Progress committee talks streets and parking

By Ben Woodson/Times Sentinel writer

May 21, 2008 04:26 pm

— Zionsville’s think tank, the Greater Zionsville Progress Committee, continued to churn out ideas at its Thursday, May 8, meeting.
Committee member Dave Grebe discussed creating an “oblong-about” at the intersection of Main Street and State Road 334. An oblong-about is a round-about without the space to complete the circle, resulting in a more oval shape.
Zionsville Street Superintendent Lance Lantz has drawn up preliminary plans for one that would use most of the land occupied by the recently closed Citgo gas station. Lantz added that he couldn’t know if it would enhance traffic flow without considerably more study.
Grebe said it would create an attractive entrance-way to the downtown.
Other committee members said they liked the idea, but think that corner could be put to better use.
Committee member Tammy Kelly said the best possible use would be for a developer to build a nice retail center that encompassed the gas station, car wash and the old Stacy Labolts building that is now Wildcat Creek Outfitters.
Town council member Michelle Barrett said the oblong-about idea requires further study and she doesn’t even know if it is feasible yet. She said ideas like these are exactly what the GZPC is supposed to be creating.
“If nothing else, it does start those creative juices flowing ... It is great they are looking at that and trying to create some creative solutions to what might be done at the corner,” she said.
Parking
The committee continued discussion of parking issues from its last meeting. Committee members proposed creating a temporary parking lot on the old Shell gas station lot on Main Street. A new retail and condominium development has been approved for that lot, but was delayed because of the economic downturn. The town could sign a temporary lease and put some gravel on the lot to add additional parking.
It could be a place for employees of Main Street businesses to park instead of parking on the street itself. Grebe also said it could be a way to gage how much additional parking is needed.