What has been identified as a major issue will see some help in downtown Greencastle as the city is on the fringe of receiving a major boost to its downtown lighting woes.
According to local officials, Greencastle is set to receive a $200,000 grant from the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, which is aimed at improving lighting in various communities, as well as a local match from the city's Rural Development Commission of over $500,000.
"It will be very helpful. When the electrical outlets were first put in downtown 40 years ago, they were not designed for the usage of today. They were designed for Christmas lights. We have vendors who routinely pulut into a 30-amp service and it blows a fuse. This will provide for more flexibility for the Farmers Market and other events like that downtown," Mayor Bill Dory told The Putnam County Post.
As part of the plans, electrical upgrades will be done to the courthouse lawn with the addition of outlets and overall improvements.
Mayor-elect Lynda Dunbar said the project is 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.
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.
"This year, we have 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.
"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.
The news was welcomed by Hanna, who admitted she was "thrilled" to express her gratitude for the city's support, calling it 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.
Dory said he knows people, both citizens of and visitors to Greencastle, enjoy the events downtown, as well as just visiting various restaurants and businesses.
"We appreciate the fact a lot of people enjoy downtown and partake in events, our merchants or our restaurants and bring a friend or two. This is a good thing," Dory said.
In addition to the upgrades downtown, the project includes 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.
