(St. Joseph County, IN) - St. Joseph County is looking to expand the footprint of the Indiana Enterprise Center (IEC) east of New Carlisle. A plan was recently submitted to the county's Redevelopment Commission.

 

It includes an additional 1,500 acres of land—about half on the territory’s southwest side, and half on the southeast. Also included are two properties along US 20 in New Carlisle: a former trailer park and the current site of the American Legion.

 

Economic Development Director Bill Schalliol says the updated layout gives planners more flexibility to improve infrastructure for future development. About 78 new parcels have been added to an acquisition list on the outskirts of the territory’s previous boundaries, bringing the total number of included properties up to 309. “We would not, obviously, seek to acquire 309; in fact, the county now owns about 37 of those properties,” Schalliol said. “It’s just another tool that allows us more flexibility. If a property came up for sale, or if somebody wanted to move out of the area, or in the event that we needed it for water, sewer, roads, or trail projects, it just gives us more flexibility to buy.”

 

According to Schalliol, some parcels have been removed from the plan. Ultimately, the final placement of the new GM battery plant prompted the revision. The new configuration, he says, will facilitate improvements for future businesses, recreation features, and possibly new housing developments in that area.

 

However, the expansion is not a done deal. There will be a public meeting to discuss the plan on Monday, November 13 at the New Carlisle Public Library.