Valparaiso has begun the process of annexing land for its future Sports and Recreation Complex. The city council Monday approved a fiscal plan and introduced an annexation ordinance.
Planning director Beth Shrader said the annexation area would include the southern half of the new park, as well as an extension of Memorial Drive north of Vale Park Road. "So on this side, we have other petitioners that will be zoned Campus, and then down here, we took this opportunity to pull in three properties that have no plans for development at this time but thought it was a good time to come into the city," Shrader explained.
She said all of the property owners have joined the annexation petition, except one: a homeowner that city officials haven't been able to contact. "There's opportunities that could make this annexation work even better for them, and so, if they're listening, we'd like to talk with you," Shrader added.
And not having unanimous support means a longer annexation timeline. The Valparaiso City Council won't consider the ordinance again until January 23, with final approval possible in February.