A proposal to extend the current Constantine Downtown Development and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan for another ten years will be the subject of a public hearing during the Constantine Village Council meeting on Monday, April 2nd.

In action Monday evening (January 16th), the council voted to schedule the public hearing to receive citizen comments on the matter.

In a memo to the council, Village Manager Mark Honeysett said the DDA and Chuck Eckenstahler have nearly completed a proposed plan for the extension and noted the request to schedule the public hearing.

A related ‘public hearing notice’ says, “If the plan is approved the Downtown Development Authority will use tax increment revenue, in combination with other funds, to implement certain infrastructure improvements, provide assistance to businesses and complete other actions for the benefit of businesses and properties located in the . . . DDA District.  No residential property is to be affected nor acquired under the terms of the Development Plan.”

The notice also says, “At the public hearing, all citizens, taxpayers, and officials from any taxing jurisdiction whose millage may become subject to capture will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.  Written comments may be submitted by mail or in person until 4:00 p.m. of the date of the public hearing at the Village Hall.  All written comments will be read at the public hearing and entered in the official hearing minutes.”  Additionally, “Further information may be obtained from and a copy of the proposed plan may be inspected at the Village Hall during normal business hours.”

In other business, the council – functioning as the village’s Planning Commission – took no action in response to a special land use request to convert the entire building at 1201 South Washington Street to a residential building.  A public hearing was proposed for the council’s February 6th meeting, but it will not be held.