In Governor Eric Holcomb’s Executive Order delivered on Monday, March 23, it mentioned that some projects may be suspended to offer funds to the COVID-19 response, but the Bremen Downtown Revitalization project is still planned to begin this summer.
Bremen Director of Operations Trend Weldy told MAX 98.3 FM news that the funding for the project has already been allocated for everything to start in June.
As part of the process, Weldy has been attempting to get property owners in the downtown area to sign easements to work on the sidewalk portion of the project. Weldy said four signatures out of 48 easements remain, but one property owner will not sign. The town may need to exercise eminent domain in that case.
Crews from the Indiana Department of Transportation will do an extensive street rehabilitation project on U.S. 6 in downtown Bremen this year. Along with that, the Town of Bremen is working to include a downtown streetscape improvement project within a three-block span at the time the roads are revamped. New sidewalks and curbs are a part of the process along with new and improved lighting.
Another phase of the downtown project is a flex street on South Jackson Street that can be utilized for a host of events including a pavilion and parking along with a gathering space, building façade updates through the town’s façade grant renovation program, outside dining areas, lighting, parking, the addition of a bike lane, and renovating alleys with lighting and art to make them a more friendly space.
