Council Wants to Investigate Electric Works Dispute
(rendering courtesy of RTM Ventures)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Fort Wayne City Council has given preliminary approval for a resolution to launch an investigation into why an economic development agreement for the $440 million Electric Works project was terminated by the city’s Redevelopment Commission. The resolution creates a subcommittee which will examine, among other things, the role of Mayor Tom Henry and others in the move.
The commission voted to terminate the EDA with RTM Ventures, which is developing the project at the former General Electric campus in downtown Fort Wayne. Commissioners cited concerns with the developer’s ability to secure private financing for the project.
The city council asked the mayor to appear and answer questions, which he declined. Our partners at WPTA report his representatives also questioned RTM Ventures’ ability to finish the project.
“It is unclear at this time as to what the actual motivation was for the sudden and clandestine cancellation of the EDA by Mayoral appointees, exacerbated by the unwillingness of the Mayor to discuss this matter publicly with the members of Common Council,” the resolution says.
The resolution was approved by a 5-3 vote. The three-member subcommittee will have 60 days to conduct its investigation and report its findings to the full council, if the resolution receives final approval.
One of the major goals of the resolution for supporters is transparency.
“I realize that from what information that (the commission) had at the time of the vote…they had the right to turn the EDA down,” said Council President Thomas Dider. “They at least explained to us over and above what it is and we’d like the mayor to come down to do that.”
Opponents of the resolution expressed concern over the precedent it would set, especially with the council having the ability to potentially issue subpoenas. Councilor Geoff Paddock said he did not see anything “nefarious or illegal” with the actions of the commission or mayor.
Tuesday’s preliminary vote will be followed by a final vote, which would likely occur at the council’s meeting next week.