Like many of you, I traverse Noblesville on a daily basis and have for the past 30 years. As we have all seen, there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicles on our local and state roads. In1990 the population stood at 18,647, but the most recent census in 2010 puts our population at 52,654 and growing. For context, Hamilton County’s population stood at 110,348 in 1990 and at 2010 it has blossomed to 276,336. During these 20 years, the City has made strides in adding additional road miles to accommodate the increased demand for travel lanes. This includes Hazel Dell Road on the west, Union Chapel Road on the east and the most significant of these would be the extension of 146th St/Campus Parkway to I-69. One of the latest additions to connectivity includes the extension of Brooks School Road from Campus Parkway to 136th St. These roads have provided greater access throughout the City and opened up areas for economic development that were previously inaccessible with no infrastructure available. The investment made in these roads has made a significant difference in the amount of new commercial development that has taken place (see Terry Lee Hyundai and adjacent roundabout improvements on State Road32 and the extension of Presley Drive between Pleasant Street and Ind. 32).
However, in order for us to continue to meet the demand of our current and future citizenry, we have to increase access for travelers moving east and west across Noblesville. I’m sure you’ve experienced the traffic flows on 146th Street during peak travel times. Even though this is a four-lane divided thoroughfare, the volume of traffic has reached a level where intersection improvements are going to be required to improve traffic flow. Also, I suspect you’ve had the opportunity to use Ind. 32 on any given day during peak travel times. You’ll likely find yourself in a traffic backup which may stretch across Cicero Creek to Cherry Tree Road. These are the realities of the increased population which is due to the terrific quality of life we all enjoy as residents of Hamilton County.
Therefore, I believe the Administration and the City Council have taken a major step forward by approving the funding necessary to move the planning for an improved Pleasant Street forward. As is true with any major project, the time involved in the front-end planning can take as much as two years or longer. In addition, obtaining funding for a project of this magnitude also is challenging and the cost of construction continues to escalate on an annual basis. Given the growth we’re going to continue to see, we cannot afford to wait any longer for this project to start.
TOGETHER, we are going to make this new east/west connection across Noblesville a valuable asset that will bring new connectivity, but also an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for residents in the neighborhoods affected by the project AND across the City. Walkability (think Midland Trace Trail and connecting the Riverwalk from downtown Noblesville) will improve and new economic development and housing opportunities will present themselves. Perhaps most importantly, we need to make this investment for the future residents of Noblesville to insure we have put in place another asset that will pay dividends for ALL residents into the future.
Greg O’Connor
City Council, District #5