MERRILLVILLE | The town has seen an increase of commercial growth in recent years, and officials don't think the trend is going to taper off.

"There are things going on all over the place," Community Development Director Howard Fink said.

The town hired Fink as Merrillville's first community development director about two years ago. Fink has various responsibilities, including serving as a liaison between the town and businesses.

Many projects have been completed or are ongoing in Merrillville,

Century Plaza near U.S. 30 and Amperiplex at the Crossroads on Broadway have been among the areas experiencing commercial growth in Merrillville, town board president Tim Brown said.

Portillo's and Old Time Pottery are among several additions to the Century Plaza.

Fink pointed to an increase of subdivisions in Merrillville, and many existing businesses in the town experiencing some growth as further evidence of favorable economic activity.

He spoke of a Lindco, an equipment sales company, which recently received approval for expansion.

Fink said economic development doesn't just happen overnight, and some projects he started in the last year are still moving forward.

"We're plugging along," Fink said.

He said he hopes to see some developments such as high end retail in Merrillville soon.

Fink said he doesn't expect the commercial development to diminish in Merrillville, and he has been trying different techniques to attract new businesses to the town.

He said he is working with the Merrillville Chamber of Commerce, and it has held development outreach events as well as dveloping an online video detailing what Merrillville has to offer businesses.

Besides commercial development, the town plans roadway improvements, Brown said.

He said Merrillville is expected to move forward with rehabilitation projects on U.S. 30 as well as Rhode Island Street.

RACE Percent

White 69.7

Black 22.9

American Indian/

Alaskan Native 0.3

Asian 1.5

Other 3.4

Hispanic or Latino 9.7

MEDIAN AGE 37

INCOME

Median Household $49,545

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000

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