Danville

Seems Like Old Times at New Ellis Park Amphitheater

There was more than music at the dedication of the new amphitheatre at Ellis Park last Friday, Old memories of past concerts were all around as Levi Riggs and his band perform to the delight of hundreds of music lovers.

At a brief dedication and ribbon-cutting, Parks Superintendent Will Lacey thank all who had helped - the Park Board, Town Council, Town Staff and contractors Scott Perkins of Blackline Studios, Brandon & Sam Clapp of R&M Electric, Kai Phillips of Fish Concrete, Brian Fowler of Tripple N Masonry, and Graden Macintyre and Ronnie Lofton of L&L Erectors.

After decades of service, the first amphitheater fell victim to nature when a large tree fell on it. The new stage features improve lighting and sound and should serve as one of the centerpieces of Ellis Park and a source of entertainment for many years to come.

Thanks to the following sponsors for making the new amphitheater possible: Signature Sponsors: Electric Plus; Hendricks Regional Health; Danville Rotary Club; Gillespie Florists. Gold Sponsors: Abstract and Title; Lawson and Company; Curtis Motors West; Norman and Miller Eye Care; Co-Alliance; North Salem State Bank. Silver Sponsors: Carol Wood; McGovern Construction; Danville Family Eye Care; Re/Max, Tammy Carroll; Endeavor; Sadler fore Sheriff 2022; Hackleman Auto; State Farm Insurance, Doug Catt; Kerauno. Associate Sponsors: Forget-Me-Nots, Cindy Petty; Hometown Insurance, Roxanne Simmons; F.C. Tucker, Debbie Konter; Wright Realtors.

An evening in the park is more than music - it’s learning to perfect your first somersault, practicing your football pass, and the simple pleasure of watching bubbles floating on the breeze..

Council Approves D.R. Horton Project, 4-1

The May 19 meeting of the Danville Town Council started with an ending to weeks of debates, arguments and frustration.

Impassioned remonstrators put in a tremendous effort to convince both Town staff and elected officials to deny the Miles Farm project proposed by D.R.Horton,, but it all ended with a motion to approve the rezone by a vote of 4-1.

Along with legal and practical reasons pointed out by the organized remonstrators, there were personal attacks onTown staff and elected officials throughout the process.

Councilman Chris Gearld, voted against the project, took a minute at the end of the meeting to express his gratitude for all the hard work by staff and his colleagues.

“Staff, thank you for all for all your hard work throughout all of this. I don’t think the project is a bad project, I just think the timing is a little off. But we are going to work through this, we have a good team. We can agree to disagree and that’s what makes this a great Council to work with. So Lesa, thank you for all the hard effort, now let’s get to work.”

The Republican reached out to other elected officials for their comments.

Councilman Greg VanLaere: “I am extremely pleased with the handling of the process from the Town Manager, Department Heads and various other teams that support our town. Staff and town leadership worked with both the Project leaders and concerned citizens in a manner that speaks to the quality of individuals who work and lead our community. Throughout this process, various concerned citizens expressed concern about the Commission or the Council, ‘Not listening to the public.’ As I have participated on both the Commission and the Council, I can attest that we have listened to the public. We just have a difference of opinion.”

Council Vice President David Winters: “…the very best part of this process was the participation from citizens who were concerned about a development of this size coming into town. We listened to their concerns, staff stepped up to the plate and helped the Council, Plan Commission, and developers navigate through the sometimes choppy waters that comes with complex endeavors such as this one. The staff was readily available to answer questions or meet with me when I asked. For example, Town Planner Lesa Ternet and Assistant Town Manager Will Lacy took time on a Sunday to meet with me to answer some of my concerns and to help me better understand the process as a whole. This proved very beneficial and brought clarity on several matters. I personally hope that more of our constituents get involved and show interest in the future. We need to hear from them.”

Council President Tom Pado: “Throughout this process our Town staff, especially Plan Director Lesa Ternet, worked with the petitioner in a very professional manner. Almost everything our staff and council asked for, the petitioner was willing to work with us.

“Contrary to what some people believe, voting “No” would not mean everything goes back to being wonderful and everyone singing Kumbaya. The petitioner could have de-annexed and gone to the County for their development

plans without rezoning the property. Then what would we have gotten? This Town has growing pains whether this project was approved or not and contrary to some of the remonstrator’s comments, our Town staff has been working hard the last few years to put us in a position to grow in a healthy manner.”

In short, it sounds like the Council members are the ones singing Kumbaya, at least for now.

In Other Business...

After nearly two hours dealing with the Horton rezone, the Council proceeded to tackle the remainder of the agenda:

Request for Road Closure from Tracie Shearer/Washington Street Neighborhood on July 10, noon to 10 p.m. for a block party was granged.

A “clean up”amendment to Salary Ordinance was approved.

Ordinances establishing E. Main Corridor Allocation Fund and Downtown Main #1 Allocation Fund were approved.

Ordinance to estable an ARP Fund to receive COVID-19 recovery funds was approved.

Park Superintendent Will Lacey gave his report on the Park Fee. A vote will come at the next meeing.

Request for Tax Abatementby Stone Gray, LLC was denited

Renewal of CF1 for Bio-Response, LLC for its tax abatement was accepted. Capital Expenditures were approved for : Road Mapping in iWorQ from Public Works CVSA Computer from Police Department SCADA Systemfrom - Water Department Easements for Wastewater fom- Wastewater Department.

The Council was reminded of a Retirement Open House for Wastewater Superintendent Jerry Crisp on Wednesday, May 27, at Court House Grounds.

MerchantChatter

Danville Dips

Dips has started the process of preparing a sandwich station. Look for sandwiches, chips, and a pickle to be available in June.

Forget-Me-Nots

We honor our Military, Firefighters and Police everyday with a 10% discount on in store purchase. Thank you for your service.

Gallery On The Square

We will be closed on May 31st in honor of Memorial Day. Thank you to all for your service.

Locker Room Sporting Goods

Enjoy this beautiful Holiday!!

Peace Through Yoga

reminds everyone that Summer is around the corner. Stop in and try two weeks of unlimited Yoga for $39. Also, stop by our Memorial Day Gratitude Flow at 10 a.m.

Start Your Day

Mornings are just right - not too hot, not too cool. What better way to start your day than having breakfast outside at one of our Downtown Danville restaurants?

Guaranteed to put you in a better mood than a drive-thru.

Loan Medical Equipment

Hendricks County Senior Services maintains a limited supply of medical equipment available for loan for residents of Hendricks County as part of the Danville Rotary Club Foundations, Inc’s Durable Medical Equipment Loan program.

Equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call the Senior Center for more information at 317-745-4303.