”

“This is exciting, it’s really exciting, but it’s also a step at a time,” said Thallemer. “This has been 20 years in the making so we are very patient to make sure it’s done right.”

Commissioner Rick Snodgrass requested that some proof of the financial availability be provided to the city. This would ensure the developer had the proper funds to carry through with the project. Skinner noted that he would work on this request with the developer.

The commission was advised to review the agreement and contact Skinner with any further concerns. Thallemer invited the public out to the next meeting at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, to be involved with the project as it progresses.