MUNCIE, Ind. — In a brief and less contentious meeting compared to the recent opioid settlement fiasco in April, Muncie City Council decided not to make a call yet on appointing a new commissioner for the Ethics Commission. The meeting also covered approval for the Mayor Ridenour to apply for funding from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and guiding the ongoing BSU Village Revitalization Plan.

W.C. Edwards, one of the Democratic appointments made by council in January, told council that he can’t continue his role in the commission due to illness. In May, Council President Harold Mason brought up the upcoming vote to appoint a new member, while also stating that he would like the individual to be a minority to represent diversity in the Muncie community. Both because of President Mason’s absence last night, and an unknown nominee who withdrew, the eight members decided to push the decision for the July 7th meeting.

Allowing a PILOT (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) agreement for Ball State’s Village Revitalization Plan, council unanimously adopted Resolution 13-25 to establish the area of the Cantio Hotel as an Economic Revitalization Area. The decision allows the new hotel to seek tax abatements, though a hearing will take place for July 7th at 7pm at City Hall. The revitalization plan broadly has been debatable for many in Muncie, as residents either are skeptical of the ideas by BSU for improving the university-community relationship, or believe that the current plan intends on putting community input into account. During a discussion for the separate item Ord. 21-25, Council-member Nora Powell mentioned that she was glad that the revitalization project in the BSU Village had input from community members who were impacted by the plan. Though earlier on in December 2023, community members had concerns over how the project would negatively impact properties and parking lots.