Residential TIF Status for Northridge Subdivision Approaches Approval

On Tuesday morning, Jasper’s Redevelopment Commission met to take the next steps in approving the Northridge subdivision’s proposed residential TIF by opening a public meeting to solicit community input. 

A series of claims was approved by the Commission for Hafer and Baker Tilly for services for the new outdoor pool construction. Immediately afterward, the official public meeting regarding potential residential TIF pursuant to Indiana state code was opened to allow for public input on the project. A representative for developer Kerstiens Custom Builders said that the Northridge subdivision would be built out over several years, starting this fall on the southern side of the subdivision. The development will begin construction with 28 villas and 12 single family lots. All of the villas and homes will be owner occupied to be sold by the home owner. 

Kerstiens provided a brief project overview, saying that the timeline will start on the south end and will be an extension of Todd Lane and Ann Lane. This will add an additional 155 living dwellings, inclusive of the villas and single-family homes. The proposed price point is intended to reflect starter home pricing at around $250,000 for homes and $230,000 and villas, as there are currently no other starter home category subdivision options in Jasper. This would be contingent on the approval of the TIF status and the financial incentive that it provides. Residents were on hand to ask clarifying questions regarding timeline as well as the status of the area’s incorporation within the city. In addition, the board responded to a question about the tax status of the surrounding areas, explaining that the tax rates for areas outside of the TIF district would not be affected. 

Some concerns were raised by the board at whether or not the affordability of the new homes qualifies it to be deemed starter housing. An acknowledgement was made both boy board members and the developer that the infrastructure for new developments are “tremendous,” and the TIF was described as a tool by which the lot cost could be subsidized and made more affordable. Kerstiens said that the funds will be used directly for the infrastructure costs, which should not negatively impact property values going forward for new buyers or for current residents in the surrounding area. They also explained that the homes would be step-up housing for some and downsizing for others. The board also explained that whether or not this would be considered starter housing, it should be considered workforce housing and brings opportunities for economic development by providing residential options for local businesses. Following the public comments and discussion, the Commission Approved the Declaratory Resolution for the Residential Housing TIF. Before the TIF’s final approval, it will also have to pass through the Economic Commission and then the Council. 

In other business, an update was provided on the new outdoor pool construction, which showed progress and adherence to the expected timeline. City attorney Renee Kabrick received the Commission’s approval to request funds from the central area TIF for a topographic survey of the Regional Wellness Center’s proposed site, as this project qualifies for those funds. Feedback from the project’s contractors has been received, advising that the topographic survey is the first step in developing a plan for how the facility will be situated on the property. Once the exact site is selected, then the geotechnical work can proceed and then more specific costs can be provided for the project budget.


For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


- Drew Hasselbring