Commission updates: Maple Street soils, Durban Plaza, 531 Walnut and Main Street grant replenished

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the Lawrenceburg Redevelopment Commission reviewed a series of project updates and routine items.

Maple Street: Staff reported that soil conditions and required soils-management plans are slowing approvals, financing and loan processes for the Maple Street site near the railroad. Staff said they are working with a geotechnical firm and the selected developer to resolve issues and reassess the schedule.

Durban Plaza and M & M Development: Staff said the Durban Plaza developer is conducting additional borings and preliminary engineering while moving to secure tax credits; earlier closing had been discussed for June 1 but staff said schedules are being accelerated and remain subject to change. For the row house adjacent to Civic Park, M & M Development is finishing construction drawings and negotiating design details with Indiana Landmarks prior to bidding; staff expressed optimism the work could start within about a year if approvals and bids proceed.

531 Walnut Street: Staff asked whether the board preferred a straight listing or a request for proposals for 531 Walnut Street; commissioners generally favored an RFP/proposal approach similar to recent projects and asked staff to prepare an RFP for review at the next meeting or the following meeting.

Main Street report and claims: Main Street representative Rebecca thanked the commission for replenishing the 2026 grant program and noted incoming applications and an upcoming grand opening at Ridge Winery. The commission also took a motion to approve claims supplied by staff; the motion passed.

The meeting concluded with a public question clarifying the RFP minimum bid for Parkside Market and the commission adjourning by unanimous voice vote.