Mishawaka Planning Acquisition of Former Dodge Site
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The city of Mishawaka has reached a deal to acquire the former Dodge/RMG Foundry property that has been closed since 2006. The South Bend Tribune reports, if approved, the site would be cleaned up and primed for redevelopment.
The agreement with JLJ Group was recently approved by the Mishawaka Redevelopment Commission. The city plans to purchase the property for $250,000, but estimates another $13 million would need to be invested for demolition, environmental remediation, and infrastructure costs.
“In trying to figure what would happen if the site falls into different hands, if it became more of an eyesore, we saw this as an opportunity,” Mayor Dave Wood told the publication, saying he was initially hesitant to buy the property. “If we didn’t do it and do it right, it wouldn’t get done.”
As part of the agreement, the owners would have a year to remove all materials from the property and the buildings within it. Then, the city would close on the deal, begin an environmental survey and develop a plan for demolition.
Wood and Ken Prince, director of planning and community development, tell the Tribune the type of redevelopment would depend on the condition of the property after all remediation efforts are completed.
The agreement must still be approved by the Mishawaka Common Council.
You can read the full story, including a history of the property, from the South Bend Tribune by clicking here.