Fort Wayne City Council approved the new economic development agreement between the city, RTM Ventures and several new stakeholders Tuesday night, paving the way for Electric Works to meet its closing date.
Two measures received six votes from Council to move forward, one approving the EDA and the other approving the $10 million Legacy funding earmarked to the project.
1st District councilman Paul Ensley and 4th District councilman Jason Arp voted against the new deal; the 2nd District’s Russ Jehl abstained. Arp says he believes there’s going to be less demand for office space in the future, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A celebratory tone was taken among many of the votes supporting the new deal. However, 6th District councilwoman Sharon Tucker -- who ultimately voted “yes” in order to “not stand in the way of progress” -- stated that, when it comes to Legacy dollars, she hopes to see the fruits of the investment pay off in the 6th District.
“I represent a community that has been crying out for a long time for economic development,” said Tucker. “Even though these dollars have the potential to go away there are other dollars that will come in and could help create a climate and an atmosphere southeast for economic development.”
Fort Wayne Community Development Director Nancy Townsend was present at the meeting, and said the goal is to officially close on the deal by December 15.
