City of Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter
Article submitted by Jamie Fleury, The Pilot News Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — City of Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter delivered his annual Plymouth State of the City Address to members of the Common Council, Clerk Treasurer Lynn Gorski, members of the public through media and the citizens of Plymouth.
Mayor Senter opened, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to once more address our citizens on the status of our city in which we live, work & play. The last two years have been like no other for this community; our state; our nation and the world! But there is one thing we can do…let us pay reverence to the 184 persons in Marshall County and the 22,000+ Hoosiers that have died during this tragic pandemic. How about a moment of silence…Thank you. Some of those that have passed were our family members, best friends and a several community leaders and they all will be missed by many.”
He recognized the Crossroads Stellar Committee for their continued commitment to “Great Hometowns: One Vision.”
He illustrated downtown Plymouth as an “Arts Mecca” including the Heartland Artists Gallery, the Wild Rose Moon, the Mayor’s Month of Music and the REES.
He noted the progress on the Greenway Trail now in Phase III and River Park Square Phase II.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Riverside Commons last year. “Last year Marshall County Developer Kevin Berger applied for tax credits through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. Riverside Commons was awarded the tax credits, and this could not have happened without Marshall County being a Stellar Community. The project brings 40 townhouses to the area of Baker and Richter Road just east of Riverside Intermediate School.”
Mayor Senter mentioned the Crossroads Plaza beautification project which will be located on the northeast corner of Michigan St. and Jefferson St. Five historic byways travel through Marshall County. Four of those including Lincoln Highway, Michigan Road, Yellowstone Trail and Dixie Highway converge at the Crossroads Plaza intersection. The project will commemorate those four “Crossroads of Northern Indiana.”
Work on Centennial Crossing is “going strong” with work on additional apartment complexes. A total of 275 units including senior housing, single family dwellings, apartments, condominiums, and a club house are all part of a comprehensive plan to increase housing opportunities in Plymouth and for Marshall County.
Mayor Senter highlighted the ribbon cutting for Saint Katherina Kasper Serenity Place in March. “One of the most important ribbon cuttings in the city’s history just occurred two weeks ago when the grand opening for Saint Katherina Kasper Serenity Place on March 10th was officially opened. Six years ago, about eight of us went to a two-day seminar in Bloomington after applying for a very competitive grant for permanent supportive housing for the City of Plymouth. In 2019, the Indiana Supportive Housing Institute Board approved funding to create permanent supportive housing in Plymouth. Garden Court Incorporated was awarded over $1.7 million that will go towards the new construction of 18 units on West Jefferson Street. If you will remember, Serenity Wilson lost her life in September 2015. This new facility, that will be operated by Garden Court Inc., and was named after Serenity. One of her grandmothers, Gina Williams, was there to witness the ribbon cutting. Currently The Bowen Center is taking applications for occupancy. Thanks to all involved for making this happen!”
Mayor Senter recognized Marshall County Economic Development Director Laura Walls for her role in increasing employment opportunities and investment in Plymouth. “We have to keep reminding ourselves that retention of jobs and companies are just as important as getting “The Big One!” Notable additions included Complexus Medical Devices in the former 3M building which brought in $3.12 M in investment and six jobs, Divert Incorporated which will occupy the newly constructed commerce building located at Pioneer and Jim Neu Drive which brought in $4.32 M in investment and 55 new jobs, Holladay Properties which brought in $3.3 M in investment and 85 new jobs, and an Oasis Lifestyle expansion with a second building on North Pioneer drive which brought in $12 M in investment and 44 new jobs.
Mayor Senter also noted that Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation (PIDCO) will be assisting with the expansion of an existing company with the construction of a new building on Commerce Drive.
Additional retail opportunities included Planet Fitness in the Kroger Plaza, and Burkes Outlet Store and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet located in the Pilgrim Place Shopping Center. Three new clothing stores have opened in downtown Plymouth including Lock & Key, Ella + Ava, and the Butterfly Boutique which will be opening soon.
A new restaurant, Antojitos has opened downtown, along with Always Images Photography Studio. A new plant and coffee shop on Water Street has opened called Ivy Terra. The Royalty Hair Studio on Laporte St. is open for business.
Plymouth continues to anticipate the grand opening of Culver’s where Ponderosa used to be.
A ribbon cutting was held Monday to celebrate the Surf Broadand internet project.
Mayor Senter recognized the Plymouth Common Council for innovative solutions to confronting challenges head-on. He recognized Plymouth Police Department Chief David Bacon and Plymouth Fire Department Chief Steve Holm for their collaboration with the City to attract and retain invaluable staff and volunteers.
He thanked each department head, elected official, staff member, committee member and volunteer that contributes to the success of the community. “THANK YOU!”
