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Redevelopment Commission Members Needed
https://lapelindiana.org/news.asp
Redevelopment Commission Members Needed
09/25/2024
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
Author: liveinlapel_bmflb4
Old Anderson Marsh Store to House Needler’s Fresh Market and Ace Hardware as Final Legal Steps Are Completed
09/23/2024
(updated 09/23/2024)
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
The redevelopment of the former Marsh store on Nichol Avenue in Anderson has cleared its final legal hurdle, paving the way for the opening of a Needler’s Fresh Market and Ace Hardware. KennMar Development, the company behind the project, officially closed on the property and assumed ownership, according to Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department.
The Anderson Redevelopment Commission (ARC) received a $500,000 payment from KennMar for the purchase of the site, which has been vacant since the Marsh store closed in 2017. KennMar, which is investing $1.5 million into the project, has already spent $423,541 on interior demolition work, and the ARC has reimbursed the developer approximately $600,000 for that work.
In total, the ARC is providing $7.2 million for essential upgrades, including a new heating and air conditioning system, flooring, electronics, and plumbing. These funds will be released in phases and recaptured through tax revenues based on the increased assessed value of the property.
The new retail space, featuring a 24,500-square-foot Needler’s Fresh Market and a 15,000-square-foot Ace Hardware, is expected to become a cornerstone for further development on Anderson’s west side. The grocery store will also include a drugstore.
“This is a huge win for Anderson and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Greg Winkler. “It will anchor future investments and redevelopment, revitalizing the area.”
Under the project development agreement, KennMar has committed to operating the grocery and hardware stores for a minimum of 10 years. Construction is targeted to begin soon, with the stores were originally set to open by July 1, 2024, or earlier.
While this development may not fully resolve Lapel’s food desert issue, it brings the community one step closer to improving access to essential food supplies.
Lapel Library Nears Completion of Green Space Project to Enhance Community Engagement
09/20/2024
(updated 09/20/2024)
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
LAPEL – The Lapel Public Library is nearing the completion of a green space project aimed at enhancing the community’s options for activities and family gatherings.
Edra Waterman, Director of the Anderson Public Library, shared on Wednesday that the project has been in the works for several years.
“We envision the green space becoming a central part of our services and facilities in Lapel,” Waterman stated. “This project marks our first step toward improving services at the branch, which will also include extended hours.”
Waterman explained that the new space will host story times and other events, incorporating interactive elements for children to enjoy.
A community survey conducted by the South Madison Community Foundation revealed that local residents desired a space specifically for family gatherings in Lapel, according to Waterman.
Fredericks Construction has been working on the concrete portions of the project, which are nearing completion, and Hitchcock Design Group is set to handle the landscaping. Plans include the installation of play structures and a pavilion, anticipated to be finished this fall.
“We’re optimistic that the project will be wrapped up by the fall,” Waterman added. “It’s going to be a fantastic addition.”
Lapel Town Council President, Chad Blake, mentioned that the library consulted with the town council to discuss what the community needed. Initially, the town had considered purchasing the property for additional parking, but with the library’s expanded parking facilities, alternative uses for the space were explored.
“We already have parks in Lapel, but no dedicated area for people to relax outdoors and read,” Blake said. “This green space will be a great enhancement to the downtown area.”
Blake also expressed the hope that the new space will encourage more residents to visit the library.
Melanie Bishop, manager of the Lapel library, shared her excitement about the project’s potential.
“The possibilities are tremendous,” Bishop said. “The pavilion will be able to host entertainment, and the green space will add purpose to how the library is used by the community.”
The library is currently conducting a survey to gather feedback on its hours of operation, programming ideas for various age groups, and suggestions for additional services. New operating hours are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 2, and Bishop noted that the library is in the process of hiring a full-time children’s librarian.
The Herald Bulletin. “Lapel library adding interactive green space area” The Herald Bulletin, Sep. 20, 2024,
Photo Credit Crystal Ake 2024
Update on Lapel’s Water Project: Insights from Brian Robertson
09/18/2024
(updated 09/18/2024)
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
In recent weeks, Brian Robertson, Vice President of the Lapel Town Council, shared an important update on the town’s ongoing water project. The council held two public meetings to address significant developments in the project. One meeting was a special session, while the other was a regular council meeting, both of which were open to the public and extensively advertised.
Reasons for Recent Changes
Brian Robertson explained that government agencies are required to accept the lowest reasonable bid for projects. Initially, the plan was to use a boring method to install new water lines. However, this method proved to be extremely challenging due to difficulties in locating some of Lapel’s utilities using outdated maps. After five months of negotiations and planning, a new approach was agreed upon. The project will now proceed with an “open cut” method, which is expected to better address the unique challenges of the town’s infrastructure.
Project Timeline
According to Robertson, the project is scheduled to restart on or before September 15, 2024. The major completion date for the new water lines, which must be installed and supplying customers, is set for March 31, 2025. The total completion date, which includes final touches, is targeted for April 30, 2025.
Ensuring Timely Progress
Brian Robertson has been assigned the task of conducting weekly meetings with both the engineering team and the contractor to ensure the project remains on schedule. A town utility employee will serve as the primary point of contact and will be on-site daily, reporting any issues directly to Robertson. He will then provide progress reports to the council during their regular monthly meetings.
Focus on Water Quality
Robertson has also been in touch with the water department to explore ways of taking water samples directly from the water meter. The goal is to ensure that the water quality being supplied is up to standard. The town is responsible for water quality up to the meter, while anything beyond that point falls under the property owner’s responsibility. Although there are acknowledged issues with the town’s aging water supply system, Robertson emphasized that the project aims to significantly improve the oldest sections of this system.
Moving Forward
Brian Robertson hopes that this update sheds light on the council’s efforts to enhance Lapel’s water system. He also expressed openness to sharing this information to keep the community well-informed.
The count down is on for this years fair. We still have a few vendor spots avail
09/16/2024
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
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The count down is on for this years fair. We still have a few vendor spots available call Margo Sink @765-617-1498 we are no longer taking applications online!The count down is on for this years fair. We still have a few vendor spots available call Margo Sink @765-617-1498 we are no longer taking applications online!
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Getting ready for your rummage during this years fair? Please post your address
09/06/2024
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
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Getting ready for your rummage during this years fair? Please post your address or street location in comments!Getting ready for your rummage during this years fair? Please post your address or street location in comments!
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Bummed that it’s cancelled for the 4th but SO excited that it’s going to be a pa
08/27/2024
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
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Bummed that it’s cancelled for the 4th but SO excited that it’s going to be a part of the Lapel Village Fair weekend!!💥
July 4th Fireworks Postponed to Village Fair Weekend! After careful consideration, the pyrotechnic producer for our July 4th fireworks show has decided to postpone the event due to the forecasted rain. With scattered showers predicted throughout the day, setting up the fireworks safely without them getting wet is a challenge. Prioritizing safety, we have chosen to postpone the show to avoid any risks. The good news is that the fireworks will now be part of the Lapel Village Fair! They will be launched at 10 PM on Friday, July 12th, concluding the fair’s Friday night events. A street dance on Main Street will end at 10 PM, followed by the fireworks display at the Lapel Middle School football field. We hope you join us with your family and friends to enjoy the show on Friday, July 12th!
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Exciting parade news!!!! Lil Firecracker Parade Postponed to Village Fair Weeke
08/17/2024
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
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Exciting parade news!!!!
Lil Firecracker Parade Postponed to Village Fair Weekend!
After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone the parade due to conflicting forecast reports on when the rain is to start. We want our littles to have a great experience and we have a great plan for them!!
The good news is the Lil Firecracker parade will now be a part of the Lapel Village Fair Parade! For anyone with a little that can’t make that entire parade route, we are working on a shorter route, where they can join in just for the Main Street portion! 🙂
The line up will begin at 2:30 at the Lapel Middle School parking lot and parade begins at 3:30PM! Stay tuned for the alternate route and pick up location details for the little on bikes!
We hope your family still joins in on the fun of decorating your golf carts and spreading our USA Pride on Saturday, July 13th!
Also – for anyone who hasn’t participated in this parade, CANDY is allowed to be thrown out! 🙂
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Don’t forget to sign up for the Dawg jog 5k run/walk, taking place Saturday morn
08/07/2024
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
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Don’t forget to sign up for the Dawg jog 5k run/walk, taking place Saturday morning during the fair July 13 th 🏃🏃♀️⏳time is ticking!
A huge thank you to WC Signs for generously donating their time and talent to produce the course map for the Dawg Jog 5K Run/Walk. Don’t forget to sign up today and guarantee your T-shirt! https://lapelyouthathletics.com/dawg-jog/
Lapel Optimist Club
Lapel Village Fair
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Madison County Tornado: NWS Confirms EF2 Damage
08/01/2024
(updated 08/01/2024)
Published by liveinlapel_bmflb4
Here’s a revised version of the article:
Tornado Hits Madison County, Ind., Causing Severe Damage
MADISON COUNTY, Ind. — A tornado struck Madison County on Monday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
On Tuesday morning, NWS teams conducted a damage survey and confirmed that the extent of the destruction was consistent with a tornado. Sam Lashley, warning coordination meteorologist with NWS Indianapolis, indicated that while the tornado’s exact path is still being determined, it appeared to have moved erratically from near the Hamilton/Madison county line to its final location.
“The debris pattern is strongly indicative of a tornado,” Lashley explained. “We observed circulating patterns, lifting, and lofting of debris, which we use to verify and assess the appropriate wind speed ratings.”
The NWS later confirmed that the tornado was an EF2, with peak winds estimated at 130 mph. It originated in Hamilton County as an EF0 before intensifying as it crossed into Madison County.
The tornado caused significant damage to the Frankton-Lapel Community Schools Administration Building at 7916 W. 300 North. The storm tore the roof off the gymnasium and displaced it 150 yards to the north. The tornado also uprooted trees and traveled across a cornfield before hitting the building.
“There were no injuries reported as the building was unoccupied at the time,” Lashley said. “However, the impact is still considerable for those connected to the school. We strive to provide timely warnings to ensure safety.”
Lashley noted that predicting tornadoes, especially with short lead times, remains challenging. Nevertheless, the NWS managed to issue a warning approximately five to ten minutes before the tornado struck.
Tom Ecker with the Madison County Emergency Management Authority confirmed that the school administration building sustained extensive damage to its roof and at least two walls. Ecker also reported damage to at least two homes in the Perkinsville area.
In addition, tornado damage included concrete blocks being torn from walls and deposited on several school buses. One bus had a metal support driven through its frame.
Images of the damage showed significant destruction to around a dozen school buses, which could impact school operations as the new term approaches. Jessa Ashton, public information officer for the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department, stated that the cost of the damage to the building and buses has not yet been estimated.
The Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department noted that the storm led to the collapse of the building’s original gymnasium walls and roof. Multiple emergency services, including the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department, Madison County EMA, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, assisted at the scene. Hamilton County EMA deployed a drone to assess the damage from above.
Most of the reported damage has been north of Perkinsville, around County Road 300 North and County Road 600 West. Tornado warnings were issued across several counties including Delaware, Henry, Madison, Franklin, Butler, Wayne, Fayette, Union, and Henry throughout Monday night. The NWS had previously reported a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Anderson at 10:44 p.m.
The NWS received over a dozen damage reports from Monday night’s severe weather, including wind damage in Centerville, Brookville, and Daleville, and storm damage in Lebanon and Wilmington, Ohio.
