THANK YOU.

As we push toward the end of our 2010 road improvement projects, I would like to thank all whose homes and businesses have been inconvenienced along the way. Once the bids are received and contracts signed for road projects, the work usually moves fairly quickly. Unfortunately, this year we had some more extensive drainage and curb work on Indianapolis Rd. that turned the usual days of inconvenience into several weeks.

My sincere thanks to our citizens for their patience. There are always more roads in need of our attention, but I hope you find this year’s efforts a significant improvement.

Mayor Sue Murray

Campus Community Planning Forum

On Wednesday, August 25, at 7 p.m., City Hall's doors will be open to members of the community who would like to learn more about DePauw University’s plans to re-envision their campus spaces and strengthen the connections between the campus and the greater Greencastle community.

Dr. Brian Casey, DePauw’s president, will join me in what’s to be the first Campus Community Planning Forum that I can remember. We know that the success of DePauw University and the success of Greencastle are mutually beneficial. Our ability to work together is imperative. I hope our citizens will take this opportunity to attend the meeting and add their voices to this most dynamic conversation.

See you there!

Mayor Sue Murray

Second Ward Meeting - August 19

On Thursday, August 19th at 6:30 p.m. at Deer Meadow School, Mayor Sue Murray, City Planner Shannon Norman and I will host the annual Second Ward Neighborhood Meeting to discuss some of the projects that have occurred and that are ongoing in the ward. This includes the work currently being done on the Albin Pond/Safe Routes to School pathway project, recent paving done in and around the area, and Albin Pond Dam improvements. We'll also provide an update of the needs and projects that were addressed at last year's inaugural meeting.

While we want to update you on these projects and accomplishments, one of the main purposes of this meeting is to listen to residents' concerns, problems, and questions, so that we can formulate a list of things that need to be done in the ward over the coming weeks and months. This is best accomplished by listening to you, the residents of the Second Ward, so please come prepared to present any issues, so we can try to address those and bring some resolution to them. All residents of the Second Ward are invited and encouraged to attend.

Hope to see you on August 19th at Deer Meadow School at 6:30 p.m.

Mark Hammer
Second Ward City Councilman

Four-Way Stops Aren't So Easy

Four-way stops aren't so easy.

Earlier this week, in an attempt to make the intersection of Percy Julian Drive and Veterans' Highway safer, the Indiana Department of Transportation installed stop signs on the highway. This was done in recognition of ongoing safety problems in the intersection.

The City of Greencastle has been asking for a traffic light for several years, but apparently we don't meet the "required" traffic counts. As a result, we now have a four-way stop. Our children and the intersection are safer, but patience is needed, especially at heavy traffic times as we all learn to make our way through the stop.

Thank you for your patience.

Mayor Sue Murray

Summer Paving and Sidewalk Projects

Every year, to the best of our ability, we try to repair roads, sidewalks that have trip hazards, and make more of our corners ADA-compliant. This year is no exception. Resources are scarce, but we will be moving forward on some projects. Our Public Works Department works with our city engineer throughout the year to develop the priority lists. We then go out for bids on the identified projects and proceed with what we are able to pay for.

In the coming weeks, work will be done on sections of sidewalk in all four of our wards. Road milling and resurfacing will be done on parts of Indianapolis Road, Shadowlawn, Arlington, Seminary, College Street, Jackson and Highland. There are already signs up for next summer's big road project, Percy Julian Drive.

I know that this kind of work can cause delays and inconveniences, at times. Hopefully, you will find the improvements worth any frustration. Thank you, in advance, for your patience.

Mayor Sue Murray

Fun at the Fair

It's that time of year again! The Putnam County 4-H Fair is in full swing, featuring a number of family-friendly activities. We hope you'll set aside time this week to visit the fair, and enjoy all it has to offer. Visit http://www.putnamcountyfair.net/ for more information.

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