While Kendallville has the normal chain restaurants, it lacks in options for locally owned restaurants for the whole family to enjoy. Beginning in mid-late November, the options will increase by one.

While it is great to see local entrepreneurs pursue their dream of owning a successful business, it is also great to see the City of Kendallville pursue its dream of attracting economic growth.

This past Tuesday night, the City Council of Kendallville unanimously passed an unusual tax abatement for the Grid Iron Bar and Grill. It was unusual because most applicants have historically been industry related and/or involving a larger investment than the $50,000 reported to improve the real property of the old Gilhooleys building.

The EDAC is the final step before a local business request for a tax abatement from The Kendallville City Council can be presented for a vote. In essence, the EDAC members are presented with the tax abatement request and review its merits for the business as well as the community as a whole. Items like maintaining jobs or increasing them are critical to the review process. In the heart of every abatement request is the desire to help local businesses thrive through a cooperative effort from the City of Kendallville.

Each year, the EDAC review up to 6 abatement requests. In many cases, they are approved for recommendation to City Council. In a few situations, the investment amount and overall economic impact on the community was not sufficient to merit their being recommended.

The EDAC works closely with City Council, the Mayor, and community leaders to ensure economic growth occurs.