Months of questions, discussions and meetings have concluded with the Fortville Town Council approving the implementation of a riverfront district in town. 

Indiana law allows municipalities to create a riverfront development district within a redevelopment area. While there is no river in Fortville, officials are using parts of a creek and ditches throughout town for the distinction. The state does have a stipulation that districts have to be within 1,500 feet of a waterway, however, what constitutes as a waterway is open to interpretation.
Several times this year, the council discussed the possibilities a riverfront district could bring to the town and why it was necessary.

Adam Zaklikowski, planning and building director for Fortville, told council the primary reason for seeking the district was to allow for additional alcohol permits throughout the town.
“We are almost at max capacity, and this is a legal way to do it,” he said.

There are three kinds of permits available to restaurants – beer, beer and wine and beer, wine and spirits. Fortville is currently at its max on permits, which are not transferable and do not allow for carryout.

The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, may, upon recommendation of the town, issue a non-transferrable permit to the proprietor of a restaurant or event venue for the purpose of selling alcoholic beverages within the boundaries of a riverfront development district.

The Fortville Redevelopment Commission determined the creation of the district will help remove barriers to development in the downtown business district. The riverfront district will operate in Fortville’s TIF district, which spans along much of Broadway Street and Maple Street/Fortville Pike. The RDC oversees the TIF district.