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 Post subject: Work on master plan advances
PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 11:21 pm 
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Work on master plan advances

WINFIELD | As the town continues to grow, officials want to carefully control its expansion.

Master Plan Update Committee members colored in a zoning map last week to show where they want to maintain farming and create commercial and residential growth.

However, because about half of the 12 members were not present, no conclusions were reached.

Committee Chairman Jim Hicks said members are looking at the west side of town, the border off 109th Avenue, for light industry and other things of that nature.

"We are also looking at the potential for another north-south artery in the town, more than just Randolph Street," he said. "We don't know exactly what that north-south artery will be."

Zoning issues are critical, Hicks said, particularly what type of light industry is located at 109th Avenue as the state looks at putting an interchange off Interstate 65 at 109th.

According to its Web site, the Indiana Department of Transportation includes the $10.4 million project to build an interchange off I-65 at 109th in 2011 in a 10-year draft plan for new construction projects. Based on engineering estimates, the daily average traffic for that area is 14,000 motorists.

INDOT spokesman Will Wingfield said the interchange is one of the highest-rated projects for 2011.

"This is a preliminary list, which will be finalized in April," he said.

Hicks, a Winfield resident who retired from Pepsico in Chicago, said an off ramp at 109th will be key to the town.

"That road will go all the way through to Route 2, and it will be a major thoroughfare," he said.

Winfield officials said the town has grown by about 1,000 people since the 2000 Census, bringing its population to about 3,000.

Committee members think the town needs to attract more industry to help with the tax base, he said.

"Parks are also foremost in our minds to address the needs of kids," he said. "We also need a place for senior citizens to congregate and play cards or have programs. A couple of us would like to see a major complex for baseball, soccer field and a place for seniors. I think that would go a long way toward creating a sense of community in the town."

The town budget is about $1.1 million next year, and Hicks said there is no question the town needs to find incremental funding to accommodate parks and money for road infrastructure.

Hicks said at some point a consultant will have to be brought on board to provide expertise on developing a good, solid master plan.

"I think it will be important to look at not just 10 years down the road, but also develop goals and objectives for three years, five years and ongoing," he said.

Councilman Ken Thieneman, who attended his first committee meeting last week, said the members present are thinking along similar lines regarding the zoning map.

The next meeting is set for Nov. 30.


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