GRIFFITH | The Town Council on Wednesday approved a resolution which designates the area near the Griffith Golf Course for redevelopment and paves the way for a possible tax increment financing district designation.

The land is bordered by the Calumet River to the north, River Drive to the south, Cline Avenue to the west and Colfax Street to the east. In a TIF district, a city can borrow money to fund projects in a part of town where it wants to spur economic development.

The 100 acres has been owned by Gary resident Bob Farag for about 25 years and is currently for sale, Redevelopment Commission President Wayne Govert said.

"We're hoping to bring a good business to our town," he added.

The commission started working on the plan in February and hopes to finalize it next month.

The council also approved a $9,820 change order for Shaw Environment for repairs related to the landfill and a change in utility easements for NIPSCO for Komark Limited, which is located in Trail Creek.

Councilman Stanley Dobosz announced the town will be sending a letter to Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., regarding the purchase of the EJ&E Railroad by Canadian National Railway. Dobosz said there is concern about additional traffic, hazardous waste, ungated crossings, train speeds and length, noise pollution, maintenance and right of way.

Visclosky last week said he is opposed to the purchase because of the "track record" of both railroads in holding up important public projects, notably not making way for the Gary/Chicago International Airport expansion or providing rights of way for the South Shore West Lake extension.

However, both railroads are pledging to honor any pre-existing agreements with the airport, news reports indicate. Canadian National has said no to South Shore for use of their tracks from Munster to Valparaiso. However, the South Shore is attempting to negotiate with Canadian National about rights of way.