The town is exploring an option that could help bring new life to vacant buildings on Broadway.
Town Manager Bruce Spires said officials want to focus on an area from 68th Place to the town's north boundary on Broadway, which has several vacant buildings.
Spires said he met with Town Attorney John Bushemi to discuss possible incentives Merrillville could offer to attract businesses to that area.
Bushemi suggested vacant building tax abatement could be an option.
Spires said it's a two-year abatement in which a business would pay no property taxes in the first year and 50 percent in the second year if it locates in a vacant structure.
Clerk-Treasurer Eugene Guernsey said it can take two years for a business to get established, and he thinks the abatement could be helpful for that area of Merrillville.
"That north end is important to the town," Guernsey said.
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