Your comments will keep 'The Pulse' beating this week

Some engaged readers and writers got us off to a good start with our inaugural issue of "The Pulse of Putnam County" on Saturday, Sept. 27.

But that was just the beginning of the conversation.

The staff here at the Banner Graphic would like to see an ongoing discussion through this new forum, with citizens exchanging ideas on the topics that affect Putnam County and beyond.

That's why we're asking for even more letters regarding six topics we set forth in the inaugural issue, as well as thoughts on gas prices here in Greencastle and Putnam County, a topic suggested by one of our readers.

The second issue of "The Pulse of Putnam County" is coming on Saturday, Oct. 11, so readers have until Friday morning, Oct. 10, to get us their thoughts.

Readers may submit their thoughts and comments on any of an issue's designated topics to the Banner Graphic Editorial Department, in care of news@bannergraphic.com, or at P.O. Box 509, Greencastle 46135.

Gas Prices in Putnam County -- Unfortunately, fluctuations in gas prices are something motorists have to deal with everywhere. It seems, however, that those fluctuations almost always leave prices in Greencastle higher than in nearby communities like Crawfordsville or Plainfield -- often 25 to 30 cents more per gallon. What's your take on the higher prices here in Putnam County? Do you wait to fill up until you are going to a neighboring county? Does keeping gas tax funds here in Putnam County sway you to pay more?

The Stellar Community -- As Stellar Community projects around Greencastle begin to wind down, share your reflections on the last three years, not only the finished products, but the process by which we've gotten here. How have the improvements and additions added to the quality of life? Has it been worth the inconveniences that come with construction projects? As the city moves beyond the "Stellar" era, what should its next steps be?

Community Center -- Most people in the community would agree that there is a need for a community center such as a YMCA in the Greencastle area. But how to fund its construction and how to pay for long-term maintenance, staffing and utilities is the real question. What are your thoughts about such a center or an alternative and how much would you be willing to contribute or pay on a monthly/yearly basis to use to facility as a member?

U.S. 231 Bypass -- Long talked about but never close to reality, a bypass that would eliminate the truck traffic through downtown Greencastle has again become an issue following the Stellar project work downtown. What do you see as the positives and negatives to such a bypass. Do you think it could ever be a reality and what route could it logically take if funding is ever feasible from state and federal government?

Parking -- One of the longstanding downtown issues has been parking in and around the square. A chance at a downtown parking garage, however, evaporated when bids far exceeded available grant funding. Two surface parking lots are being developed this fall instead. Do you think those lots and a vigorously enforced two-hour parking limit elsewhere downtown will solve the problem? What else do you think needs to be addressed and how would you do it?

Retail Development -- While retail development is mostly a private sector issue based on a person or business' belief they can turn a profit with a specific commercial venture in a certain area. Regardless, we can all dream. Short of hoping for a mall that we all know will never happen, what realistic development of stores, restaurants and specialty shops can you see/hope for in the Greencastle and Putnam County area over the next few years?