An agreement with Ball State University was approved by the Knox City Council when members met last week.
Mayor Dennis Estok said he was approached about this opportunity after participating in an AIM conference. The City would be working with individuals from Ball State’s Department of Urban Planning and Community Based Projects.
According to the overview included in the agreement, the purpose of the project would be to prepare a plan for the City of Knox, with the goal of assisting in the revitalizing the downtown and improving historic buildings through sketch and design proposals that will assist property owners with improving their building facades.
Estok mentioned that having the designs in place will be beneficial if the Constellation of Starke is successful in receiving this year’s Regional Stellar Communities Designation since the downtown revitalization project listed as one of the City’s proposed projects includes the façade program.
Estok added that if the Stellar designation is not received this year, the City would still proceed with the façade program through the redevelopment commission.
The cost associated with the agreement is approximately $5,665. Mayor Estok told members how he felt about the cost.
Estok explained, “You know, I think the price is very, very reasonable for what we want to get out of it and I think we’ll use it one way or the other. If win the Stellar, we’re going use it, if we don’t then we’re going to start next year with the façade program, hopefully.”
Council President Ron Parker asked if they would have time to wait, as the entire council was not in attendance during last week’s meeting. However, Mayor Estok responded that he needs to get back in touch with the Ball State rep as soon as possible to give them advance notice because the project would begin in January.
The council members ended up casting a unanimous vote to approve the agreement with Ball State University.
