BPWS OKs tax abatement, well water survey for toxins

The Terre Haute Board of Public Works and Safety approved a nine-year tax abatement request for Harrison Manufacturing, Inc.during the meeting Monday afternoon.

Attorney Richard Shagley, representing the business, explained to the board that the company specializes in aerospace technology and is expanding due to national success in the industry. The company plans to employ 11 additional workers, who will earn about $20- per- hour at the north side plant.

"It's helping Terre Haute grow," Shagley said, noting that a few of the prospective employees will relocate to the area.

The Terre Haute City Council approved the abatement during last week's regular meeting. The resolution will need to be confirmed by the City Council next month for final approval.

In other business:

The City of Terre Haute continues to address toxic chemical concerns around South Ninth Street and Margaret Avenue, where South Side Dry Cleaners last operated a decade ago.

​Last year, laboratory testing raised concerns when the project to widen Margaret Avenue got underway at the intersection. Noting that some homes and businesses located near the site use wells for drinking water, Board of Public Works and Safety President Jon Stinson relayed recommendations for handling the well- related concerns, as suggested by Pat Martin, chief city planner (not present during this meeting.) 

The board voted in favor of the environmental consulting proposal for a private well survey. 

The city has the right of way to the property after buying the land needed for the road construction. Initial fears that the toxins potentially spread off site have since been confirmed.  

"It doesn't sound like we have much of a choice anyway, since the state of Indiana is requiring us to do that," Stinson said.

Reportedly,testing around the former business revealed high levels of various toxins in the soil and groundwater and has cost more than $100,000 to treat. The toxins exceed levels permitted by the state, and therefore must be addressed.The engineering department is collaborating with the Indiana Brownsfields Project to address the environmental threat.

City officials are addressing chemical concerns in well water near Ninth Street and Margaret Avenue, discovered during road construction around a former dry cleaner site/Lucy Perry Photos

The board also approved the following resolutions:

• Selection of officers and members: Jon Stinson, president; Jim Trimble, vice president, Cary Sparks, treasurer; and Roland Shelton, board member.  
• Relocation of Fourth Street Trail ISU Grant of Easement.

• Contract for Services- Ivy Tech Community College and the Terre Haute Transit Authority, which Brad Miller, transportation director, noted includes an increase in cost for service.
• LPA Consulting Agreement – Reconstruction of Lafayette Avenue from Fort Harrison Road to Haythorne Avenue.
• Cooperative Purchasing Agreement – State of Minnesota and City of Terre Haute  for discounted technology-related hardware products.