(Michigan City, IN) - Officials are going to look into the possibility of selling a La Porte County government building.
The La Porte County Commissioners last night voted to examine the possibility of selling a former county government office building in Michigan City on 8th street near Lighthouse Premium Outlets mall.
Commissioner Steve Holifield said the building on the city’s north side is just being used for storage right now.
He said putting up a smaller out building somewhere else for storage might be more cost effective than keeping and maintaining that structure.
Holifield speculated there could be a few hundred thousand dollars left from proceeds of a sale after a new storage facility is built to help county government financially during a time when tax revenue is being lost to the recent statewide property tax reform.
“We’re going to be needing something in the future to help this county,” he said.
Commissioner Joe Haney agreed, saying just the land from being close to the lake and mall is likely worth a pretty good penny.
He said the land could then be used for something more suitable for what appears to be an area positioned for major economic growth with new investments being made since travel to and from Chicago by train is now faster due to upgrades to the South Shore Railroad commuter line.
“That property as far as I’m concerned is fairly prime property,” he said.
Commission President Connie Gramarossa said the building does serve as a safety net whenever offices must be temporarily relocated there to allow for major repairs or improvements to their permanent locations.
The property will be appraised as the first step in considering what to do with that parcel.
