The Plymouth City Council took time Monday night to discuss two resolutions that would place the proposed Veterans Parkway Extension project on the project list for the city.
The project would essentially be funded by both Marshall County and the City of Plymouth with two-thirds of the cost being the county’s responsibility. The city’s responsibility of one-third of the cost of the project would come from TIF Funds in the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission’s budget. The county would apply for the project between Michigan Road to Oak Road and the city would apply from Oak Road to Pioneer Drive (or Pine Road).
The council previously reviewed a study conducted by Baker Tilly officials that would support funding the city’s portion of the project out of TIF Funds, specifically the TIF #3 Fund.
However, the council members had several questions about the project. Marshall County Commissioner Michael Burroughs said INDOT thinks it is it a good project, and it has the support of the Marshall County Council and the Marshall County Commissioners. He said Veterans Parkway is one of the most highly traveled areas in the county.
Burroughs stated, “Right now the traffic flow on Veterans Parkway is 5,000 vehicles a day.”
As for what could be foreseen with the U.S. 30 freeway discussions, City Attorney Sean Surrisi said more public input was planned to determine what comments community members bring forward so formal designs have not been finalized. Mayor Mark Senter noted that J-turn proposals in the King and Queen Road areas have been withdrawn.
Marshall County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Laura Walls spoke in favor of the project, mainly for an economic development standpoint in that area of the city and it would create a better traffic flow on U.S. 30 as it would develop another east/west thoroughfare to U.S. 31.
David Miller of Van Vactor Farms said he has mixed feelings about the issue, noting the proposed U.S. 30 freeway and what may happen in terms of closing exits in Plymouth, but it could open more economic development opportunities.
In his comments, Councilman Robert Listenberger said he would not support the project, partially based on public feedback.
“I feel like we have too many other things that could be more worthwhile at this time,” stated Listenberger. “I think this is going to happen eventually in Plymouth. It will happen. It would be nice to have. I would probably enjoy it I’m sure, but do I need it? I don’t think so. Not today. I have a lot of other ideas to spend a million dollars on.”
Councilman Greg Compton stated he supports the project as he sees it is an investment.
Compton added, “Industrial opportunity is what I see, and I think it will help the entire industrial growth too with Mr. Miller’s area – I think they all kind of mingle together and work together. I think it’s a win-win for everyone.”
Councilman Jeff Houin commented that there was no justification for the project until after it was presented.
“I just don’t understand why we need to build it now. Maybe someday in the future, maybe when we get closer to the U.S. 30 freeway, maybe it makes sense to build it at that point. I just don’t see the justification for building this extension now,” said Houin.
Councilman Duane Culp said the time is now to do this project.
“We need to get ahead of the game,” commented Culp. “I think we’re lacking. I think we can get ahead of the game, move forward, have it designed, and get it moving. One of the biggest things that sells me on this is we’ve had complaints in the city before on Harrison Street and North Street with semi traffic. I think this would eliminate that.”
In the end, the council voted 5-2 to deny approval of the resolutions that would place the proposed project on the project list at this time. Councilman Culp and Councilman Compton were the only two people who voted in favor of a motion on the matter.
Prior to the vote, Commissioner Burroughs told the city council that he could not guarantee what direction the county will take on this project without the city’s movement in the effort. The commissioners will likely discuss that soon.
