Marshall County is stellar but what does that mean to the people? What affect will it have on the city and towns in Marshall County or the people?
As a result of the designation, Marshall County will receive more than $8 million from OCRA and $4 million from the Indiana Department of Transportation, as well as $1.4 million from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, with the potential for up to $1.6 million in annual rental housing tax credits. The Indiana State Department of Health will also provide $75,000 through its Health & Wellness Program. While this money is designated for the Stellar projects on the application, there is still the requirement for local matching money.
So what are some of the Stellar projects in the various communities?
Argos’s Stellar projects focus on trails and sidewalks that will connect the parks that create Argos’s “town within a park” vision. These will not only connect Pond Park and Unity Park, but they will also connect Pond Park to the Argos Fairgrounds’ community center, which is a county project funded by OCRA. Argos will also invest funds in new or enhanced gathering spaces with their Pond Park project and downtown green-space revitalization. Argos is also investing in housing and a fire station as complementary projects.
Bourbon’s primary Stellar project prepares the town for future development by completing a major wastewater utility project. Having completed a planning grant, Bourbon’s priority is to upgrade its wastewater utility on the north end of town. Complementary projects include a fire station, the restoration of the old school gym, a manufacturing center and a commercial development.
Bremen’s Stellar projects invest in the downtown Main Street corridor, where the town is currently implementing a downtown master plan. Bremen received an INDOT grant to implement the plan. The Jackson Street flex street Stellar project will create a gathering space just off of Main Street where a pavilion, outdoor seating and stage will host the Farmers’ Market and other community events. One block off of Main Street on South Street, Bremen would also like to rehabilitate St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to add a new community center. In additional to these projects, Bremen plans to improve and enhance the intersection of Bowen Avenue and Plymouth Street, a major intersection and gateway into the town. Finally, Bremen plans to upgrade a community pool and create a kayak launch, complementary projects that will connect Bremen to Plymouth’s kayak launch.
Culver’s Stellar projects build on the town’s previous Stellar designation. The town plans to connect their new housing development on the west end of town to the school and downtown district via a new trail section. In addition, Culver plans for a major park project with the build-out of the natural playground that takes advantage of the topography of the property and the views of the lake. This natural playground will feature multiple playing areas and a patio/outdoor seating area that would accommodate large groups during the numerous park events and festivals Culver hosts in its park.
LaPaz plans to invest in housing on its main street corridor and a splash pad at their park. North Township owns the other half of the LaPaz Park and it will provide the water service for the splash pad. LaPaz would also like to conduct a utility study to look at solutions for bringing a water utility to the town. In addition, the Regional Trail System that the Transportation and Trails Committee is working on plans to start the project in LaPaz; the trail would connect the northern end of the County to the town of LaPaz, starting a trail that would eventually connect LaPaz to Plymouth.
Plymouth’s Stellar projects will invest in the downtown district, River Park Square, and other areas of the city where they have made recent investments. Projects include the renovation of the Rees Theatre, completion of Phase 3 of the Greenway Trail, the enhancement of an existing railroad viaduct, and park playground as well as a veterans’ memorial project. In addition, Plymouth plans to add a housing development for low-to-moderate income residents. The city will also create a pocket park that recognizes the five historic byways that traverse Marshall County with four converging at the intersection of Michigan Street and Jefferson Street.
