Ball State University is donating a parcel of land to the city of Muncie. As IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports, it will be used to build new housing.

The 12.36 acre parcel northwest of campus is currently being farmed, but is surrounded by other residential neighborhoods. Ball State Vice President of Business Affairs Alan Finn says it was the city’s request to use it for housing.

“The city has a pretty significant need for land that can be developed to provide housing.  These 12 acres could potentially have 30-40 houses on it.”

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour has focused on building new homes in the city, saying it’s needed to drive economic development and a growing workforce.

Ball State is gifting the land to Muncie. Its resolution says the land must be used “for purposes of residential development.”

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Finn says the Muncie Redevelopment Commission will take possession of the land, likely selling it to a developer who will build new homes.

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