Charlestown Newsletter January 2019

Charlestown City Hall 304 Main Cross St Charlestown, IN 47111 812-256-3422

NEWS LETTER Renaissance Project Approved by Redevelopment Commission

The Charlestown Redevelopment Commission has approved a development agreement with ARC Development for Renaissance Park Phase I. Alan Muncy shared his enthusiasm about the project with the commission and expressed excitement about the future of Charlestown. Approximately 40 apartments with either 1 or 2 bedrooms and around 3000 square feet of retail space are part of this phase. Mr. Muncy’s company will now begin the necessary work to prepare for construction in hopes that shovels will be in the ground in late June or early July. The new building will be the first in decades for the downtown area and will be a game-changer for the heart of the city. We appreciate ARC’s confidence in Charlestown and look forward to watching Charlestown grow.

The Renaissance Park project is one more example of how Charlestown is a “Great Place to Live and Raise a Family!”

Water Distribution Sale to Indiana American Water Moves Forward Indiana American Water is moving forward with its purchase of the Charlestown water system after a favorable ruling in December from the Indiana Court of Appeals.

A local opposition group had requested a block of the sale after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved it in March of 2018. In a joint press release from Indiana American and the city, Indiana American Water President Deborah Dewey said, “We are obviously pleased with the ruling from the Indiana Court of Appeals and look forward to closing on the acquisition as soon as possible. After the closing, we plan to do a complete evaluation and develop the best solutions for solving the system’s water quality and water age issues as quickly as possible.” Mayor Bob Hall shares Ms. Dewey’s enthusiasm, “The water issues that Charlestown is

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dealing with aren’t new. It’s been a challenge for more than 50 years, and while it isn’t going to be solved overnight, we are committed to working with Indiana American Water to do whatever it takes to address the town’s infrastructure and water quality needs. The proceeds from the sale and the new tax revenues the will be coming in from Indiana American Water will also help Charlestown to address issues with our sewer system and other pressing community needs. This partnership represents a new chapter for our community and I am looking forward to the new opportunities for growth, p r o s p e r i t y, and a thriving economy that the sale will help bring about.”

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Multiple Projects Combine to Breathe New Life into Downtown Charlestown The Renaissance Project is a key part of the revitalization of downtown Charlestown. When combined with the other facets mentioned here one can begin to see how the area around the city’s central square is taking shape to fit with the Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2016. As residential growth continues existing businesses will benefit and new ones will open to meet demand.

Police Station Construction Continues The new Charlestown Police Station is under roofand covered inTyvek.While the weatherhas not been completely cooperative, the building is proceeding and completion is expected in the spring.

W h e n complete, the new station will mark the first part of downtown development and will be followed by the Renaissance Park Project .

Charlestown’s Parks Garage, the building that sits betwen Greenway Park’s Concession Building and the Police Station has been completely refaced. Once the new Police Station is complete, its rear windows will now have a more attractive view. The makeover completely changed the building’s look. Some landscaping will be added in the spring of 2019 to add a finishing touch.

This conforms to the plan to improve the aesthetic appeal of Charlestown, even when it comes to “utility” buildings.

Decorative Street Signs New decorative street signs and posts were installed at many intersections around the city in 2018. These new signs incorporate the city’s colors into their design and are highly reflective. Along with decorative poles they will be the new standard to conform to the Comprehensive Plan.

Adding Pocket Parks to Communities throughout Charlestown is Key Focus in 2019 In 2019 Mayor Bob Hall and Economic Development Director Eric Vaughn will continue to meet with stakeholders in all communities throughout Charlestown, including Danbury Oaks, Ashley Springs, Highview/ Glendale Community Park Lakeview, Heritage Place, and Woodford Farms, to identify lots on which to build “pocket parks”, like the new Glendale Community Park recently completed on Lafawn Drive. Pocket parks are a key component in Charlestown’s Comprehensive Plan to bring inviting places for families to enjoy recreational activities close to their homes. Glendale Park has a shelter house, grill, swings, and playground equipment.

The new parks will add to our existing park system that includes Werner Dog Park, Greenway Park, and Knoebel Park.

Opened in 2018, Werner Park, has two spacious Knoebel Park

sections, one each for large dogs and smaller canines, and playground equipment for dogs in both sections. There is a multi-use path ,about a quarter mile in length, Werner Dog Park and strategically placed benches along the creek and inside the fenced areas for enjoyment whether or not you bring your pooch. Knoebel Park, on Church Street, has a shelter house, grill, basketball court, and playground equipment for all ages. Greenway Park, with its scenic waterfall and Pleasant Run stream has the amenities of the other parks and much more.

The new parks that will be added throughout the city will Greeenway Park build on Charlestown’s tradition of being “A Great Place to Live and Raise a Family.”

R O S E I S L A N D P L AY H O U S E @ T H E A RT S & E N R I C H M E N T C E N T E R THE CHARITABLE SISTERHOOD OF THE SECOND TRINITY VICTORY CHURCH M A R C H 8 , 9 ,1 5 , A N D 1 6 @ 7 : 3 0 P. M .

M A R C H 1 0 & 1 7 @ 2 P. M .