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LCYC and RDC seek funding from Major Moves
By: Tim Murray - Tuesday, October 15, 2019

LAGRANGE – LaGrange County Council and Commissioners heard presentations but took no votes on two requests for Major Moves Funding Tuesday.

LaGrange Community Youth Center asked the boards for up to $3-million dollars to support the construction and operation of a community center at Spruer Park in Lagrange.

The $6.5 million dollar project would include recreational space and rooms for programs.

LCYC Vice-President Don Faust said the center is targeted to have a major impact on youth and families.

"The reason we brought this plan to you, the reason we have a passion for this is I want to see Lagrange County keep the kids that we invest in, that we educate, and we send off to college. I want them to come back here and grow businesses and do things like that. I don't want to see us take for granted the good people that we do have here. We have kids that are in drug homes and we keep saying we want to do something, we want to make a change, but we're not doing anything. I think this plan offers a solution."

Board members had several questions, including the big one from Councilman Harold Gingerich.

"The thing that I think we're up against in Major Moves is that it's designated for economic development. I'm not saying what you're doing isn't worthy, but what I wonder how does that really fit in tangibly to economic development?" Gingerich asked.

"I think it's an investment. If you don't have anything to attract businesses and business people into your community, what are you going to do to get new factories, to get new businesses to come? This is a place that shows one we are stable, we do offer things for the community, for the families, for the children. I think it's the thing that you need right now to start growth," answered Faust.

The commissioners agreed to ask the county attorney for an opinion of whether Major Moves funds could be used for the center.

The second request from the LaGrange County Redevelopment Commission was for Major Moves money combined with $270-thousand dollars from TIF District 1 to enhance the intersection of 200 East and U-S 20.

Board members wondered if the TIF district could be renewed to help pay back a Major Moves investment. That question will also go to the County Attorney.



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