Federal Stimulus Funds to Enhance Town Center Development

Plans to improve Plainfield's Town Center just got bigger and better. The Indiana Department of Transportation has been granted nearly $2.85 million in Federal Stimulus funds to replace the US 40 bridge over White Lick Creek, and the Town has been granted nearly $2.86 million in Stimulus funds for pavement and storm sewer replacement in the area. This is in addition to the approximately $2 million in grant money already procured for Town Center streetscape upgrades.

According to Town Engineer Tim Belcher, the streetscape enhancements will include new sidewalks, curbing, traffic signals and decorative energy-efficient LED street lighting. Signage and landscaping will also be upgraded, along with water and sewer mains and storm sewer systems. Certain sections of new pavement will include integrated drainage design for stormwater runoff. While the pedestrian bridge over White Lick Creek at US 40 already serves as an attractive westside gateway, Belcher noted that the Department of Planning and Zoning is assisting area merchants with grant-seeking efforts for downtown façade improvements.

The US 40 bridge replacement calls for reducing east/west traffic to one lane in either direction. With a construction bid deadline of June 24 set for the Town Center pavement and storm sewer upgrades, both projects will be in full operation by autumn of this year and are expected to continue into 2010. Because traffic will be affected between Carr Road and Vestal Road, motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. For more information about these projects, contact Belcher at 839-2561, extension 218.

Meet Marlow, K-9 Enforcer

There will soon be a new member of the Plainfield Police Department on the beat...with four paws, that is. Marlow is a 19-month old male German Shepherd now in training with his handler, Officer Brad Elston. Purchased with funds from the Substance Abuse Task Force as well as local contributions, Marlow was actually born in Germany and specifically bred and trained for police work. He replaces Nick, a Department K-9 who passed away last fall.

Upon completion of the 8-week training, Marlow will assist with a variety of police activities, including narcotics enforcement, suspect tracking and apprehension, citizen protection and more. For additional information about Marlow and the K-9 program, contact Chief Jeff Mitny or Assistant Chief Eric Lees at 839-3565.

New Program Helps Locate Missing Persons

The Plainfield Police Department has a new communications tool available to help inform the public that an individual has been reported missing. Called “A Child is Missing,” the program isn't just limited to reports of missing children; unaccounted-for adults can also benefit from the system.

Here's how it works:

Upon receiving a missing persons report, the local police agency files a report with the program headquarters in Florida. The local report details the situation and provides a description of the missing person. The headquarters then uses computer analysis and satellite imagery to identify the area where the missing person is likely to be, and telecommunications technology to send a recorded telephone message to every phone number in that area. If the area expands, more calls are made, but each phone number in the targeted area will receive only one call. The automated messages will be issued only between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

According to Plainfield Police Chief Jeff Mitny, this program differs from Amber Alerts in that before an Amber Alert can be issued, there must be an indication of criminal activity, such as a child abduction. The “A Child is Missing” program can be initiated any time an individual is believed to be missing. Chief Mitny noted that “this program is an effective way to notify a lot of people as quickly as possible. It's certainly useful in locating missing children, but can also be helpful for finding adults who may have medical needs.”

The federally funded program has been used once locally, to broadcast information regarding a missing adult. That missing person was later located. For more information about the “A Child is Missing” program, contact the Plainfield Police Department at 839-8700. To report a missing person, call 9-1-1.

Trail to Provide Pedestrian Access to Metropolis

A new .64 mile trail will soon connect the Metropolis Lifestyle Center with the Southfield Drive pedestrian tunnel under SR 267. According to Parks and Recreation Director Clay Chafin, the new Metropolis Mall Trail, starting just north of Stafford Road east of SR 267, will complete another critical link in the Town's extensive trail system. “This new trail will provide pedestrians and cyclists a convenient route to the retail complex away from major thoroughfares and intersections,” Chafin said. He noted that Harco Asphalt Paving is expected to complete the $204,000 project by August. For more information about this new trail, contact Chafin at cchafin@town.plainfield.in.us or at 839-7665, ext. 523.

Trail to be Closed

The White Lick Creek trail beneath the current US 40 bridge will be closed throughout the construction of the new bridge. Signs will direct pedestrians to alternate routes.