Selling the land around Carroll Manor
By Debbie Lowe

After a presentation to the Carroll County Council at a Friday morning meeting about a potential land sale to Indiana Packers Corporation, Carroll County Economic Development Director Daryl Smith was asked to convey a message to IPC. The message was that before any land negotiations would take place, a more detailed plan would need to be presented.

"The ultimate goal is to see if we can find some of that land (surrounding Carroll Manor) that could be available to sell to IPC," Smith said. "We want to do all we can to support local employers," Smith continued, explaining he represented county economic development, not IPC.

"I would have a hard time selling county land when we might need it later," council member Carl Abbott explained.

Council member Jerry Hendress said Carroll Manor was just awarded a grant to enhance the facility.

"We have to protect that investment," he said.

Smith said IPC indicated an interest in purchasing county land on C.R. 625W. in order to provide additional access to the plant.

"Truck travel on CR 625 concerns me," Hendress added. "I am not against anything, but I want a more planned approach from IPC and the county."

"Let's look at what IPC is willing to do," he suggested.

Hendress said it was prudent to consider where the Hoosier Heartland Highway was going to be built and decide where industrial ground was needed. He suggested utilizing the comprehensive land use plan, which is to be developed this year by Carroll County Area Plan Commission.

Carroll Manor administrator Martha Lewis said a concern she has is that currently trucks going to IPC sometimes block CR100, which presents potential life-threatening issues related to medical and fire runs on the road. She also reported trucks sometime turn around in the facility's driveway.

Commissioners' attorney Barry

Emerson recommended IPC hire a planner to consult with all interested parties and develop a plan to present to county leaders.