(Greensburg, IN) – Bryan Robbins, the Executive Director of the Greensburg/Decatur County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) presented the results of the community housing needs analysis to Greensburg City Council Tuesday night.
The study was conducted starting in the summer with financial backing from both the city and Decatur County. The goal was to determine what type of housing is currently available, and what is needed to potentially attract development.
Robbins says the biggest discovery is the lack of diversity when it comes to the type of housing. He says 83 percent of the area’s housing stock consists of single-family homes, but there’s untapped potential when it comes to building multi-family homes, rental units, duplexes and condominiums.
In addition, Robbins noted that Decatur County’s population grew between 2010 and 2020, but growth has plateaued in the past five years.
He says primary growth has happened in those aged 55 and older, and that a significant number of commuters work in the county.
Robbins says it’s important to expand local amenities, especially walking trails to connect businesses and workplaces for those who either don’t have transportation or prefer to walk to work.
As for things where go from here, Robbins told WRBI News they’ll continue talking with developers, and use the study to help Decatur County in the housing portion of its comprehensive plan process, including determining where are the best sites for higher-capacity housing.
