Published: June 09, 2009 09:39 am      

Town council members table development decision

WAKARUSA — Wakarusa Town Council members tabled a request from a property owner seeking approval for a new development, citing the need for a timeline of clean-up of the property.

Duane Burrow from the Elkhart County Planning Department presented information on a Planned Unit Development to the Town Council at the June 2 meeting. The proposed development on Ind. 19 is owned by Gordon Clark and formerly housed a business that burned down.

Phase I of the plan requires Clark to place all of the materials around the property into one storage area. Clark must comply with Phase I before continuing with the project.

Part of the property contains tanks that have been a source of discussion between Clark and the council in the past. Burrow said the council could establish a timeline for Phase I that would address the council’s concerns.

“I think we need a timeline,” said Councilman Ron Berkey.

“We’ve experienced it before, it will keep getting pushed farther and farther back,” Councilman Phil Klotz said.

The council voted to table the request and ask Clark to attend a work session to discuss a timeline.

Project Playground

Helen Hoffman from the clerk treasurer’s office informed the council about Project Playground, a plan to renovate the downtown park, which will be fully funded by donations and use all volunteer labor.

Wakarusa Elementary students met with a designer from Leathers & Associates, Ithaca, N.Y., last week. This is the same firm that designed playgrounds for Goshen (Tommy’s Kids Castle) and Nappanee.

“The kids were really excited,” Hoffman said.

The designer asked the students to describe their perfect playground. The design was built around their ideas and suggestions.

The playground will honor former Wakarusa Elementary School nurse Diane Brown and Lisa Lengacher, co-founder of The Compass.

Initial costs estimates are between $100,000 to $150,000.

Hoffman said organizers will be seeking grants, material and tool donations as well as financial gifts.