Greenwood Projects Moving Forward
(Image courtesy of the city of Greenwood.)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Greenwood Redevelopment Commission has given key approvals for two major development projects. They include the purchase of a vacant strip mall and the sale of two lots set for improvements in the city’s downtown.
The RDC has given final approval for the city to purchase the 8.6 acre site across from the Greenwood Park Mall which formerly served as the home of The Patriot’s Grill restaurant. Plans to acquire the property for more than $1 million were announced last month and the city says it is being considered for new park space and green infrastructure.
The city says the property, which many consider to be an eyesore, was has been federally designated as a flood plain which hinders the possibility of commercial development. A time frame for redevelopment has not yet been announced.
"This is a very important piece of land for Greenwood," Mayor Mark Myers said in a news release. "The property is right across the street from Greenwood Park Mall, a major destination for both residents and visitors. It’s also one of the first things you see traveling south into Greenwood on Madison Ave. We now have the opportunity to turn what was once a negative into a valuable community asset."
The RDC has also given initial approval for the sale of two lots at the intersection of Main and Meridian Streets. The city says plans are in place to build a new Mrs. Curl Ice Cream Shop which will anchor the site and be open year-round with indoor seating and an outdoor play area for children. The city will make additional improvements, including adding a new turn lane on Meridian Street, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, a new traffic signal and stormwater upgrades.
"Supporting a beloved community icon like Mrs. Curl shows the true spirit of our plan to revitalize downtown Greenwood," said Myers. “We are improving walkability and creating connectivity while preserving the authentic, historic elements that make Greenwood unique."
A final vote on the sale of the lots is scheduled for the RDC’s September meeting.
The city says the RDC is negotiating with nearby Archer’s Meats for cooperative use of its parking lot. If an agreement is reached, a portion of the lot would be designated as public parking in exchange for city-funded improvements.
Earlier this year, Myers appeared on Inside INdiana Business Television to talk about many of the other redevelopment projects in store for the Johnson County city.