The Chesterton Advisory Plan Commission on Thursday advanced creation of a new economic development area, commonly known as a TIF district, for approximately 142 acres south of the Indiana Toll Road.

Voting 6-0 with member Jeff Trout absent, the Plan Commission adopted twin motions approving two resolutions enacted by the town's Redevelopment Commission, which will conduct a future public hearing on the proposal.

The land involved includes the previously annexed Rossman and Pope parcels on either side of Indiana 49; retail, commercial and residential uses have been proposed. Commission member George Stone said developers have tended to shy away from the area because municipal sewer and water haven't been extended there.

Once the economic development designation is finalized, property taxes paid on future improvements in the zone will be available to the town to help extend infrastructure as an inducement to developers, Stone added.

Responding to a question by member Fred Owens, commission attorney Charles Parkinson said the town also could spend money in the development area on road improvements, signalization, a new fire station or fiberoptic installation.

In other business, Stone and member Sig Niepokoj were re-elected as commission appointments to the Plat Committee.

The meeting lasted less than 15 minutes, and no one from the public attended.

Posted 2/18/2011