Dunkirk Planning Commission Unanimously Approves TIF District; Council Vote Next

From the Dunkirk Planning Commission meeting on April 22, 2026

The Dunkirk Planning Commission unanimously approved a resolution confirming that the city's proposed Tax Increment Financing district is consistent with Dunkirk's plans, clearing the way for a City Council vote expected Monday, April 27.

A TIF district captures future increases in property tax revenue within a designated area and redirects that money to fund local development projects. The proposed district covers a wide swath of Dunkirk, including the 10 acres annexed for a planned 32- to 50-unit housing development, the former Indiana Glass site, downtown Dunkirk, the Ardagh loading dock, the industrial park, and some park land.

Ed Curtain, who is advising the Redevelopment Commission, presented the economic development plan along with a map of the proposed TIF area. The legal resolutions were drafted by Adam Stewart Wald of Barnes & Thornburg, an Indianapolis law firm. Baker Tilly, a national firm, will prepare a tax impact statement identifying effects on all local taxing entities.

Curtain cited Indiana's SEA1 — the 2025 property tax reform law — as motivation for creating the district. He said the law "is going to tend to have a negative impact on communities" and that a TIF district "gives Dunkirk a better opportunity to capture tax dollars." He noted that the planned multifamily development would also bring more residents, allowing the city to capture more local income tax revenue.

If the council approves the resolution Monday, the Redevelopment Commission will hold a public hearing with a 10-day public notice — the final step in the four-part statutory process.

Source: YouTube transcript — 4/22/26 Planning Commission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xm7vR7ciaA)

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.