Reflecting on the progress made in 2025 while envisioning the future, Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar presented her annual State of the City address Monday night.
Speaking for 40 minutes to an audience of 45 local residents, including City Council members and department heads, Dunbar told the City Hall gathering, “Together we have faced challenges with resilience, celebrated achievements that uplift our community and worked tirelessly to create a city that is safe, thriving and inclusive for all.”
Addressing what she called “a shared commitment to making our city an even better place to live, work and raise our families,” Dunbar said, “it is with immense pride that I can confidently declare: The state of Greencastle is strong.”
The mayor looked back at achievements like the completion of a local YMCA, a 40-year dream in the community that came to fruition in 2025 which is doubling down on its success of exceeding membership goals with the addition of a three-lane indoor pool expected to open in July 2027.
Touching on the introduction of ice skating to winter park offerings this year and work on the Greencastle People Pathways Campus Link Trail project due for completion at the end of 2026, the mayor said, “Together, through creativity, collaboration and a shared vision, we are transforming our city into a vibrant, welcoming place year-round.”
At the same time, however, Dunbar said staring into the uncertainty of what Senate Enrolled Act 1 means for the future, “Our city stands at a pivotal moment — one that calls for greater efficiency, effectiveness and a steadfast commitment to the high standards our citizens expect.”
“Never before has our city needed to do more with less,” she continued, alluding to the impact of SB1. “The expectations from our citizens have never been higher, and rightly so. It is our responsibility to meet these expectations head-on, delivering services that enhance the beauty and functionality of our community spaces.”
As an example of planning for that, Mayor Dunbar announced that she has tasked Park/Cemetery Superintendent Jason Keeney with putting together a city-wide mowing crew that she promised will “operate with precision, arrive, complete the mowing tasks efficiently, and move on promptly to the new area, ensuring that all our green spaces receive timely and consistent care.”
Also, the mayor noted, the city is exploring the acquisition of specialized equipment that can handle jobs that previously would have been outsourced — “at a fraction of the cost” — allowing the city to “maximize resources without compromising on quality,” Dunbar added.
Of course, the completion of the U.S. 231 reconstruction project was worth a mention by the mayor, who issued “a heartfelt thank you” to local citizens for their “patience and understanding throughout the construction challenges we faced last year … it was a trying and difficult time for our whole community.”
Acknowledging that the “disruptions were not easy” for the public, Mayor Dunbar said some issues still remain, such as the street lights on Washington Street and some “damaged stretches of pavement caused by the INDOT construction.”
“But despite those hurdles,” she added, “we now have a new, smooth road running through the heart of our city, and that’s something we can all be proud of.”
Locally, Dunbar proudly pointed to the extensive work down on East Washington Street (from Wood Street to Percy Julian Drive) that wasn’t only a repaving project but a reconstruction that is expected to last at least 25 years after the additions of a new base, upgraded water lines, sewer lateral replacements, improved storm drains and “modernized sidewalks.”
Albin Pond Road is another example of a successful city road project which features a new safety barrier and enhanced pavement quality “to provide a smoother, safe driving experience,” Dunbar said.
Looking ahead, she noted, the city has contracted with an engineering firm to perform a comprehensive assessment of Albin Pond Road for future planning and guidance.
“To prolong the life of these roads,” Dunbar said, “we have adopted a new approach to road maintenance” in which instead of a third-party contractor tackling large-scale repaving projects, the city focuses on renting smaller, specialized paving equipment capable of addressing problem areas.
“Our goal is clear,” the mayor added, “to create roads that not only serve us today but continue to support our community’s growth and wellbeing into the future.”
The mayor also addressed the 2025 housing study, her administration’s commitment to public safety with emphasis on police and fire manpower, training and equipment needs, creation of a new comprehensive city plan, the addition of a Greencastle Mayor's Youth Council and the Growing Green & Gold Together initiative with DePauw University that is bringing a 120 market-rate rental units to the Seminary Square development.
In reference to the ambitious Green & Gold project, Dunbar stressed that together the city and university “are building a future where education, business and culture intertwine to create a thriving, dynamic Greencastle.”
“In closing,” Mayor Dunbar said, “I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your hard work and unwavering support throughout 2025. Greencastle is more than just a city — it is a vibrant, caring community built on the dedication and spirit of its residents.
“It is truly an honor to serve as your mayor and work alongside you to make our city an even better place to live, work and grow.”
© 2026 Greencastle Banner-Graphic