When the Argos Town Council met last week, members authorized a $7,000 contribution to be made toward the Marshall County Crossroads Stellar Communities Initiative.
Members also heard from John G. VanDerWeele about how the county-wide effort is going so far. He told members that this year’s focus is on quality of life and added that officials are looking to get as much feedback from the community as possible.
To help with that, VanDerWeele said they’re considering stationing a public engagement booth at the Argos Summer Kickoff Festival this June.
He explained, “Marshall County residents will be able to go up and give input and collaborate on projects and things they want to see in the community.”
He then went on to describe the three main projects that have been submitted for the Town of Argos.
VanDerWeele mentioned, “The first one being Parkview Meadows Housing Development on 16th Road. Also we have submitted Pond Park which is going to be done in collaboration with what is already started through our Parks Department.”
VanDerWeele said the third project would give patrons the ability to walk from park to park and to access the new community center that’s being built at the fairgrounds.
He shared, “Project number three is connectivity sidewalks and walkability and walking paths through the town. Primarily, this would focus more towards phase 1 and 2 which would be Indiana Avenue, Clinton Street and Pond Park.”
Argos officials were also informed about the recent change that OCRA made to the Stellar Communities Program. VanDerWeele explained that only one designee will be selected.
He explained that the switch will bring more funding into the community now matter what. The chosen designee will now be getting more grant funding since it doesn’t have to be split between two regions.
He added that if they miss the designation, they’ll still receive a portion of $1 million to move forward with the regional development plan.
