Curtiss(profile as of mid 2002)

Clark County

Population: 225

Highway 29 expansion completed: October 2001

Located north of the Highway 29 and County Road E interchange, Curtiss is a village for all seasons. Along with a well-groomed snowmobile trail, various sports fields, and community sponsored events, Curtiss offers a local Bed & Breakfast and camping in the park.

Community Perception of the Highway Improvement

Highway safety was the primary concern for the Village of Curtiss regarding the Highway 29 improvement project. Before the construction of the interchange and the highway capacity improvement, the existing highway corridor was dangerous for area residents due to the high traffic. The Village supported the expansion for both safety reasons and growth opportunities.

Current Development

The Village has designated property for industrial and commercial development but nothing has been developed at this time.

The following map illustrates the various types of businesses in Curtiss.

Figure 11 City of Curtiss Businesses

Proposed Development

The Village of Curtiss is at the beginning stages of development planning. However, there has been substantial amount of interest in bringing more businesses into the village. Most of the interest in development is near the new interchange. No development has been confirmed at this time, but a supper club, a truck stop, and a motel are currently under consideration.

Abbyland Port Pack is located right off of the Highway 29 and County Highway E interchange. (2002)

Curtiss has about 60 acres reserved for industrial development. This includes a 50-acre industrial park north of the corridor and 10 acres along the east side of County Road E along Main Street, directly north of the interchange. The Village has set aside another 40 acres in the northeast quadrant of the interchange for commercial development. This area was previously farmland, purchased for about $1,200 - $1,500 per acre and is currently offered at $3,000 per acre. There is no sewer or water on site.

Curtiss has not taken an active role in recruiting businesses to the community. Most of the businesses inquires are the result of developers approaching the Village with proposals for development along the highway and near the interchange.

The following map illustrates planned land use in Curtiss.

Figure 12 Village of Curtiss Planned Land Use

[Alt text: Figure 12. Map of the Village of Curtiss illustrating the village's planned land use in relation to state highways and county streets. The map distinguishes between undetermined and industrial/manufacturing use. Large parcel developments are planned near the Highway 29 interchange and the edge of the village. (2002)] 

Economic Impact of the Highway Improvement

Village officials have indicated that more businesses have been considering Curtiss for development because of the highway expansion and new interchange. Curtiss does not believe that the economic development opportunities would exist without the new interchange and that access to the highway via the interchange is crucial.

With the completion of the highway expansion, traffic passing through Curtiss on County Road E has increased. This increase in traffic has had a positive influence on businesses in Curtiss.

Property Values

Property values have increased along the improved highway corridor, especially near the interchange. The National Farmers Organization (NFO) is currently located in the northwest quadrant of the interchange and is considering relocating and selling the property to take advantage of the anticipated increase in property values.

A local property owner in the northeast quadrant of the interchange is in the process of selling 40 acres for $3,000 per acre. This land was previously valued at $1,200-$1,500, based on its value as farmland. It is anticipated that the 40 acres will be used for an industrial park; however, there are currently no utilities (sewer and water) on the property.

Forty acres of developable land are visible from the Highway 29 corridor and County Highway E. (2002)