There are many reasons why the Town of Merrillville should support the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana. Let me list just a few here:
- Community Investment
By funding a Boys and Girls Club, the town is investing in its human capital. The club provides a safe environment for children and teens to develop skills, receive educational support, and engage in activities that promote leadership and responsibility. This can have long-term economic benefits, as better-prepared youth often become more productive adults, enhancing the local workforce.
- Property Value Enhancement
Building a Boys and Girls Club can increase the town’s attractiveness as a place to live. Families may be more inclined to move to or stay in Merrillville due to the presence of quality youth services, which can drive demand for housing and commercial real estate. Subsequently, property values will increase, and the town will generate more tax revenue.
- Job Creation
The club’s construction will create temporary jobs, and once operational, the facility will need staff such as educators, coaches, and administrators. Local businesses may also benefit from the increased activity in the area.
- Youth Crime Reduction
Youth programs like those offered by the Boys and Girls Club often contribute to a reduction in juvenile delinquency and crime. Fewer resources spent on law enforcement and public safety in the future means more financial room for other town initiatives, fostering a more favorable business environment.
- Attracting Businesses
Companies looking to relocate or expand often consider an area’s quality of life, including the availability of community resources for employees and their families. A Boys and Girls Club can contribute to a town’s appeal as a family-friendly place, potentially attracting new businesses and entrepreneurs.
Economic Development
Economic development is generally about improving a community’s financial well-being and quality of life through job creation, infrastructure development, and investment. Supporting a Boys and Girls Club aligns with this goal, as it promotes long-term community growth and stability by addressing social and educational needs while fostering an environment conducive to future economic activity.
By supporting the Boys and Girls Club, Merrillville is proactively strengthening its social infrastructure and supporting its economic development goals. It is precisely what the Tax Increment Financing districts were designed to do for a community. The modest donation of $200,000 annually for ten years will not negatively impact the allocation area’s finances. The benefits of having almost 300 students each school day participate in the various programs offered by the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana will be invaluable to the community. It’s an investment that will pay huge dividends for decades to come.
Rick Bella, Town Council President