Board of Public Works talks dirt; Gives OK to abatement

Construction along Margaret Avenue between Seventh and 14th Streets is moving along/Lucy Perry Photos

Todd Nation (right,) Jeff Lind - attorney (left) and Glen Hall -THFD (middle)

While the "dirt" gets pretty deep in some city topics, the onging Margaret Avenue project -- between South Seventh and 14th Streets -- is running low on the stuff.

"This looks like they discovered a problem, they need to bring in some dirt," Terre Haute Board of Public Works and Safety President Jon Stinson said during the meeting at City Hall this afternoon.

The board approved the additional cost at $19.95 per ton -- for 900 tons of it -- totaling about $18,000 for the soil shortage.

Members Jim Trimble and Roland Shelton were present. Cary Sparks was not present.

In other business

The board approved a request for a 10-year property tax abatement for around $1.5 million for the proposed new hotel construction on the city's east side.

Attorney for Sycamore Hotel Partners, Jeff Lind, explained the measure passed the initial phase of the request with the City Council earlier this month and final action should take place next month.

"You should have an agreement from my clients making promises to you we hope to see in this tax abatement," Lind said, adding there would be review as the project gets underway.

Stinson asked for more information on Sycamore Hotel Partners. Lind replied they are the current owners of the existing Holiday Inn Express, near the proposed building site. The new, extended stay hotel will be built to the west of that property and is described as more "upscale."

The board also approved the following: 

• A request from Commercial Residential Nuisance Animal Control Wildlife & Pest Management to use a lift in the right-of-way at Seventh Street and Wabash Avenue. Stinson explained that the company plans to deploy equipment to mitigate birds there. The project will span about two weeks and close a lane for two-to-three days.  Audience member Todd Nation asked for elaboration on the nature of the equipment to be installed. The supplies include a list of deterrents, traps, nets and spikes to be installed at the top of buildings to help reduce crow population in that area. Nation noted that the bird problem has seemed to improve somewhat through the years.

• The board also approved hardship request – Terre Haute Ambulance invoice. Stinson explained the write-off is for $798.

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