Three new homes were approved for construction by the Crothersville Town Council when they met May 2.
Drew Royalty of TDAK Development Inc. received approval to construct two spec homes on a large vacant lot at 601 N. Preston (the corner of Bard & Preston).
The council waived the 6,300 square foot lot requirement to allow Royalty to construct two 1,200 square foot homes just north of the school.
Josh Graff made a similar request seeking permission to construct a second home at 107 1/2 N. Jackson Street east of his mother, Annette Graff.
The council unanimously approved both requests.
Because of mid-day traffic congestion on US 31 (Armstrong Street), the council approved seeking to make the east side of US 31 a no parking zone from Howard Street to Main Street.
During mid-day with customers parking on both side of the highway to get lunch at Subway, north and southbound traffic lanes narrow considerably.
Since the roadway is a state highway, the town will need to seek the approval of INDOT to restrict parking.
“With the construction of the new town parking lot in the middle of the block, there is adequate off street parking now for motorists to use to get lunch,” said councilman Chad Wilson.
The council unanimously agreed to pursue the matter with INDOT.
The council tabled a spending request for a new tornado siren. It was reported that the community’s only tornado siren (formerly used as a fire siren) did not activate during a recent Friday noon emergency weather test. “But it did at 11:30 that night,” said clerk-treasurer Danieta Foster.
Representatives from ERS Wireless have since made repairs but suggested due to the siren’s age, (estimated around 50 years) it be replaced. A new tornado siren from ERS would cost over $52,500.
The council opted to seek additional proposals for the community’s tornado siren and possible funding through the county Emergency Management Authority and the county’s 911.
“It’s fixed. It’s not a emergency replacement need at the moment,” said Foster
In an effort to encourage Crothersville residents to do “some spring clean up” the council passed a proclamation making the month of May ‘Make Crothersville Shine’ month.
Residents are encouraged to clean up, trim up, spruce up their properties “to show our collective pride in our community,” said council president Jason Hillenburg.
He added that low income and health challenged residents may be able to receive some assistance with their clean-up from the town by calling town hall at 812-793-2311.
In other business, the council:
•Approved tax abatement compliances for Cerrowire, Aisin Drivetrain and Aisin Chemical Indiana (ACIN).
•Approved an agreement at with Jackson County Health Department to fog the community
for mosquitoes at no cost. The county recently acquired a new fogger and the town was told that the community is on the schedule for periodic mosquito control.
•Agreed to seek additional information about a used but repairable bucket truck from S&L Electric. Town workers on occasion have need of a bucket truck and a used vehicle may be a more affordable option, the council surmised
•Agreed to seek additional repair estimates for a Crothersville Police Truck. According to police, a hole mysteriously appeared in one of the department’s truck’s tailgate and an estimate to repair was $934.40. The local department was instructed to get an additional repair estimate and approved spending up to $1,000 for the repair.