An initiative created by Charles Marohn in the late 2000s aimed as a platform to challenge and provide alternatives to traditional urban planning practices is underway in Greencastle. 

According to Vincent Aguirre, who is an advocate for the program, said the Strong Towns initiative champions the idea of incremental development. 

"That means it encourages smaller, step-by-step investments in a community rather than massive, costly projects. The belief is that this approach minimizes financial risk and allows towns to adapt and refine their strategies based on real world feedback," Aguirre told The Putnam County Post. 

Aguirre said at its core, Strong Towns emphasizes the importance of financial sustainability, ensuring that each development decision made will provide a meaningful, long term return on investment for the community. 

"This philosophy also recognizes the profound value of local input, asserting that the residents of a community are the ones best positioned to understand and articulate their unique needs," he said.

Furthermore, Aguirre said the Strong Towns program stresses the concept of land productivity, which, as he said, is all about delivering maximum value from existing land to bolster the town's tax base without having to resort to expansive development. 

"Lastly, in an ever evolving world, the infrasture we lay down should be flexible and adaptable, ensuring it remains relevant and useful for generations to come," Aguirre said. 

Aguirre said his desire for Greencastle to align with the Strong Towns initiative is "two-fold."

"Firstly, I see it as a pathway to ensure our town grows in a financially sustainable and responsible manner. By taking an incremental approach to development, we can methodically enhance Greencastle without the risk of overextending our resources. This ensures we're always in a position to respond to the community's needs without jeopardizing our financial health. Secondly, and just as crucially, our focus is on the people of Greencastle. Every decision we make should be geared towards improving the quality of life for our residents. This isn't merely about physical infrastructure, but also about cultivating a sense of community, belonging and collective pride. By putting people at the heart of our development strategy, we aim to make Greencastle not just a place to reside, but a thriving community where every individual feels valued and invested in our shared future," Aguirre said. 

Aguirre is currently running for Greencastle City Council Fourth Ward against incumbent Cody Eckert. 

He admits that regardless of what happens with the election, his devotion to the project "remains unwavering."

"My commitment to Greencastle and the Strong Towns initiative goes beyond political ambitions. It's rooted in a genuine desire to see our community thrive, become financially resilient, and prioritize the well-being of its residents. Even if I do not secure an electoral win, I intend to remain actively involved, advocating for the Strong Towns approach, and collaborating with whoever is in office to ensure the continuity and success of the project," Aguirre said. 

He said the Greencastle Strong Towns Facebook group currently stands as a "primary hub" for those eager to engage with the vision for the city. 

"The group serves as a dynamic forum where residents can share ideas, discuss strategies and stay updated on the latest initiatives and developments related to the Strong Towns approach in our community," Aguirre said. 

Aguirre added the most impactful way for the public to assist is to immerse themselves in the Strong Towns methodology. 

"By understanding its core principles, residents will be better equipped to actively participate in discussions, offer informed suggestions, and help shape Greencastle's future. Once acquainted with the methodology, we encourage everyone to become vocal advocates for the Strong Towns approach. This can be achieved by spreading awareness, engaging in local community meetings, or even collaborating on projects that echo the movement's principles. The essence of Strong Towns is rooted in community participation, and as such, every voice, perspective, and effort counts towards making Greencastle a resilient and thriving town," Aguirre said. 

For more information, visit www.strongtowns.org or search Greencastle Strong Towns on Facebook.