Delaware County County earmarks millions for infrastructure improvements

The Delaware County commissioners approved spending millions of dollars in tax increment financing (TIF) funds for not only the sidewalks north of McGalliard Road but also for a plan to overhaul the downtown of the town of Daleville.

Commissioners Sherry Riggin, Shannon Henry and James King approved resolutions earmarking the spending of TIF funds, which are property tax revenue commonly used to fund infrastructure improvements in a TIF district. TIF revenue is generated by new development over and above the existing property tax base. Both projects funded Monday grew out of months of discussion by the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission.

The Morrison Road TIF spending amounts to $7.1 million and would fund a network of new sidewalks along streets including Bethel Avenue north of McGalliard Road and east of Morrison Road.

For years, county officials have cited the need for sidewalks in the area to serve patrons of most of the city’s hotels and many restaurants. For the better part of a decade, the redevelopment commission cited concerns about pedestrians, including visitors to the city, walking in streets or ditches in the area.

Marta Moody, executive director of the Metropolitan Plan Commission, attended Monday’s meeting and elaborated on the northwestside sidewalks plan.