Milford Talks Redevelopment Possibilities for 2020
MILFORD — Milford Redevelopment Commission had its last public meeting of an eventful year Monday, Dec. 9. In attendance was Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation CEO Alan Tio, who praised the commission for the work it has accomplished. “You’re ahead of the other redevelopment organizations in the county,” he stated,
Tio was referring, in part, to Milford’s preliminary efforts to capitalize on legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly in July 2019 allowing the formation of residential TIF districts to promote the growth of single family housing stock in the state.
Dan Brown, commission president, indicated members are meeting Dec. 19 in Warsaw with a developer to discuss properties in Milford and projected costs.
Town Clerk Tricia Gall added Milford could also benefit from the findings of a Kosciusko County housing study soon to be released. Tio agreed the study would highlight “areas to focus on for housing.”
It remains unclear if Milford will create its own residential TIF district. Gall said the new legislation has spurred the commission to “evaluate all the tools in the toolbox.”
The commission also retained the services of James Higgins, LWG CPAS, Advisors, who, along with advising the commission on residential TIF districts and assisting with future reports to the town council and state, has been working with Gall to organize and locate creation documents for Milford’s two industrial TIF districts going back to 1995.
Brown commented on the impact an upcoming project extending CR 1300N through to SR 15 will have on the prospects of TIF No. 2, which was created in 2013. “It will be a much more attractive location from the standpoint of access,” he said.
One sticking point is water access, however. As a result of elevation, water pressure decreases toward CR 1300N, noted Brown, who added a new well field or second water tower may be needed.
According to Higgins, TIF 2 could be collapsed and rezoned as long as debt has not been accrued against the area. Brown suggested meeting with the property owners to discuss this possibility.
Tio also broached the subject of outside grants and how KEDCo could help Milford obtain them. Michiana Area Council of Governments, Office of County and Rural Affairs, Indiana Department of Transportation, Kosciusko Community Foundation, K21 Foundation, were all mentioned, and Brown added there are an “amazing” number of grant and loan programs available at the federal level.
Commission members voted to approve the payment of $4,455 to Andy Boxberger, Carson LLP., for his work on residential TIF and the training grant for Williamsburg Marine, the company relocating to Milford in 2020.
The next meeting of Milford Redevelopment Commission is set for 10 a.m. Jan. 13.