Look for new 4-way stopsigns as soon as this coming week

Friday, March 9, 2018

With final approval green-lighting an ordinance establishing new four-way stopsigns at two of Greencastle’s most congested local intersections, installation of the new signs could come as early as next week, the City Council was told Thursday night.

During its March meeting, the Council unanimously approved second and final reading of Ordinance 2018-1, adopting a measure that designates the intersections of Vine and Franklin streets and Indiana and Walnut streets as four-way stops.

With the ordinance listed as the agenda’s only old business, Council President Adam Cohen looked out toward the sparse audience that remained at City Hall near the end of the 45-minute session to say, “I assume nobody is here from the public to speak to this or to oppose it?”

With not a discouraging word within earshot, the Council proceeded with a second unanimous vote on the measure which is designed to make safer intersections of two areas that have long suffered from limited visibility.

Compounding that issue, recent developments around both locations -- for instance, with Wasser Brewing now in the former NAPA store at Vine and Franklin, and Taphouse 24 in the old Horace Link/Video Heaven site at Indiana and Walnut -- have meant additional traffic, more parked cars and trucks and the presence of added delivery vehicles, all making for less unobstructed sightlines.

Next up for those intersections will be more new red octagonal signage.

“How quickly does this happen?” asked Second Ward Councilor Stacie Langdon, who has been the most vocal among her peers about moving the stopsign issue forward.

“We first have to call in ‘locates,’” Mayor Bill Dory said, “although I think Brad (Department of Public Works Commissioner Phillips) did that already, but we still have to call in locates for ‘Holey Moley’ (for locating possible underground utility lines). Brad already has all the parts on hand to do it.”

That could mean pretty quick implementation, Langdon suggested.

“It could be next week or so,” Mayor Dory said. “We’ve talked about maybe even trying to put up some warning signs because of different traffic patterns. And we’ll work with (the Banner Graphic), so it’s in the paper to let people know when it’s happening as well.”

Meanwhile, the City Council also approved special requests from:

-- The Putnam County FOP, represented by Officer Darrel Bunten, to stage its fifth annual 5K run May 12, using Robe-Ann Park and city streets, including crossing Bloomington at Seminary, where traffic will be managed by city officers. No street closures will be necessary for the fundraising 5K that will donate proceeds to the Indiana chapter of FOP to assist families of fallen officers.

-- Big Bounce Fun House Rentals and Greencastle Presbyterian Church for Second Saturday events during April, May, July, August, September and October. Indiana Street (between Washington and Walnut) will be closed from 6 p.m.-midnight for Second Saturday Movie Nights.

-- The DePauw University Alumni Office for Indiana Street (between Washington and Walnut) for a June 9 downtown block party under the new canopy of lights installed for its 2017 event. The 4 p.m.-midnight street closure also includes a noise waiver for music to continue until 11 p.m.

-- The Greencastle Farmers Market for Indiana and Franklin streets downtown to be closed in the traditional L-shaped configuration from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays from May through October.

The City Council also:

-- Heard Park Director Rod Weinschenk announce that the park is taking applications for part-time summer help.

-- Learned that the annual Easter egg hunt at Robe-Ann Park is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24 for youngsters age 1-11 in five age categories.

-- Heard the mayor report that construction is due to begin shortly on the new park bandshell with financing in place and all state permits secured. Joe Spiker Excavating and Construction will do the project, which is scheduled for May 29 completion.

-- Heard Mayor Dory note that the public hearing on tax abatement for latest Chiyoda equipment expansion will be conducted at the Council’s April 12 meeting.

The Council will next meet in regular session at 7 p.m. April 12 at City Hall.

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  • It would seem that we should have install loading zones at the two intersections if delivery vehicle's are obstructing the sightlines first. With the stop signs cars will be backing up on Indiana Street towards Washington Street and impacting flow of traffic creating a gridlock at the stop light. Enjoy.

    -- Posted by johnn on Mon, Mar 12, 2018, at 9:00 AM
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