The Crossroads Plaza at the corner of Michigan and Jefferson Streets in Plymouth is one step closer to reality following the action of the City Council last night.
The proposed project is part of Stellar Communities and Arts & Culture subcommittee members, Cori Humes and Randy Danielson presented additional details on the project and asked the city to support the project by funding the appraisal cost.
The small park setting is proposed for the location where the old Subway Sandwich Shop was located. Danielson told the Common Council that an offer was placed on the property last week that was higher than the asking. He said the owner, who now lives in Florida liked the proposed project and wanted to give them a chance to acquire the land.
Danielson said the proposed project would fix a blighted location and improves safety on a congested corner.
There was some concern from Councilman Don Ecker who doesn’t like east bound traffic being able to enter off Jefferson Street or exiting traffic from the park to go south. He felt with the one-way drive that those entering should enter off Jefferson from the westbound lanes and those leaving the park should have to go north. Ecker also questioned maintenance of the park but he also thought it was a great concept that he liked.
Danielson said there are 30 Master Gardners who are willing to work on the gardens that will be in the park.
Humes said public parks have a positive effect on tourism. She said the proposed park would recognize the 5 historic highways of Marshall County and offer a location to rest in the downtown area or even have a picnic or lunch.
Mayor Senter said the project came in at the end of the Stellar application and he thought it’s what put the county’s application over the top. He also noted that the Lt. Governor was pleased with the idea.
The city has already pledged $160,00 for the Stellar Communities project so the $6,785 needed for the appraisal of the property would be considered part of the city’s share.
It was noted that the proposed project would be an INDOT grant project. The Plymouth City Council unanimously approved the request.
