The Hobart/Merrillville Joint Municipal Task Force recently had its inaugural meeting.
Officials from the two communities gathered, along with the Indiana Department of Transportation. In February, Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun and Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella announced the establishment of the task force. It represents an effort to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth in Northwest Indiana.
At the recent meeting, the group discussed congestion in the Mississippi Street corridor, adding pedestrian and bike amenities, roundabouts and potential public transit solutions.
Bella said there are advantages to taking a collaborative approach to these issues.
“I think two municipalities will get more attention than one by itself,” Bella said in a press release.
Huddlestun said the Mississippi Street corridor is a major point of emphasis, particularly around the 79th Avenue intersection. Officials from both communities shared concerns about congestion as residents and visitors head to stores and restaurants.
According to Merrillville Town Councilman Shawn Pettit, Merrillville has secured about $7 million in federal funding for two separate road reconfiguration projects to enhance the traffic flow and improve safety on Mississippi Street. The 69th and 79th avenue intersections are targeted. Roundabouts have been proposed to help address traffic issues.
Municipal officials also explained the need for pedestrian infrastructure improvements, especially as the Silverstone Crossings property is developed off Mississippi Street between 73rd and 79th avenues in Hobart.
Huddlestun said the Silverstone property could become a destination for shopping and activities, and the development will include pedestrian amenities.
“As we progress, I think we’ll have more pedestrians and more people that will be utilizing that,” Huddlestun said.
Officials also explored the possibility of adding other walking paths, such as a walkway under Interstate 65 to link Merrillville to Hobart.
The task force also discussed a potential shuttle service in the U.S. 30 corridor in Hobart and Merrillville. Community leaders suggested creating a designated parking area within a local retail area, and a shuttle could loop around and make stops at locations in both communities.
The task force will meet regularly to continue discussing the potential shuttle service and other shared ideas.
Steve King, Merrillville street department director/engineering administrator, said a unified plan could be instrumental in obtaining grants and other funding for projects.
“It’s going to take some thought and some more planning like this to move it forward,” King said.
