At this station, attendees of the first public information meeting for a study of U.S. 31 were provided sticky notes to share their ideas for what the corridor should look like in 2035.
The Sentinel photo / Wesley Dehne
A large group of people concerned about the future of U.S. 31 gathered at Rochester High School Thursday to share their thoughts and ideas for possible future improvements.
It was the first public information meeting held in Fulton County concerning a planning study of U.S. 31 North – one of four study areas along U.S. 31 and U.S. 30.
The two-year studies are dubbed ProPEL US 30 and ProPEL US 31, PEL standing for Planning and Environmental Linkages – a process used by transportation agencies such as the Indiana Department of Transportation to assess innovative ways to address corridor challenges and needs.
On hand at last week’s meeting were representatives of INDOT and Parsons, the consulting firm behind the U.S. 31 North study area. Parsons held the first set of community office hours for its study here in late October at the Fulton County Public Library. More office hours are slated for next week.
“One of the things we want to do is really listen,” said Mindy Peterson, public involvement director for Parsons. “When we talk about PEL, we talk about smarter transportation, stronger communities. How do we make that happen? We make that happen by listening to you.”
She noted there is no project slated for U.S. 31 at this time.
“This is a planning study, a fresh slate,” she said. “We’re taking all of the information in previous studies, and we’re reviewing it to make sure that we’re informed, but this is a planning study that is starting with fresh eyes, so what we want to do is listen, especially during this part of the study.”
Attendees were asked about their vision for the future of U.S. 31 and provided a board to jot down ideas and concerns. Inside the school cafeteria, they could meet with the study team, discuss concerns and issues that might affect the study and enter comments online. Accompanying half-hour presentations led by Peterson and Dan Prevost, PEL lead for Parsons, took place in the school auditorium.
Among comments left on sticky notes, some called for improvements such as overpasses and interchanges, or consideration into how to attract companies and stimulate job growth. Some highlighted the affect limited-access would have on emergency services and school buses. Several called for no improvements, saying the corridor is fine as is.
“We heard from several people who are very interested in making sure that there is access that is maintained to businesses,” Peterson said. “We’ve also heard about the importance of making sure there is a safe crossing for farm equipment because farm equipment is using this area a lot.”
Given that the study area is so large, communities within it have diverse needs.
“We recognize that, and that’s one of the reasons why we have four study areas is so that we can have meaningful conversations with the community and get a better understanding of those diverse needs,” Peterson said. “We’re also asking people to think big, to think about what they want U.S. 31 to look like in 10 years from now, 20 years from now.”
Peterson noted the study is focused on engagement with the community and receiving feedback.
“Does it matter? Absolutely it matters,” she said of providing input. “What you tell us is all information that is going to be documented, recorded, considered by the study team and it’s going to inform this study.”
She added that multiple projects are expected to emerge from the study, so information provided now is crucial toward shaping recommendations.
“We want to make sure that whatever we do through this study, or whatever ideas or solutions we develop through this study fit with the community,” Prevost added. “We want to make sure we define the needs before we start thinking about possible solutions.”
Those who were unable to attend last week’s meeting may still submit comments on the project website, ProPELUS31.com. Click on the U.S. 31 North tab at the top of the page and then scroll down to the bottom for a virtual meeting link.
Comments submitted before the end of the year will be combined with those shared at last week’s meeting at the school.
The next set of community office hours are Dec. 14 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Denver Fire Department, 500 E. Harrison St., Denver, and from 3-6 p.m. at the Fulton County Public Library, 320 W. Seventh St., Rochester.
Additionally, arrangements may be made on the project website for the study team to come and talk to various groups and organizations.
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