Crown Point moves to monthly virtual meetings

“I think once this is all said and done, we’re going to be a stronger community from the technical side. I think this is going to be part of the process going forward. This definitely engages more people to be engaged in the process.”

— David Uran, Crown Point mayor

The Crown Point Council held its monthly meeting Monday virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and Crown Point Mayor David Uran hinted that the city might keep virtual access once the pandemic ends.

Aside from minor glitches, the council was able to vote on resolutions pertaining to a new subdivision, a proposal for grant funding and approve tax abatement for a local business.

At the start of the meeting, the council members — all of whom were able to virtually attend the meeting — approved waiving all late fees for utilities or payments to the city during the COVID-19 pandemic to follow federal and state orders, Uran said.

“This does not waive anything that’s owed to the city, it just gives the ability for the clerk-treasurer not to impose penalties on top of what is owed during the national emergency,” Uran said.

The council approved two resolutions: submitting a project proposal for the community development block grant funds and an annexation of the northeast corner of 133rd Avenue and Marshall Street to develop a subdivision.

Both resolutions were considered under public hearings, Uran said. Residents had the opportunity to address the council virtually — through Zoom or Facebook — but no one participated.

This year, Gov. Eric Holcomb added a provision to the community development block grant that the funds can be used toward COVID-19 relief, Uran said.

“We don’t get this money until September, so we’ll have a better direction if we need to put this elsewhere to benefit the city,” Uran said.

The resolution for annexation of the northeast corner of 133rd and Marshall is a proposed 67 single-family home subdivision known as The Fairways, which will be built next to the Regency subdivision, said Council President Scott Evorik, R-At large.

The council approved the resolution in a 6-0 vote, with Evorik recusing himself because he is affiliated with development company.

Additionally, outside of the two public hearing items, the council also approved a resolution for a 10-year tax abatement for business expansion at 510 N. Indiana Ave.

The resolution was proposed by Carrie Adams, coowner of Shaw Polymers, a company that handles distribution of plastic raw material, currently located at 530 N. Indiana Ave., to expand the business, Uran said.

“The expansion of this business, it makes sense for them to take the next property to the south,” Uran. “We’ll be adding to … the economic revitalization of that corridor.”

The resolution passed in a 6-0 vote, with Evorik abstaining from the vote because he said he believes the city offers too many tax abatements, which result in business taxes being used toward redevelopment.

At the start of the meeting, a resident submitted a question regarding drainage issues in his subdivision. Officials said the nearby subdivision causing the drainage issue is mostly in Merrillville’s jurisdiction, but both municipalities will work together to solve the problem.

Another resident was able to virtually connect with the council to ask about paying late fees for rent, which her landlord charged. Uran said the city isn’t able to waive fees for private entities, but he told the resident to call 211 to talk with a state official about her situation.

“We’re not trying to kick the can down the road, but that’s where you have to start with first,” Uran said.

“OK, thank you,” the resident said.

“Thank you for being part of our virtual reality meeting,” Uran said.

Uran said the council is sending out “thoughts and prayers” to families and residents in Crown Point impacted by COVID-19, particularly after one Crown Point resident died from the virus.

Residents have been engaging with the city virtually, Uran said, which the city will consider continuing once the pandemic ends.

“I think once this is all said and done, we’re going to be a stronger community from the technical side. I think this is going to be part of the process going forward. This definitely engages more people to be engaged in the process,” Uran said.

Uran said the city will continue virtual meetings until the national emergency is lifted or the state’s stay-athome order is reduced.