Dunes Plaza

Dunes Plaza

BY CITIZENS TO ELECT RON MEER – – September 2013

When Ron Meer was elected mayor in November 2011, Dunes Plaza was abandoned and blighted. Three years later, Dunes Plaza is a thriving shopping center. Kohl’s, T-J-Maxx, ULTA, OfficeMax, PetSmart, Shoe Carnival, Dollar General, and others, are open for business.

These new businesses are paying property tax, they are providing jobs, and they have changed the appearance of the area for the better!

Ron encouraged and shepherded this transformation from beginning to end. The process started through conversations with a developer. Shortly after March 2012, Dunes Plaza was added to the South Tax Increment Finance District.  In October 2012, environmental remediation was performed on the old structures. Freon gas and asbestos waste were safely removed. In November 2012, demolition began on the old buildings. Then, in December 2012, construction began on the new buildings. In September 2013, Kohl’s opened.

Ron Meer is an advocate for the environment and the Michigan City Kohl’s building is a model of energy efficiency. The Kohl’s building was built according to a prototype that received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification at the Gold level from the U.S. Green Building Council. Features of Kohl’s LEED stores include use of more than 20 percent recycled and 20 percent regionally sourced building materials. Use of a cool white Energy Star-rated roof and water-efficient landscaping and plumbing fixtures, are among many other attributes.

“This is the anchor of our redevelopment efforts in this area,” Meer told those assembled at the ribbon cutting. “You have revitalized the area, and with the emotion, passion, and commitment that you have exhibited today, we know you will be successful.”