Article by Emily Wang, White River Now
Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Owens told Batesville City Council members last week that the new Main Street bike and pedestrian path might be completed earlier than expected.
Owens informed council members at their regular meeting on Aug. 13 that, at the rate workers are progressing—and weather permitting—the path should be open and ready before Halloween. The previous completion date had been set for December.
For digital renderings of the project and more information on the path, click here.
Citizens’ comments
Batesville resident John Healey expressed deep appreciation for the city’s efforts in mitigating a flooding issue at his home and for the improvements he has witnessed around the city.
Healey highlighted his positive experiences with city services, particularly thanking City Engineer Damon Johnson and the city yard team for saving his backyard foundation.
“I believe in the vision this city council has put forward,” Healey said, emphasizing his support for the council’s ongoing efforts to enhance the community.
In other matters, Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh congratulated city council members on their re-election without opposition.
“You are doing a good job,” Elumbaugh said. “Thank you, guys. I’m glad to be surrounded by good people.”
Police department update
Police Chief John Scarbrough reported a slight decrease in accident calls year over year and noted ongoing improvements within the department, including new signage and furniture.
Fire department report
Fire Chief Mark McCollum reported a busy month with fifty-two calls, including four structure fires, twenty rescue runs, and 178 inspections.
McCollum praised the department’s newer members for their dedication to training.
“These new guys have come in; that’s all they want to do…I can’t say enough about them,” he said.
Parks and Recreation
Owens announced a $300,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration to study vehicular and pedestrian safety in Batesville.
The study, which aims to secure up to $30 million in federal funding, will explore pedestrian safety and crosswalk improvements.
During a presentation detailing the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative, Doug Swett and Cole Yoder from Kimley-Horn, an engineering consultation group based out of Memphis, shared a detailed overview of the SS4A program.
The initiative focuses on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes, with a goal of achieving zero such incidents by 2045 in Batesville.
The plan includes eight key components, from leadership commitment to public engagement. Swett emphasized the importance of addressing high-risk areas, sharing statistics from a five-year period (2018-2023) during which Batesville experienced fifty serious to fatal crashes. This averages to ten fatal crashes each year. More information on the initiative can be found at the U.S. Department of Transportation website.
Zoning and ordinance changes
The council approved two rezoning requests. The first involved changing a property at the northeast corner of 23rd and Byers Street from commercial to residential, aligning with the surrounding area.
The second approved the rezoning of lots on 14th and Case Streets from residential to commercial.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27.
Image of the Batesville Municipal Building by Gena Tate for White River Now
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