By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The ever-more-important MERIT Center and a downtown eyesore are in line for some major improvements, thanks to a couple of state grants which total some $575,000.
Decatur is getting a $290,000 READI grant for improvements at the MERIT Center and another $285,000 which will be used to upgrade the former Faurote building at 138 N Second St., in the heart of downtown.
At its meeting Tuesday night, city council approved on two of three required readings ordinances to establish for each project funds to hold the READI grant monies.
Final approval is expected at council’s Nov. 8 meeting.
A program brought forth by Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2021, the state established the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) to spur economic growth. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. oversees the program that dedicates $500 million to promote strategic investments.
The City of Decatur purchased the former Northwest Elementary School building several years ago and it now hosts several programs. Its role in both the city and county communities has grown substantially with the move of the Council on Aging into the building.
The council on aging has greatly expanded its role since the move and is now working toward establishing a countywide transportation service by the first of the year.
The council, headed by Michelle Lengerich, also handles the building’s administrative responsibilities. That has all been worked into a long-term lease for the council on aging, which city council approved at its latest building.
The Council on Aging’s board will finalize the lease with its approval.
“Michelle does a really good job out there for us; she takes care of things,” Mayor Dan Rickord said.
MORE UPGRADE: With the grant money, the city will be able to make much-needed improvements to the downtown building and, once they are completed, it’s likely the structure will be put up for sale.
The city took possession of the dilapidated building from city resident Paul Faurote in early 2022 after its aging and largely untouched condition was deemed a definite safety hazard.
The building is now secure, thanks to a city expenditure of $153,350 to have Limberlost Construction of Geneva make it safe.
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