Residents of Bedford, Ellettsville and the surrounding counties and communities can learn more about economic development opportunities and recreational enhancements at two upcoming public meetings.
Students from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) have been studying several issues facing Bedford and Ellettsville. They’ve met with local officials and reviewed government documents and are now preparing to outline their initial conclusions.
The students, all undergraduates under the direction of Prof. Frank Nierzwicki, have been examining plans for the Heritage Trail in Ellettsville. The proposed rail trail would eventually connect with the Monroe County trails system. They will make their presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at an Ellettsville Town Council meeting that begins at 7 p.m. at the community’s fire station.
In Bedford, three teams of students have been at work. One group has been studying the potential economic benefits of enhanced planning in the Bedford/Lawrence County area. Another group has been looking into the impact of storm water run-off projects in the city and a third group is analyzing the potential of a pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting Bedford’s downtown and the White River. The students will present their findings on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. in a meeting open to the public at the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, 1116 16th Street.
“The reports these students have been compiling lay the groundwork for progress on key issues confronting these two communities,” Nierzwicki said. “I hope residents of Ellettsville and Bedford come to the presentations to learn more and ask questions. The students are grateful for the opportunities these projects have provided and we’re pleased to be able to offer SPEA’s expertise to the communities at no charge.”