Downtown lighting project moving forward

A project aimed at bringing a resolution to a major issue in downtown Greencastle is moving full speed ahead as a lighting project will commence soon. 

The project was first discussed last year and features upgrades downtown, as well as replacing festival lights on South Indiana Street, installation of festival lights on West Franklin Street, adding 16 decorative street lights on North Jackson St., adding decorative street lights at the Columbia Street parking lot, adding decorative lights at the library on East Walnut Street, and lighting of the silo mural on Veterans Memorial Highway, among other things. 

The Greencastle Redevelopment Commission recently approved a proposal from DB Engineering to do the work, which will run in conjunction to the US 231 construction project. The lighting project comes with a price tag of $734,300 and will be paid through a $200 thousand grant from the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative and the remainder coming from a local match from the city's Rural Development Commission. 

Local officials have said the project is a need for downtown, as electrical outlets that were put in place 40 years ago were not designed for the usage of today. In the past, vendors plug into a 30-amp service and it blows a fuse. As a result, the new vendor outlets will feature both 120-volt and 240-volt options in new electrical boxes. Furthermore, there will be tree pits added to give the city an option to light trees. 

Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar has said the project is "much needed." 

"We have a lot of dark spots downtown, which becomes a problem on First Friday's when folks are going place to place. This will also include fixing outlets downtown so we can have electricity available to vendors downtown," Dunbar told The Putnam County Post. 

Putnam County Chamber of Commerce executive director Madison Hanna has been in support of the lighting upgrades for some time. Last year, she approached the Greencastle City Council about the need, stating that a record number of vendors at the 2023 Farmers Market showed the need for improvements to outlets and lighting. 

Lighting downtown was one of the discussion points Putnam County Chamber of Commerce executive director Madison Hanna touched on last week during the town's common council meeting. 

During the meeting, she noted 2023 was a record year for the Farmers Market and stressed the need for improvements with outlets and lighting. 

"We witnessed a record number of vendors at the market, highlighting its growing importance within our community. With the resurgence of live music on Saturday mornings at the square, the market has become an even more vibrant and dynamic space. The ongoing success of the farmers’ market is a testament to the community's enthusiasm for supporting local businesses, farmers, and artisans," Hanna told The Putnam County Post.

However, the influx of people has put a strain on infrastructure downtown, Hanna said. 

"The current infrastructure challenges have posed limitations, particularly for vendors who rely on access to outlets to preserve and sell their products. The proposed improvements through the light project will not only address these challenges but also pave the way for the market's positive growth. By ensuring reliable access to electricity, we create an environment where vendors can thrive, products can be showcased, and the market can continue to evolve as a central community hub," Hanna said. 

Hanna said the new lighting project will be a "crucial step in addressing a long standing issue with the downtown infrastructure." 

"The impact of this initiative will extend far beyond the Chamber, positively influencing key events such as the Farmers’ Market, First Fridays, Second Saturdays, and Musicfest, just to name a few," Hanna said.  

Hanna said the upgrades will mean more people coming downtown and will provide an enhancement to the overall experience of people visiting for various events. 

"Beyond the Farmers’ Market, events like First Fridays, Second Saturdays, Musicfest, and Halloween on the Square, contribute significantly to the vibrancy of our downtown. Improved electrical infrastructure will not only enhance the overall experience for attendees but also ensure a safer environment. These events play a crucial role in fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses. I firmly believe that strong towns are built on the foundation of supporting and nurturing local events that hold significance for the community. The City's understanding of the importance of enhancing our infrastructure aligns seamlessly with this principle. With the city's backing, I am confident that these improvements will not only sustain but also elevate the success of our cherished events, fostering a stronger sense of community and support for local businesses," Hanna said.