PIERCETON — A special request to remove and replace a sidewalk in Pierceton now has the town council considering reinstating a sidewalk program.
The Pierceton Town Council met in a special session Tuesday to hear a request by Nathan and Amy Christoffel to remove a sidewalk in front of their home at 501 N. First St.
The Christoffels, for several years, have wanted to replace that sidewalk as it is falling apart. Nathan noted at one time there used to be a little help from the town, but that is no longer available.
Glenn Hall, council president, noted he did some research and found there was a program at one time but was discontinued for some reason. He suggested to Matt Brubaker, town council member, that sometime in the future the council look at reinstating the program with some type of partnership.
Currently there is not enough funds available to offer any assistance, but council favorably viewed reinstating the program. Brubaker said it would provide incentives to beautify the town and make it easier to get through the town.
The Christoffels’ request was approved by the council.
Since the announcement of the special meeting several other items were brought to the council for discussion. Those items included street paving priorities using a Community Crossings grant, and the potential placement of a little house on a vacant lot.
Town Superintendent Casey Boggs had presented to council members a list of roads for repair and had added a couple more for the town’s redevelopment commission to review. MACOG had rated the streets in order of priority. The total cost to repair all streets listed would be estimated at $416,000 with the town providing a portion of the funds.
Boggs has since reviewed the list and provided a new rating, resulting in fewer projects that were high priority. This has resulted in a new cost estimate of $178,000 with the town’s grant match of $44,500.
Both Hall and Brubaker liked the new proposal. “I’ve looked at those streets and drove down them,” said Hall. “Its really a nice chunk. There’s only three to four projects not included, but they are the big dollar ones.”
The board approved the new list which includes:
• Sixth Street from West Catholic to West Elm.
• Third Street from West Tower to West Market.
• Fifth Street from West Tower to West Catholic.
• Sixth Street, from the end of the road to West Market.
• Indiana Street, from East Keith to East Tulip.
• Cherry Street, from East Mill to East Columbia.
• Columbia Street, from North First to North Fourth.
• Fourth Street, from West Columbia to West Wayne.
• Catholic Street, from South First to the end of the road.
In other matters, the board tabled a request from a person who wishes to purchase a small lot at the corner of Catholic and Seventh Streets and have a tiny house built. The purchase of the property is pending approval of the home.
Hall noted while tiny homes are currently a trend, he had a concern of what will happen five to six years from now, when tiny homes may not be the trend.
The proposed home would be 20 feet by 20 feet, stick built and the person is willing to add a four seasons room.
It was noted there is an ordinance in town requiring homes to be a minimum of 720 square feet of occupied space or a minimum of 23 feet on one side. A garage could not be included in the minimum size requirement.
Hall recommended the town go back to the person and request an updated plan with full dimensions, as close to the 720 square feet as possible, before making a final decision. Brubaker agreed.