In the coming weeks, the town of Schererville will break ground on projects that will ensure a busy construction season through 2025 and beyond.
The projects encompass the development of the former Illiana Speedway, the extension of Kennedy Avenue south to U.S. 30 and the construction of a new Central Fire Station.
Updating progress on the Illiana Speedway development, project consultant Pat Reardon informed the Schererville Town Council on Wednesday that he expects to have conceptual drawings in hand prior to their November meeting. Once the council chooses a conceptual design, the first phase of the project can begin.
Meanwhile, the town is working with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDEM) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to delineate the wetlands areas within the approximately 70-acre parcel.
The intersection of Kennedy Avenue and Junction Road in Schererville could change if the town completes an extension of Kennedy to U.S. 30. (Joe Puchek/Post-Tribune)
Town Council President Tom Schmitt, D-4th, said he expects to begin infrastructure improvements on site during the early part of 2025 — as soon as the weather allows. Whether or not the former racetrack can be built upon will be determined by an environmental study. Early indications of soil testing show that the ground is not contaminated to the point where significant soil remediation will be needed, according to Schmitt.
He noted the likelihood of building a recreation center and an entertainment pavilion with the flair of Crown Point’s Bulldog Park in the first phase of the project.
Much of the land will be reserved for new sports fields, encompassing youth soccer, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and Pop Warner football, with the addition of basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts and walking trails.
Baseball has the potential to be a key attraction and revenue driver, as a proposed “field of dreams” ballpark could offer amenities substantial to attract a minor league baseball franchise, a collegiate team and regional tournaments.
Central Fire Station project progresses
The town council moved forward with the construction of a new Central Fire Station by approving a contract not to exceed $75,300 with Nies Engineering, who will conduct preliminary site plan work and soil testing. Schmitt said he’s hopeful construction can begin in 2024.
The Central Fire Station will be located south of Joliet Street and west of Anna Street near the town’s water tower. Currently, the Central Fire Station is located at Joliet and Cline Avenue, although it is yet to be determined what will become of that building.
The new fire station will be the town’s primary emergency services hub, featuring a modernized training facility, expanded administrative office space, living quarters for firefighters, and more room for equipment.
Kennedy Avenue project ramps up
In preparation for launching the Kennedy Avenue extension project, the town council approved a $1.9 million contract with DLZ Indiana for construction observation and material testing services. Schmitt expects phase one of the project, which extends a bridge over railroad tracks, to go out for bid by the end of the year, with a goal of starting construction in spring 2025.
Kennedy will be completed in four phases, taking about 10 months each, according to Schmitt. Phase two will extend the road from Avenue H to Junction Avenue and phase three will span Main Street to the bridge. The final phase will extend the road from Main to U.S. 30.
2025 budget passes
The town council approved a 2025 budget estimate of nearly $54 million, an increase of 4.25% over the 2024 budget, according to Clerk-Treasurer Mike Troxell. He noted that the budget includes 4% pay raises for town employees, with a property tax rate of $.499 per $100 assessed valuation.
Schmitt said that going into 2025, the town “is in good financial health.”
“We’ve got a lot of construction projects going on,” he said. “We’re going to be really busy the next couple of years.”
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
