Much of the news and talk around Noblesville the past few weeks has focused on two main topics: The Nickel Plate Railroad and Seminary Park. Both are topics worthy of a great discussion and, 
to an extent, I am glad we are having them. However, as I have done a bit of soul searching this past weekend, I want to remind us all of one great saying: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.
So, what do I mean? While topics such as the ones listed above can spark great debate, we have many other current projects affecting the future of Noblesville that need to take precedence. Take, for example, the State Road 37 improvement. Last year the state partnered with Fishers, Noblesville and Hamilton County to provide $100 million in upgrades to the corridor. This project will bring about necessary improvements at 146th St. and Pleasant St. But what is missing? Greenfield Avenue, Town & Country Blvd. and State Road 32; all worthy of similar upgrades. I know conversations are continuing with the State and INDOT, and I am encouraged about the future progress of these essential projects.
Also, let’s not forget another item that has been discussed since I was a third grader at Hinkle Creek Elementary School: the Pleasant Street corridor – an east to west road connecting Union Chapel Road west to Hague Road. As a lifelong west-side resident, and as a council member who represents a west-side district, this particular project is of great interest to me and the people I represent. If residents in my neighborhood need to go to Lowes, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, etc. where do they go? No, not Noblesville. They head over to the much more convenient locations in Westfield or Carmel! This project has the ability to increase the sales for our Noblesville retailers and business owners, large and small, by connecting our city in a major way. This corridor also has the ability to breathe new life into the area just south of downtown. Economic impacts will be felt far and wide in our city with this new corridor.
Finally, let’s not forget about the Midland Trace Trail. If you have spent any time with me at all over the past few years, you know I am the squeaky wheel on this project. This trail can have significant impact on connectivity in our city. The ability to travel by foot, bike, rollerblade, etc. from downtown Noblesville to the Monon Trail in Westfield, which in turn can get you down to Indianapolis, is a huge selling point for our city. I am excited to break ground on the first phase of this project this spring.
So, let’s keep our eyes on the prize. The city administration, council and leaders owe it to our residents to complete what we started. New dialogues will always happen and are critical to our future success. But at this point, that’s just what they are – conversations. Let’s continue to share and respectfully debate new ways to make our city even better, but let’s not lose sight of the projects under way and make sure we stick to what we’ve started. My hometown’s future depends on it.