In Lake County, dozens of people attended a kick-off session for the Merrillville Momentum comprehensive plan to learn about the process and share their thoughts. The comprehensive plan involves town officials, residents, and business representatives working together to create a vision for Merrillville and to determine strategies to implement that vision. Town Manager Patrick Reardon said the plan will be used for projects that can take place in the near future and up to 20 years out. The plan will address economic development, land use, zoning, infrastructure, utilities, housing, education, recreation, and other aspects of the town. “The success of this plan will be dependent upon you, and your input, and your ideas,” Reardon said to residents on Thursday.
(Photo provided by Town of Merrillville)
At the kick-off session, community members gathered in round table discussions to come up with ideas for Merrillville. Many of the groups had similar thoughts for the community. That includes attracting a convention center, sports complexes, roof-top eateries, and other developments to Merrillville. The area around Interstate 65 and U.S. 30 could be targeted, residents said. Community members also said they would like to see the Town increase the police and fire forces, enhance public transportation, and improve the Broadway corridor.
(Photo provided by Town of Merrillville)
Cory Scott, Project Manager at RDG Planning & Design, said the information collected Thursday will be used in the creation of the comprehensive plan. RDG is the consultant selected to prepare the Town’s plan.
Thursday’s session isn’t the only method to collect information from the public. “Our collective charge is to make sure that all ideas are considered and all thoughts are verbalized,” Reardon said. “That you’re comfortable to say what you like.”
(Photo provided by Town of Merrillville)
Martin Shukert, the Principal Planner at RDG, said there will be planning studios in the summer, and there will be sessions in different areas of the municipality to gather specific details about concerns and ideas in individual locations. Dates for upcoming meetings will be posted on the town’s Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/TheTownofMerrillville ) and a dedicated website for the Merrillville Momentum
comprehensive plan ( https://bit.ly/MerrillvilleMomentum ). At the Merrillville Momentum website, residents can take surveys and make comments about specific areas through an interactive map. Community members are encouraged to participate as much as possible to make the comprehensive plan a success. “We really need your help throughout the process,” Shukert said.
