Plainfield Diner MayFind New Home

A longtime Plainfield landmark may soon have a new location and, with it, perhaps a brighter future. Thanks to donations from the Indiana Landmarks Association, the Indiana National Road Association and the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Town of Plainfield has enlisted Ratio Architects to perform a relocation study for the 1950s-style Plainfield Diner. The Diner is believed to be the last remaining structure of its kind on the US 40 National Road. It has been in its present location on the east side of town since being unloaded from a New Jersey rail car in 1954.

Such diners were common fixtures during the 1950s when automobile travel became more popular after WWII, and have since become historic structures. According to Plainfield Director of Planning and Zoning Joe James, the Indiana Landmarks Association placed the Diner on its ‘Ten Most Endangered List' in May. “The relocation study will help find another suitable location in an effort to preserve the Diner and keep it in Plainfield,” he said. For more information, contact James at 839-2561.

Town Center Façade Program Still On Schedule

Despite construction challenges due to ongoing Main Street road work, the Town Center Façade Program remains on track to be completed by the end of November. Plainfield Director of Planning and Zoning Joe James noted that the next major hurdle will be getting storefronts installed. “This should begin by the end of September,” he said, “but completion depends on how soon the window manufacturer can ship the windows.” James reported that most second floor and higher windows have been installed in all of the buildings. He also noted that although most of the north side “tuck-pointing” and painting has been completed, some brick repair and painting is still needed on the south side.

To learn more about the Façade program, contact James at 839-2561.

Police Department Uses Social Media to Keep Residents Informed

The Plainfield Police Department's Twitter and Facebook pages have received positive community feedback and a growing list of followers since being initiated in January. According to Lt. Jill Lees, the department uses these social media platforms to release information quickly to residents and interested followers. Among the information regularly shared: road and traffic conditions and closures, breaking news, crime prevention information, and upcoming police department events. “Twitter and Facebook have been great public relations tools,” said Lees. “We've posted photos of training events and officers who have received awards, as well as other community information.”

To find and follow the Department on Twitter, search for Plainfield PD. On Facebook, search for Plainfield Police Department.

For more information, contact Lt. Jill Lees or Betsy Krieger at 838-3565.

Trash and Tox-Away Events Scheduled

The Autumn Heavy Trash Event, open to Plainfield residents only, will be held on two consecutive Saturdays in October: the 9th and 16th, 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 information, 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 9 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 “problem waste” items. For more information on acceptable Tox-Away Day items, visit www.hendrickssolidwaste.com or call 858-6070.