By Carol Anders Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Immediately following the Redevelopment meeting Tuesday night, Commission member Ed  DeMont resigned.
DeMont said his resignation, which he gave to Mayor Mark Senter, was effective immediately.
He was appointed to the Redevelopment Commission Jan. 1, 2008.
During the meeting, the commission was asked to consider signing a $100,000 contract with Ratio Architects for the South Gateway Project. Ratio has been working on the project for several months that can be paid for in part by a federal transportation grant; however, they have been working on the project for the last six months without a contract.
The grant is in the amount of $1 million and requires a match by the city that could be as much as $250,000.

DeMont asked several times during the meeting to have a public meeting on the matter prior to signing a contract.
DeMont pointed to the current economic conditions as one reason for holding off on the project. He said, “There are significant increases to the cost estimates provided to us and I think we should find out what the citizens want.”
However, in the end, the vote to move forward was 3-1 in favor. DeMont cast the only opposing vote.
In a statement Wednesday, DeMont said, “Had I remained on the commission it would imply I am in agreement with Don Wendel’s approach. I am not against all of the project, but I am against part of it.”
A portion of the overall project being considered is the demolition of the building adjacent to the Yellow River commonly known as the Cook-Demitt Building. The property could eventually be used as a part of the Greenways Trail.
DeMont said, “The amount of space will be  taken off the property tax roles and turned over to the park department to care for and maintain forever. The Plymouth taxpayers will lose tax revenue and incur significant expense in maintaining this forever.”
As President of the Commission, Wendel cannot make a motion, but he did share his thoughts at the meeting. He said, “I feel we have done our due diligence.”
He did agree that the cost figures for the project have changed over the course of the discussions. He said, “We have a copy of the original study and we have each had for citizens to talk to us.”
He also commented on the matter Wednesday. Wendel said, “We have had the study since last April. There have been lots of meetings on it — lots of discussions on it. I felt confident going ahead.”
DeMont said, “On Friday, Aug. 22, we were given data regarding the costs of the five major components of the South Gateway Project. These items totaled $2,213,048. Our total budget was $1, 250,000. We were told we needed to set priorities at our meeting on the following Tuesday.”
DeMont also points to errors in the worksheets that were presented at the Aug. 22, 2008 meeting. He said, “They (Ratio) showed a cost of $770,537. If you examine the worksheet and add correctly and apply fee percentages correctly, it is really $1,217,820.”
DeMont added, “We are not professionals in respect to the type of work the Redevelopment does. We are average citizens. They expected us to digest this data over the weekend and make a decision on $1,250,000 of taxpayer money on Tuesday.”
Wendel indicated that they (board) have to depend on “experts” such as Rick Gaul, city engineer, and Nelson Chipman, city attorney.
Redevelopment Commissions are responsible for developing plans to address blighted areas or underutilized land that could have economic significance. Funding comes from TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts when  taxes are captured for development purposes.
Three of the five-member Plymouth Redevelopment Commission are appointed by the mayor and two are appointed by the Common Council. The one-year terms of office end on Dec. 31 of each year; however, members can be re-appointed. Members are volunteers and do not receive a salary.
Current members include Dan Tyree, Tom Pedavoli and Don Wendel. Shawn Grobe was appointed to the commission as well, but has not taken the oath of office yet.
Both Wendel and Grobe were appointed by the Common Council.
Melissa Christianson was appointed to the board from the Plymouth School Corporation, but is a non-voting member.
Grobe was not present at the Feb. 17 meeting.
In order to accomplish redevelopment, the commission can utilize eminent domain; purchase land and property; hold, sell or lease property; clear property for redevelopment purposes; repair, maintain, and make major structural improvement to property for redevelopment purposes; survey and examine land to be acquired for redevelopment purposes; and accept loans, grants and other financial assistance from Federal and state governments and other sources.