Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh
The Zionsville Town Council held its regular meeting Nov. 2 and approved several items.
What happened: The council approved $300,000 to help build a new home for the Zion Nature Center that could also serve as a temporary town hall if needed.
What it means: Both the Zion Nature Center and town hall are in buildings that are likely to be used for other purposes or under construction in the future, so both were looking at temporary moves. This solution will allow both entities to spend less than they were expecting to pay separately on temporary options toward a building that can provide a permanent home for the Zion Nature Center and be a backup option for town hall.
What’s next: The parks board can use $250,000 already approved for the nature center relocation but must approve an addition $50,000 for the new solution. The funds approved by the council will come from the Cumulative Capital Development fund.
What happened: The council approved $50,000 to replace the sprinkler system in the Municipal Services Building.
What it means: The sprinkler system at the Municipal Services Building has had numerous issues in recent years, which have led to flooding problems. Councilors agreed that it would save money to replace the system rather than continue to pay for repairs.
What’s next: The project will be funded through the Cumulative Capital Development Fund, which already has enough cash in reserves to cover the cost.
What happened: The council approved an agreement with the City of Indianapolis for intersection improvements at Zionsville Road and 96th Street.
What it means: The southern end of the project is in Marion County, where Zionsville will need to acquire right of way to complete the project. The improvements are funded through Boone County Redevelopment Commission funds, but the town of Zionsville will be responsible for maintenance of the improvements once complete. Improvements include an upgraded signal, additional lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks and adjusting the intersection alignment.
What’s next: The city of Indianapolis will vote on the agreement. If approved, work is expected to begin in the spring and last for a couple of months.
What happened: The council approved a change to the comprehensive plan to include information from a study to determine possibilities for a future north-south connector road.
What it means: With the growth of residential areas and schools on the west side of Zionsville, the town is looking to add a north-south connector road between Oak Street and CR 575 to help with traffic flow. The study determined three possible locations for the road, two of which would intersect with Cooper Road.
What’s next: The town will continue to study the issue.
