By LAUREN ZEUGNER
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Redevelopment Commission had a busy morning, Thursday, May 7, as it met in executive session with members of the Syracuse Town Council, then held it’s own public meeting.

Both meetings were held through Zoom media and live streamed on the town’s website and Facebook page.

The commission approved Resolution 2020 RDC-03 an economic development and purchase agreement relating to Polywood LLC expanding and providing the Town of Syracuse with a new ball park. (See related story)

Also approved was Resolution 2020 RDC-01 a pass through for the Syracuse & Oakwood tax increment finance district. Dennis Higgins of Bose, McKinney and Evans, bond attorneys for the town, explained each year prior to June 15, redevelopment commissions need to decide if they have any revenue from TIF districts they need to “pass through” to other entities such as schools and libraries.

The redevelopment commission voted to retain 100 %  of the incremental value of the TIF district with nothing to pass back.

The commission approved Resolution 2020 RDC-02 for the South Benton TIF district. Again there was no incremental value to pass back.

Vern Landis updated the commission on a zoning issue regarding the Syracuse Technology and Industrial Park, located at US 6 and SR 13. Innovation, aka Travel Lite, a company which as purchased several lots in the park had litigation brought against it by the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning, regarding zoning issues.

The court dismissed the suit stating the Kosciusko County BZA does not have jurisdiction over the Syracuse Technology Park since it is physically located in Elkhart County. The Kosciusko County BZA is appealing the court’s decision.

Landis said the redevelopment commission needs to decide if it wants to get involved. While the park was annexed into the town, it is physically in Elkhart County. Landis explained the question is can the Kosciusko County BZA enforce it’s own rules when an entity is in another county.

The redevelopment commission decided to take a wait and see approach to the situation.