New Fire Station Under Construction

Dozens of officials and guests gathered Thursday, September 10, to break ground for Plainfield's newest fire station. The station, located at 400 Airtech Parkway, is expected to go into operation in late spring 2010. When completed, the 23,000 square foot station will be staffed by six firefighters, with one fire truck and one emergency medical vehicle. The 2-story, 4-bay station can, as needed, accommodate additional equipment and up to 16 firefighters.

Fire Chief Byron Anderson remarked that this “state-of-the-art” facility – Plainfield's first additional fire station in 34 years – will improve emergency response times, and is designed to provide ongoing training. The station will incorporate a 3-story tower for ladder/rope training and will also facilitate confined-space safety training.

Town Manager Rich Carlucci commented that the station, designed by CR Architecture & Design (formerly Cole & Russell), will be “the best in Central Indiana,” serving the area's finest fire department. Town Council President Robin Brandgard remarked that the station will be one “everyone in the community can be proud of.” He noted that is being made possible through the cooperation between the Town and Guilford Township and their formation of the Plainfield Fire Territory. He also commended the efforts of School administrators for their cost control measures which made station funding possible without a related increase in property taxes. Brandgard also thanked Browning Investments for donating the property for the station.

Another Grant for Town Center Project

Adding to the nearly $5 million dollars in total Federal Stimulus funds and previously awarded grants, the Town recently received notification that it will be awarded a $500,000 Community Focus Fund grant to be used in the revitalization of Plainfield's Town Center. According to Planning and Zoning Director Joe James, funds from this grant are expected to become available in the spring of 2010, with related program completion required in 18 months.

The grant – from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs – will cover approximately 80% of the cost to restore building façades along Main Street in Town Center. James said “the storefronts will be returned to their historic perspective according to the US 40 Streetscape Master Plan.” Merchants will also contribute to the cost of upgrades; and both Duke Energy and the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce have given philanthropic donations. The Town will also contribute approximately $58,000 toward the program.

For more information about the Town Center program, contact James at 839-2561, extension 217.

Communications Center Earns Accreditation

The Hendricks County Communications Center was recently awarded national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®). According to Center Director Larry Brinker, the honor signifies that the Center has voluntarily met internationally recognized professional standards for excellence in management and service delivery, including efficient use of resources. The CALEA organization asserts that its standards “reflect the best thinking and experience of contemporary public safety practitioners...” and are “considered benchmarks for today's public safety agencies.”

Brinker noted that the accreditation process requi red many months of analysis and review of the Center's policies, procedures, management, operations and support services, as part of both a detailed self-assessment and on-site review by CALEA Assessors. “This honor,” said Brinker, “validates the hard work and cooperation of all countywide administrators and personnel involved in the planning, creation and operation of the Center.” The Center was one of only seven such agencies nationwide to receive a 2009 Public Safety Communications Accreditation Award.

Reminder:

Fall leaf pickup begins the week of October 5. Visit www.townofplainfield.com or call 839-3490 for details.

Trash and Tox-Away Events Planned

The Autumn Heavy Trash Event, open to Plainfield residents only, will be held on two consecutive Saturdays in October: the 10th and 17th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Residents may deposit appropriate items in designated dumpsters at the Town garage at 986 South Center Street. Disposal Alternatives Organization will be on hand to accept items for recycling. Items that cannot be accepted include hazardous or building materials, yard waste, and tires of any size. For more informat ion, contact personnel at the Town Garage at 839-3490 or visit www.townofplainfield.com.

The Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District has also scheduled a Tox-Away Day October 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m at Plainfield Middle School at 985 Longfellow Lane. The Tox-Away event enables Hendricks County residents to properly dispose of household hazardous wastes free of charge. Appliances, tires and electronics may be accepted for recycling, but certain fees may apply for these items. For more information on acceptable Tox-Away Day items, visit www.hendrickssolidwaste.com or call 745-9130.