Complete Streets
H.B. 1182, legislation defining Complete Streets for Indiana streets and highways, passed the Indiana House but didn’t make it through the Senate earlier this year. This Bill followed a national trend to look at streets in a more holistic fashion, taking into account pedestrians, bicycles and public transportation, rather than just the minimalist approach of expediting the transit of cars from point A to point B. The Complete Streets ideal also looks at issues concerning stormwater control and optimizaton of pavement.
Culver recently received a grant for renovations to Main Street as it runs through the downtown business district. My understanding is that plans are underway to facilitate these improvements. I spoke to Town Manager, Michael Doss, and he did not believe that the Complete Streets standards would apply. (That was shortly after the grant was obtained and now his remarks appear sage-like as the legislation failed to move forward.) Some of the proposed standards may be of value though and hopefully will be considered by the designer. Improvements that make the downtown business district more pedestrian and cyclist friendly should be helpful. We also have a continuing stormwater issue in Culver that could be improved by changes to impervious surfaces in the downtown. Corrections to the existing stormwater system as well as other infrastructure should be considered as part of this project. It would be prudent to make sure that we’re not tearing up the new street in a couple of years to correct underlying problems.
Culver does not have a lot of new road construction planned, so opportunities to employ this type of design is limited. Now that the review of the the Culver Zoning Ordinance is coming to a close, it might be time to revisit the Subdivision Ordinance. That document has not been updated in decades. The Culver Comprehensive Plan is also past due for a review. Some of the new research and trends should be considered for implementation in our planning documents. Even without updates to these planning documents, there is the potential for doing this type of design through PUD’s under the current ordinance – something I would hope to accomplish with Sand Hill Farm.
Bob Hope Tax Quote
“I love to go to Washington, if only to be near my money.” – Bob Hope
Since 1998 the Library of Congress has been the home of the Bob Hope Collection of documents, photos, videos, films, posters and other materials. At the heart of this treasured collection is his astounding file of some 85,000 jokes. A new exhibit opened the summer, “Hope for America: Performers, Politics & Pop Culture.” Bob Hope and his contributions to entertaining the troops are honored in the Fall 2010 issue of On Patrol, the Magazine of the USO, in an article titled “Hope for America” by James H. Billington.
In Pursuit of Green
Obtainable Green
I ran across the above graphic in an article from Multifamily Executive, a magazine I get at the office, titled Obtainable Target by Laura McKenzie. I’ve written here before about my concerns regarding the cost of “green” vs the claimed savings. From my experience I have my doubts about the above claims of costs vs returns as well as the exageration rate of concerned contractors. There is no doubt that in some cases there are legitimate savings to be obtained through green building. I just want the clients of Easterday Construction to pursue green with their eyes open. Greenwashing can be found in the form of shams from hucksters as well as exageration by wishfull-thinkng zealots. Beware of both. Do the math for yourself. Easterday Construction Co., Inc. would be happy to help you.
Community Conversation on Economic Development
Marshall County residents are invited to a public conversation about a critical issue—building community and economic development strategies—on November 17 at Swan Lake Resort. The one-day event is part of the Community Conversations series, convened with support from the Indiana Humanities Council and the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University. Marshall County was one of eight regions selected.
National, state and local experts in community and economic development will share emerging trends and opportunities to benefit rural counties. The event will feature a keynote address by Richard Longworth, author of Caught in the Middle: America’s Heartland in the Age of Globalism. A free copy of Longworth’s book will be provided to the first fifty (50) people who register to attend.
The morning session will be titled “Turn on the Lights,” and encourage Marshall County residents to think strategically about long-term opportunities for the region. The afternoon session, called, “Connecting the Grid,” will discuss connections to neighboring counties, states and the world. The event will feature several breakout sessions to maximize discussion among participants.
There is a $15 registration fee for the day, which includes program materials and lunch. To register, call the Marshall County Community Foundation at 574-935-5159, visit www.marshallcountycf.org or e-mail jgoepfrich@marshallcountycf.org by November 12. You can download an invitation here.
The cost of the speakers, planning and promotion will be covered by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs, the Indiana Humanities Council. After the meeting, the Bowen Center for Public Affairs will provide additional consultation as needed.
Local event planning partners include:
- Marshall County Community Foundation
- Marshall County Economic Development Corporation
- Bremen Chamber of Commerce
- United Way of Marshall County
Additional event sponsors include:
- NIPSCO
Several statewide partners have committed to lending their expertise and support to the Community Conversation series, including:
- Indiana Chamber of Commerce
- Association of Indiana Counties
- Indiana Association of Cities and Towns
- Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick
- Indiana Grantmakers Alliance
- Indiana Association for Community Economic Development
- Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs
- Indiana Office of Tourism Development
- Community Based Projects, Ball State University
- Indiana Farm Bureau
About the Indiana Humanities Council
The Indiana Humanities Council connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read, talk and listen. As a convener, leader and partner, the Council promotes the public humanities and engages Indiana’s community of minds to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.
About the Bowen Center for Public Affairs
The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University advances the ideals of civic literacy, community involvement, and public service exemplified by the career of Dr. Otis R. Bowen. The Center leads the way in Indiana toward an energized citizenry and vital community life. Learn more at www.bsu.edu/bowencenter.
About the Marshall County Community Foundation
The mission of the Marshall County Community Foundation is to serve all of Marshall County, its people and its future through the growth and administration of endowment funding and philanthropy. Learn more at www.marshallcountycf.org.
About the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation
The mission of the Marshall County Economic Development Corporation is to expand and diversify the economy of the county by fostering investment in new and existing facilities and creating entrepreneurial capacity. Learn more at www.marshallcountyedc.org.
About the Bremen Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce is to unite local businesses and support economic vitality, community prosperity and quality of life. Learn more at www.bremenchamberofcommerce.com
About the United Way of Marshall County
The United Way of Marshall County is creating lasting changes by advancing the common good. The community organization invests in the building blocks for a good life: Education, Income and Health. Learn more at www.marshallcountyuw.org
Jennifer Laurent appointed as Executive Director of MCEDC
Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) announced today that it has appointed Jennifer Laurent to be the Executive Director of the organization. Laurent joined the staff in February, 2010 as Assistant Director of Development Finance and has served as Interim Executive Director since June.
“Jennifer was given the opportunity and support of the MCEDC Board to demonstrate her ability to lead the organization” said Roger Umbaugh, Chair of the MCEDC Board of Directors. “At the same time, a national search was conducted and several other impressive candidates were considered. We’re pleased to announce that the Board has approved Jennifer as Executive Director and look forward to her continued successes.”
“I look forward to continuing our important work to keep and grow jobs in Marshall County and positioning the area for new investment” Laurent said. “We have many competitive strengths – transportation access, a high-caliber workforce, beautiful natural resources – and many innovative industries already at work here. But we need to build our regional alliances and development industry contacts to make sure these assets are well known.”
