Downtown (concerns suggestions)
- unattractive, not inviting
- no continuity, design consistency
- neglected, not maintained
- sidewalks poor condition
- merchants do not keep sidewalks cleared (snow covered)
- parking (availability, locating, SR 13)
- no center, recognizable "town square"
- dislike "medieval theme"
- signage uncontrolled, not uniform;
- no tourist center or information center
- owners not residents of the town
- INDOT cooperation
- no significant "historic commercial buildings"
- trees, landscaping, planters needed
- need "old bandstand/gazebo"
- Pilchers "green" developed as plaza
- flags, banners & festive signage
- merchants "adopt" area in front of business
- façade restoration
- need public restroom
State Road 13
- need consistent sidewalks connecting commercial areas (north to south)
- junk boat yards, storage and industrial sites unsightly entries
- billboards, unattractive signs as entry
- INDOT hard to work with in addressing problems
- SR 13 road to nowhere
- hard to cross at peak times
- little truck traffic
Housing
- difficult to find housing
- housing types limited
- very little rental homes
- affordable housing limited
- NW a bedroom community
- additional senior housing needed
- maintenance and upkeep
Mermaid Festival
- more community involvement
- same weekend as Warsaw festival
- bands cost too much – was a major attraction, maybe partner with area band
camps
Lack of Community Pride
- curbs, streets, property, etc. run down (not a "resort" image)
- people lazy/complacent – need energy to drive future
Town Government/Leadership
- town board unwilling to take leadership role
- town board conservative
- no community vision or plan
- slow to act
- no community "fathers"
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Downtown (strengths)
- village scale, quaint
- walkable
- SR 13 provides life
- new street lights
Old School
- opportunity to consolidated community organizations
- post office
- library
- latch key
- girls & boys clubs
- senior center
- youth center
- community gym
- fitness/recreation facility
- outdoor courts (basketball, tennis, roller hockey)
- community college/training center
- senior housing/assisted living
- opportunity to demonstrate community pride
- several additions needed to be removed
New Elementary School
- could attract new residents (families)
- recreation space as community park spaces
- community library with school library
- training center (computer labs)
Recreation/Parks/Open Space
- connect trails system to nature preserve
- need bike paths and trails
Lake
- major attraction for tourism
- town pier gone
- restaurant closed
- public beach too small
- lakers rude and demanding of services
- lakers seasonal
- seasonal cottages changed to year round homes
- walk, bike around lake
Overall Comments
- need bike/cross county skiing/in-line skating paths and greenway system
- high tax rate, need to expand tax base
- no town water system detrimental to growth and progress
- industrial park not annexed
- difficult to attract business (water, tax abatement/ labor force)
- shortage of labor force
- no family restaurants open in evenings
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