Charlestown Newsletter August 2018

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

NEWS LETTER New Police Station Moving Forward

Charlestown’s new police station is much closer to becoming reality.

The foundation has been poured. “We are excited that construction has begun. Our existing facility has served us well for many years, but as Charlestown adapts to the growth in our region we are ready for an updated Police Station,” stated Chief Keith McDonald. The Wheatley Group and GM Development are developing the project. Mayor Bob Hall, Chief McDonald, Chuck Ledbetter, Jr., and the developers have worked closely together to ensure that the new facility meets the demands of today and anticipates the needs of tomorrow, while remaining within budget. “ Our officers and the community deserve this new Police Station,” said Mayor Hall.

The Villas at Springville Manor The Villas at Springville Manor continue to fill with residents. 32 houses have been built, many are occupied, and purchase agreements are being signed regularly. The homes are on Fulkerson Drive two blocks east of Pleasant Ridge Primary School. The community of 55 and older residents is a great option for homeowners choosing to move out of the Pleasant Ridge Redevelopment Area. This continuing effort is to ensure that seniors from Pleasant Ridge subdivision have a safe and beautiful home. Seniors who have already moved in are saying great things about their new community and homes. “My wife and I are very happy with our new home. We are saving money and we have wonderful neighbors. The Mayor and City Council have kept their word,” David Hayes commented. Violet Pelsor, a 92 years young resident, stated, “This is my first new home and I love living here.” Susan Riley is available for consultation with people considering purchasing a home in Springville Manor.

Dog Park Construction Continues Construction of the new Dog Park in Charlestown is coming along nicely. Many trees have been cleared, but many remain to help provide shade. The fence is being installed. The park, located on the west side of Spring Street, behind Greenway Park, has a walking path on the outside of the fence. It will be extremely spacious with two areas, one for large dogs and one for smaller dogs. Annual registration will be required, as will proof of up-to-date vaccinations. There will be a webpage on cityofcharlestown.com for the park. Rules and regulations about the dog park have been included in a new ordinance passed by the Charlestown City Council. That ordinance will be made available through the city website upon adoption. A Ribbon Cutting for the park is set for August 30th.

Visit the City of Charlestown website at CityofCharlestown.com

Find us on Tweet us on Visit us on On the Back: *Decorative Signs *Parks Garage *Perfect Audit *Glendale Park

City Receives “Perfect Audit” Congratulations to Clerk-Treasurer Donna Coomer and her staff for a job well done. The Indiana State Board of Accounts audited the five-year period of 2012-2016 and made no “findings” which translates into a “perfect audit.” The report shows all monies have been spent appropriately and according to procedures established by the State of Indiana. Donna and her team work dilegently to keep great records and to be good stewards of Charlestown taxpayers’ money. Mayor Bob said, “As Mayor, it is validating to get a comprehensive audit from the State Board of Accounts that shows all monies have been approved and spent appropriately. ” Donna agreed and added, “I am honored to be Clerk-Treasurer for Charlestown and work hard to be a good public servant for the community I love. I thank everyone on my staff for this outstanding achievement that requires a team effort.”

Parks Garage Gets a Makeover The corrugated metal building behind the police station and above the Greenway Park concession stand, affectionately referred to as the “parks garage,” is receiving a long awaited facelift. Economic Development Director Eric Vaughn, who is project lead on the upgrade, is glad to see the improvements nearing completion, “The parks garage is essential to all the good things that Rhonda does through Charlestown Parks, particularly our huge Christmas celebration, but it has not been very aesthetically appealing.

This makeover will fit in with our Comprehensive Plan and be consistent with the overall transformation going on in Charlestown.” Painted plank siding will be complemented by Coronado Stone around the bottom of the building, with landscaping added to further enhance its appeal. The building will be “capped” with two cupolas.

New decorative street signs are being installed around the city. The signs went up first on Market Street and the City Square. These new signs will be the standard as we continue to follow the Comprehensive Plan laid out in 2016 and will enhance our neighboorhods. As sidewalks are installed along Monroe Street , the new signs and decorative street lights will be added.

Moment with the Mayor

It’s a great time to be Mayor of Charlestown.

The city is growing with 8 active subdivisions.

Our schools have become the best in the region. Parks, sidewalks, road projects, and a new police station are being built to stay ahead of the demand created by the Lewis and Clark Bridge and the continued activity in River Ridge Commerce Center. Commercial and retail growth is coming.

We hope that this monthly newsletter, and expanded information on our website, will keep you up to date on Charlestown news. I love this community and want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve.

Glendale Community Park Under Construction A new park is being built in the Glendale area of Charlestown. A groundbreaking for the park, on LaFawn Drive, was held in July and construction is moving as quickly as weather permits. As can be seen from the concept drawing, there will be a shelter house, swings, and a sizeable multi-level play system. Glendale Community Park is part of the continued expansion of Charlestown’s parks network. Greenway Park and Knoebel Park will soon be joined by our new Dog Park, slated for a Ribbon Cutting on August 30th. Long range planning calls for “pocket parks”, similar to the new one in Glendale, to be located in other areas around the city. Look for more information about them in upcoming newsletters, on our website (cityofcharlestown.com) and on social media.

Christmas in Charlestown, southern Indiana’s “Christmas City”, is just around the corner! Light Up Charlestown is Friday, November 23rd.

On the Front: * New Police Station *New Dog Park * The Villas at Springville Manor

Visit the website of the Charlestown Police Department at www.ctownpd.com or find us on Facebook.