Enough already! Now $75 million more?
Way back at the beginning of this process Reorganization Committee Chair Pat Sherman asked that both governmental bodies involved in the reorganization plan look at this like a business merger. He asked that each governmental entity not propose or start any major new projects during the time the committee is working on the reorganization plan. Evidently Greenwood missed that part of the meeting.
Since that time we have seen Greenwood propose a $10 million city building project that would certainly add to the debt of the new community. Discuss reviving the water park, propose yet another option for a new city building, continue to pursue annexation south of Stones Crossing, and even vote to increase the rate developers pay for each new home built to help build new parks. OK so the last item only affects the current Greenwood, another study would have to be conducted and a new rate proposed for for park development funds current White River Township should it join the city. (I am still waiting for the outcry for parkland from the citizens of Center Grove and Smith Valley.)
Today we learn of a $75 million proposal to turn Worthville Road into a four lane thoroughfare from SR 135 to just east of I-65. “But wait there’s more” as pitchman Billy Mays used to say
. Greenwood wants to build a new interchange at I-65 and Worthville. The city claims the economic development opportunities “would be huge” and federal tax dollars would pay a significant portion of the $75 million (just pay extra shipping and handling). But wait, who pays federal taxes? You, me, and my parents who live in Minnesota along with residents of the other 48 states (50 minus Indiana & Minnesota just to be clear). Sure the federal government is probably paying to fix some local road in Minnesota right now but that still doesn’t make it right. The federal deficit is projected to be $1.9 TRILLION that is a larger deficit than the Bush administration ran up in its entire second term. Just because you can get “stimulus money” doesn’t make it a good decision. In fact in the current economy and as we look at joining our two communities into one can anyone build a case that any of these actions or proposal is a “good decision”? I would love to hear you try.
If last week’s joint meeting of the Greenwood Council and White River Township Board didn’t indicate at the reorganization plan is dead on arrival, then actions such as these are certain to drive a stake through its heart.
Related posts (Automatically generated):
Leave a Comment