Above is a file photo of the old Arnolt property.

By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – As the city of Warsaw continues to try to redevelop properties along the southern part of Argonne Road, the state has made more money available to do so.

Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner said the city recently learned that the state had secured $500,000 through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that can be used for cleanup projects in the future for the old Arnolt property, the Gatke property and land owned by Warsaw Chemical.

The announcement came Monday as Skinner reviewed budget plans that will be submitted to City Council.

The city is currently working with a developer as they try to secure financing for the development of apartments on the old Arnolt property, which is east of a gas station along Argonne Road.

If the state chooses to provide financing for the apartment project, the newly acquired money from EPA could be used to help clean up the old industrial site.

“We’re really hopeful,” Skinner said about the possibility of seeing apartments being constructed on the site.

In a related matter, Skinner said the city learned that the entire shopping center further east of Argonne Road is now in receivership after moving into foreclosure.

The shoppng center, known as  MarketPlace of Warsaw, has seen several large chain stores, including Sears, Pier One and Carsons, close in recent years.

The shopping center is part of a Tax Increment Finance district that includes the Argonne Road brownfield properties.

Skinner mentioned the development during Monday’s meeting.

“It went into receivership a few months back,” Skinner said. “They’re actively seeking a buyer for it now. From what I understand, they’ve got four or five interested parties so we’ll see what transpires.”

Skinner said they expect some decisions on the property within a few weeks.

The shopping center is divided into numerous lots, which is owned by MAW LLC, in care of Farbman Groupo, of South Field, Mich., according to a search on Beacon.com