Oftentimes, there is local knowledge about potential development opportunities that does not get translated to site selection databases. While the Boone EDC and IEDC host interactive site mapping applications on their websites, not all properties may be represented. Sites advertised by owner or with smaller brokerages may be left off site selection websites. Continuing to develop these relationships may increase the number of potential development sites on the market and present an image that the City is development friendly. Similarly, some potential development sites may not formally be listed as for sale, but the owner is willing to sell given an appropriate offer.
The Lebanon Business Park is nearly built out. If additional development is to occur, adjacent owners must market their properties for sale.
An office and manufacturing building in the Lebanon Business Park.
Marketing materials for potential development sites should include details of the property and any existing buildings if they exist, as well as zoning information, future land use classification, and nearby City investments of planned investments such as utility upgrades or transportation improvements. The City should not commit to economic development incentives without a thorough understanding of planned investment, proposed job creation, and average wages, but it may be helpful to outline potential incentives or infrastructure improvements that would be considered for different development types or areas, in line with City goals.
Beyond ensuring sites are advertised, the Indiana Site Certified program is an initiative of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) designed to certify sites that are ready for economic development. Sites are certified as either silver, gold, or prime depending on certain parameters and site characteristics. The City should identify a primary staff person to assist property owners in pursuing site certification in alignment with future land use and economic development goals.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation maintains a site locator mapping tool to help market potential development sites.