Clermont Steering Committee Applies for Tree Grant

Walt Miller

Photo by Linda Karn

(posted August 13)

Clermont's Steering Committee is applying for a Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Grant
to plant 50 trees to improve the streetscape along US 136.

At the August 12 meeting Pastor Jim Burks of the Clermont Christian Church said the church is in limbo right now with the steeple at ground level for repairs, so he could not commit to a location to plant trees.

Part of the criteria to receiving the grant is to submit a maintenance plan and provide volunteers. Committee member Smita Skrivanek said the grant application requires the steering committee to provide half the volunteers. The maintenance plan must include a three year commitment from property owners to maintain the trees.

Some of the steering committee members thought the tree planting campaign would not create any opposition from residents.

Sheri Steven Millers said "expect some dissension is in some form. That is just the way it is."

Town Councilor Walt Miller also encouraged brainstorming to improve the area. He was concerned about the corner of Tansel Road and Crawfordsville.

Bob Wilch of the DMD said the art council could provide a service to improve buildings and areas with public art.
Burks suggested using the Ben Davis art department.

Bernie Denming wanted to beautify the railroad overpass. He suggested finding a company to sponsor painting the bridge. The company would put its name on the bridge as a form of advertising.

M.J. Lynch requested more landscaping be added to the rock by the railroad overpass.

The steering committee also decided to write letters to ask the proposed Speedway Gas Station not to install the 40 foot sign on Raceway Road. The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the variance to move set backs closer to the road, but the 40 foot sign was considered a permitted use, so Walt Miller's request to lower the sign was not considered.

The steering committee is now hoping that a letter writing campaign will motivate Speedway to make the sign a ground level sign just to be a good neighbor in the community.