Resurfaced streets, new sidewalks and completion of the parking garage are parts of plans for infrastructure improvements in the Village, as part of a $7 million bond the Muncie Redevelopment Commission approved recently.
Close to $1 million of that total is being spent in the Village, said Todd Donati, executive director of the commission.
The $7 million is a tax increment financing district bond, which the city issues to spur development in a certain area. The Village is part of the Cardinal TIF area.
The Village projects include the completion of the parking garage and sidewalk work.
The commission is assisting with some funds. Others will assist with the completion of Martin Street, lighting, as well as landscape.
“I hope that there will be a little more done in the way making it more friendly and accessible to the students," Martin George, owner of The Cup said. "I think it would be good if there was attention paid directly between here and campus going north. Making it more pedestrian friendly and inviting could be helpful.”
The street department has recently finished repaving the roads in the Village.
“I believe they’re getting a lot done," Brian Burk, owner of Greek’s Pizzeria, said. "They also have signs put up on Dill Street, so at the moment, I think they’ve pretty much have taken care of it.”
The rest of the appropriated money will focus on downtown Muncie and the Muncie mall area.
The city will spend $5 million for projects like the downtown Muncie Streetscape to restore from Walnut Street to Main Street and the roundabout, as well as a new roof for City Hall.
More than $3 million will be used for restoring Walnut Street, which received funding by city officials on Sept. 22.
Donati said the bond process is in its final phase and the commissioner expects to close soon. Bonds are obtained by funding through local banks or city funds, for city improvements and infrastructure.
The funds are available in the TIF areas to cover the bond and will not affect the City of Muncie’s general fund budget and revenues.
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