By Nancy Edwards
Fishers Town Council President John Weingardt addressed citizens of the community, including members of the Fishers Chamber of Commerce, during the 2014 Town of Fishers State of the Town meeting Feb. 19 at the FORUM Conference & Events Center.
The meeting’s purpose was to discuss the Town Council’s vision for creating a vibrant, thriving and financially sustainable community.
Weingardt began by reviewing four areas of improvements:
- A comprehensive and thriving economic development strategy
- A strong sense of community with a clear identity
- A community with world class infrastructure
- The efficient and effective delivery of municipal services
“In the past 12 months, we’ve made great strides toward economic growth,” Weingardt said. This progress included working to attract the following businesses:
- Von Lumen: 84 new jobs were created. Another 83 jobs will be offered by 2018
- First Internet Bank: 48 new jobs have been originated.
- Ossip Optometry: Headquarters for the facility will be moved to downtown Fishers. The business has created 54 new jobs. Ossip will have 59 more jobs available by 2018
The town’s efforts in retaining businesses include:
- Blast Media: 26 jobs have been retained; 25 more jobs will be established by 2018
- OfficeWorks: 55 jobs have been retained; Seven more will be created by 2018
- Meyer Najem: 71 jobs have been retained; 10 new jobs will be created by 2018
Growth within the community includes Launch Fishers, with 229 members and 15 networking events to date. As well, Blue Bridge Digital retained 12 jobs and will create 25 jobs by 2018.
Accomplishments within the Nickel Plate District were also reviewed. Nickel Plate’s success reflects the following:
- Breaking ground on The Depot at Nickel Plate
- Opening Pocket Park
- Announcing Meyer Najem development
- The announcement of the KFC redevelopment project
- Approval of the Train Station redevelopment project
- Announcing the Central Green project
Infrastructure investments will continue throughout the town. Those projects include:
- 7.88 miles of resurfaced roads
- 2.24 miles of trail connections
- The completion of median U-turns at 96th and Allisonville Road
- The roundabout at Fall Creek Road and Brooks school Road
- Federal grants of $9 million received in 2014
Weingardt concluded the meeting by praising the Town Department of Public Works and Police and Fire departments for their service to the community and urging residents to learn about the candidates for the mayoral and city council elections.
“It’s an exciting time to live in Fishers,” he said.