Senior Center and Poplar Ridge Take Next Steps

At Tuesday night’s meeting of the Huntingburg Common Council and Utility Board, upcoming construction projects were high on the agenda. 

Multiple bids were requested for the proposed Senior Center in Huntingburg, but only one qualified bid was received. Earlier this year, $472,000 in ARPA funding was allocated to the project. If it can’t be under contract this year, the funds cannot be retained and will have to be returned by the City. The Council voted to approve the bid and authorize the execution of a construction contract, pursuant to legal approval. 

An extended discussion was held regarding the proposed Poplar Ridge residential apartments development. The developer has applied for a 5-year tax abatement for residential development. In order to qualify for that abatement, the city would have to create an economic revitalization area in the same district and declare it an economic development target area. The district was found to qualify, and a recommendation was made to the Council. Ruger Kersteins addressed the board, saying that the proposed development will be a mix of traditional apartments and townhomes at the corner of 19 th and 231, and will have no income-based restrictions. The average target rental rate is $995, with an estimated date for leasing of phase one units in June of 2026. The Council noted the potential for Poplar Ridge to create a positive economic impact for Huntingburg. They approved the adoption of the Declaratory Resolution creating the Poplar Ridge ERA and EDTA for residential tax abatement. They also introduced the ordinance designating the district as an economic target area. Engineering reports are still forthcoming to determine water discharge rates and some design elements, and the development cannot be approved until they are received. 

The board approved and adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 37 regarding the organization of the police department. This amendment created a Sergeant position for the department that will be used as a supervisory position instead of the current Detective Sergeant position. They also approved and adopted an amendment to the salary ordinance to create the salary for the new position. 

There was a brief discussion about some proposed language for an amendment to Huntingburg municipal code regarding hoarding. The suggested language is specific to elements which might adversely affect public health or safety, not which might affect the property value of the property of neighboring properties. If a concern is brought to the code enforcement officer, then the property owner is notified of any issues which require action on their part. The current ordinance does not address the interior of structures unless it is witnessed by appropriate personnel and a report is made, and it can be very lengthy. The adjustments to the ordinance are meant to clarify and streamline the current process. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.huntingburg-in.gov


- By Drew Hasselbring