The Valparaiso City Council has approved a plan for the city's American Rescue Plan funds. But the fact that more than 60-percent of the $7.7 million would go toward acquiring land for future park facilities drew opposition from residents.
The plan approved Monday includes $575,000 for nonprofit organizations that help residents impacted by the pandemic — like Respite House, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana, and Hilltop Neighborhood House, among others. Another $600,000 would provide bonuses to city employees who provided essential services during the pandemic.
But the biggest chunk at over $6.5 million would go to the broad category of reimbursing the city government for lost revenue. The vast majority of that would be used to reimburse the city's redevelopment commission for the land it purchased east of State Road 49 that would be used for a 248-acre park and community sports complex — and for the the demolition of a building at 3301 North Calumet for a new Adult Center for Enrichment. The projects are part of the city's Valpo for All Generations initiative.
Council Member Robert Cotton cast the lone opposing vote, arguing that the city didn't do enough to reach out to stakeholders. "I'm going to say this, and I've been saying it all along. This process has not been adequate, and I think everybody in here knows that. Everybody in here knows that this has not been adequate," Cotton told the rest of the council Monday.
Some of the residents who spoke felt the nonprofits should get a bigger share, while others felt the plan should do more to address environmental issues like water and wastewater infrastructure. Many doubted that using the money to acquire park land was an allowable use by the federal government, but City Attorney Patrick Lyp said outside legal experts found no violation. Lyp added that other funding sources are already available for small business assistance and broadband for families in need.
