DYER | Town officials are looking for ways to encourage economic development in its business districts, especially Calumet Avenue.

Town Manager Joe Neeb met Wednesday with members of the redevelopment and planning boards to share ideas, with input from SEH, the town's engineering firm.

Mark Reardon, SEH's economic development director, said Dyer was on Money Magazine's 2005 list of best 100 communities in which to live.

He said it has a lot going for it, including its neighborhoods, close proximity to Chicago and plans for a new community park.

Certain incentives can be used to entice developers, including tax incentives, Reardon said.

A developer interested in Calumet Avenue has already met with Neeb and Redevelopment Director Rick Eberly for staff-level meetings. But the individual has yet to submit a formal proposal, Eberly and Neeb said.

The town has organized itself into four business districts, including Calumet, Sheffield Avenue, U.S. 30 and the Special Use District corridor, which centers on Hart Street in the oldest section of town, which encompass 316 acres.

Town officials spent the greater part of last year developing a plan and zoning package for Calumet and said they are willing to wait a while for the right project that fits their vision for that corridor.