Assistant City Planner Justin Taylor shows the current plans for Rotary Park.

WARSAW — After not receiving grant funds last year, the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission continues to look for ways to develop a senior housing project. City Planner Jeremy Skinner presented a new resolution and possible funding solution during the meeting held yesterday, July 2.

An updated resolution declares the properties at 742 E. Center, 800 E. Center, 802 E. Center and 805 E. Market streets as blighted parcels. Housing Directions, Indianapolis, hope to acquire the parcels for development after having received a low-income housing tax credit. If Housing Directions receives the tax credit, the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission has agreed to contribute $298,000 in project funds to create a senior low-income housing project.

Skinner stated that he is hopeful the project will receive funding. After not receiving last year’s funding, the project has expanded to 72 units, most of them being two-bedroom units. The redevelopment commission is also pledging $298,000 this year instead of the $150,000 pledged last year. These changes should earn the project more points when the grants are awarded in November. The commission approved the resolution and two related letters.

The Redevelopment Commission approved contributing $20,000 towards the future Cog Monument at Rotary Park on Market Street. The monument will contain two large cogs that were used in local manufacturing to honor the industrial history of Warsaw. The Rotary Club will provide the remaining cost for the monument and have already funded the construction of a shelter.

Assistant City Planner Justin Taylor noted that this parcel of land was previously a gravel pit and would now serve as an asset to the city.

In other news:

• A transfer ordinance of $106,000 for design and engineering work on the Buffalo Street project was given a favorable recommendation by commissioners. The Warsaw Common Council will need to approve the ordinance.
• An engineering contract with American Structurepoint, Indianapolis, was approved for design and engineering work on the Buffalo Street project.
• The commission approved all 2019 budgets as presented. Commissioners were given the budget to review at last month’s meeting.
• The next meeting will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6.