The Culver Town Council members took action during their meeting Thursday, August 22 to approve letters of support for proposed READI 2.0 projects.
The Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority was awarded $45 million in READI 2.0 dollars which includes Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties. Certain projects will be considered for approval if the applications are approved.
Leigh Marshall brought forth a request for a letter of support for what she’s calling the exchange building which is where the First Farmers Bank and Trust company is located on Main Street. She said she met with a developer and a builder where the concept of the building renovation was discussed. She pointed to the 2014 comprehensive plan and the most recent comprehensive plan in that there is interest in finding a new location for a town hall. This renovation project, if awarded READI 2.0 funding, would include space in that building on the first floor for bank operations as well as new town hall space. The second floor would be used for condo space, a common space on the roof, and golf cart parking and storage for those utilizing the building in the basement.
In all, the proposed project would cost an preliminary estimate of $5 million with $1 million in READI funds, $1 million town match, and $3 million from the developer.
While there needs to be more information vetted about the potential project such as feasibility, more focus on the numbers, and logistics of such a project, the council members unanimously approved a letter of support for the project. Councilwoman Ginny Munroe noted that if the town could miss out on a chance for funding support if a letter is not at least provided with the project.
The applications are due at the end of the month.
The council also unanimously approved a letter of support for the Culver Youth Club building project as presented by Superintendent Karen Shuman for READI 2.0 funding. The proposal is to build a facility for the Culver Youth Club on school grounds by the Elementary School. The building would house classrooms, a gymnasium, and restroom facilities. There would be enough space for programs and a possible daytime daycare component.
There was also a motion made and unanimously approved for a letter of support that shows the town’s backing of all projects submitted for funding consideration with all municipalities in Marshall County.
