Enthusiasm building with Merrillville Momentum Comp Plan
The Town has kicked off its summer workshop sessions for the Merrillville Momentum comprehensive plan, and there’s enthusiasm about what’s to come.
“We have a chance to do something really terrific with the plan,” said Martin Shukert, the Principal Planner at RDG Planning & Design. RDG is the consultant selected to prepare the new comprehensive plan.
The workshop sessions continue through July 28 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway.
“These are really central to the process,” Shukert said.
During workshop sessions, stakeholders have the opportunity to share their views of particular areas of the Town and offer suggestions about how they can be improved. RDG will take that information to create a new comprehensive plan, which will serve as a guide for Town leaders for the next two decades. The plan will identify projects that could take place in the municipality and strategies to accomplish them.
Shukert said the workshop sessions are informal gatherings.
“They're not structured meetings,” he said. “People can stay for five minutes or much longer.”
Shukert also encourages residents to visit the Merrillville Momentum website (https://rdgusa.mysocialpinpoint.com/merrillvillecomprehensiveplan) to use the interactive map tool. The map allows users to click on areas of Merrillville and write comments and suggestions for those areas. Other users can see those posts and comment on them as well.
“It's a very important tool,” Shukert said.
Those looking to get more involved in the comprehensive planning process are encouraged to join the Momentum Community Committee.
The new committee will meet monthly with planners and have in-depth discussions about the future of the Town. The committee’s work will play a critical role in developing the Merrillville Momentum comprehensive plan.
Visit the Merrillville Momentum website (https://rdgusa.mysocialpinpoint.com/merrillvillecomprehensiveplan) to download an application and to learn more about the comprehensive plan. Momentum Community Committee applications can be emailed to momentum@merrillville.in.gov or delivered to the Merrillville Municipal Complex, 7820 Broadway.
The ongoing summer workshop session is as follows:
Friday, July 21
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Public summary
Workshop 2: July 24-26 — Focus area is 73rd Avenue to the southern Town limits; western Town limits to the I-65 corridor
Monday, July 24
5-7 p.m.: Public input meeting and individual discussions
Tuesday, July 25
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Public input meeting and individual discussions
5-7 p.m.: Public input meeting and individual discussions, short presentation of initial directions at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 26
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Public summary
Workshop 3: July 26-28 — Focus area is the I-65 corridor and the Merrillville Panhandle
Wednesday, July 26
5-7 p.m.: Public input meeting and individual discussions
Thursday, July 27
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Public input meeting and individual discussions
5-7 p.m.: Public input meeting and individual discussions, short presentation of initial directions at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, July 28
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Public summary