Clermont's Quality Of Life Issues Examined(posted Nov 17)
The Clermont Study Steering Committee and concerned residents joined Ball State University College of Architecture Executive Director Scott Truex and five of his students to discuss quality of life issues that could increase the town's viability. Town Councilor Walt Miller, who selected the steering committee members, explained the "commonality of concern" that was revealed at the November 12 meeting. For the most part, people are concerned about Main Street's appearance and the lack of retail shopping and restaurants. Miller said the college students will use the discussion information to develop a recommendation for the town's direction. He expected the steering committee to meet again in December. Mike Osterander said he has lived in Tansel Park for seven years, and at the age of 42, Osterander is not planning to move away from the area. "I plan on retiring here," he said. Osterander explained he located in the area because of Wayne Township schools. He touted the Ben Davis Dad's program as an example of the efforts the school district does to provide a good education. This is not the first steering committee meeting. Truex initially came to Clermont to discuss Ball State's Urban Planning services that would use grant money to fund Clermont's planning project. Since the summer, Truex and the steering committee developed a survey that was mailed to a 1,000 households to ask about various issues, including demographics. Truex said the project is not free and "we are hoping to be reimbursed through grants." Truex wants to host a planning meeting where actual schematics are drawn based on public input. He said that meeting would require "some resources." Truex explained the committee's quality of life study is based on the Great Indy Neighborhood Initiative (GINI) program that selected six neighborhoods in Indianapolis to revitalize. Truex indicated that all of this could change with the new administration. Ball State University and the City of Indianapolis have partnered to help improve urban planning. Resident Linda Lucas said "I came because I am against it." She said she received a survey but was curious as to why her neighbors Leonard Bateson and Linda Backus didn't receive one even though they live in town. Mike McCormack, Wayne Township Assessor, contended if the community really wants redevelopment it would occur at the grassroots level and an outside agency would not be needed to drive the plan. He is concerned with the town's limited ability to take on a redevelopment project,especially if the town gets tagged with the projected $360,000 fire contract with Wayne Township for 2008. "This will cost the town money and we don't have the money. Remember the fire contract," Backus said. Shawn Gault, steering committee member, said she is pleased with the work of Ball State students and is looking forward to the outcome. "For the most part, my family and the people of Clermont seem to be happy or OK with the quality of life here. I think the majority of the people would like to see downtown spruced up a bit; perhaps a face lift of some sorts. Some citizens expressed a desire for more real dining establishments and maybe a dental office." Town Councilor Nancy Baxter, also a steering committee member, was surprised to see more people living outside Clermont participating than actual residents. She did not have a problem with their participation but mentioned that paying for the project would fall on the shoulders of Clermont residents to pay for non-residents desires to improve US 136. She does not think adding more sidewalks will encourage people on the outskirts of town to walk into town due to the fast paced life styles. She noted that Clermont is basically landlocked so they can't annex to expand the tax base to pay for redevelopment. "I am not opposed to change, but when Clermont residents are not participating it tells me they are okay with the way things are." She said Ball State's statistics showed that the average income in Clermont is $51,000 which is higher than Speedway at $37,000. She said they are above the state's average in completing high school or a GED. She said the data signals to her that people must be choosing to live in Clermont because they are educated and making above average income to make informed decisions. She said she would not mind if a doctor's office, pharmacy or grocery store returned to US 136. She misses the convenience and small town quaintness that Toler's Pharmacy and the IGA Store provided that bigger chain stores can't do. Baxter remains very apprehensive of redevelopment after watching a business owner in Speedway "suffer" as he sets in limbo waiting for the redevelopment process to be achieved. Business owners are in limbo while waiting to see if they are going to be bought out, or forced out by the use of eminent domain. It makes it difficult to lease or sell because no one knows their fate. She contended that is not right for someone to tell a current business owner they have to leave for the sake of redevelopment. She did not refute that once Main Street in Speedway is completed it will be nice, but she felt sad that people will forget about all of the current business owners that suffered and sacrificed for it. |
