Focus On Housing, Emergency Radio Improvements Among Top Stories
By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews
WARSAW – Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer made it a priority a few years ago to meet the growing demand for housing in Warsaw and he’s starting to see significant results.
While there was no single hallmark to point to in that regard, there are numerous housing developments coming to fruition in Warsaw and others on a launchpad as the city works to spur more residential development.
Viewed in its entirety, the recent efforts make it likely to be one of the most impactful stories of 2021.
The city has been delving into various strategies to encourage development in different ways including working with developers on projects that will rely on some financial support from the state. It was one of the first cities to establish residential TIF districts.
Among the on-going projects:
- The city saw a senior housing apartment complex, 802 Center, come to fruition. The apartments are set to open early this year.
- The city is also supporting a private development of homes, Gateway Grove, where the old Madison Elementary once stood. The first phase of homes are already complete.
- Construction of more homes that are part of the Buffalo Street redevelopment project are underway.
And there are other projects on the horizon that could begin to take shape this year, including two involving old industrial sites that have sat empty for decades.
In 2021, Warsaw officials took steps toward working with a developer on an apartment project where the vacant Arnolt buildings stand along Argonne Road.
In recent weeks, the city began working with another developer on redeveloping the old Gatke site that would include a mixed-use apartment plan.
Another project moving closer to reality is the redevelopment of the old Owen’s grocery store on West Market Street. The current plan includes stores, a parking garage and more than 100 apartments
Other top stories, not necessarily in any order, include:
Tippecanoe Township has worked with the town of North Webster to form a fire territory, which assumes its role today.
Three communications towers for emergency responders will be constructed early this year in an effort to eliminate dead spots. Kosciusko County chose to use some of its COVID-19 relief money to cover the costs of radios for nearly all emergency responders in the county.
It was overall a good year for local orthopedic companies. Nextremity Solutions move into its new headquarters in Warsaw’s Tech Park. Other companies, such as Paragon and Wishbone, both saw significant expansion. Another company, RAZOR Medical Instruments Inc., relocated from New Hampshire.
On the downside, Medtronic announced its closing of its Warsaw facility by 2024. The company is offering to transfer workers to other sites.
The community rallied behind Payton Slaymaker, a young girl from Claypool, who eventually died from the effects of brain cancer. Her legacy continues to grow as different groups find ways to honor her legacy.
Aaliyah Ramirez, a 14-year-old Syracuse resident who went missing in April was found safe months later in Florida. Two relatives are facing charges in the case.
Karin McGrath was chosen to fill the vacancy left by the death of Kosciusko Superior Court One Judge Dave Cates. In doing so, she became the first female judge in county history.
Attorney General Todd Rokita visited Warsaw and was the guest speaker at a meeting focused on concerns about the use of critical race theory in public schools. Rokita urged parents to get involved. Area schools heard some concerns about the issue, but never announced any changes as a result.
A man and woman from Nappanee were arrested and accused of being behind a series of barn fires in Elkhart and Kosciusko County.