Nov. 30—CHARLESTOWN — As 2024 nears, Charlestown officials are considering plans for the city in the new year.
This year, the city was able to complete its inclusive playground at Greenway Park, start construction on a new teen hangout area, create a disability committee and more.
One goal for the city is to get approved for the state READI grant they applied for this year. They requested a total of about $6 million.
If approved they will use the money for wastewater infrastructure, Shadow Lake Park, building a connector road for Shadow Lake Business Park that would link C.R. 403 to High Jackson Road and other projects.
"We've been working towards progress on our parks," said Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges. "We're really hoping to see Shadow Lake Park begin to take shape."
City officials plan on beginning phase one of Shadow Lake Park in 2024 and have it finished before the year ends.
A theme for the upcoming year will be commercial growth for the city. Hodges, who won re-election in November and begins another four-year term in January, and the council have been looking at ways to attract more businesses to the city.
"Our population growth is showing that it's time for investors to really take us seriously when we say that we are open for business," Hodges said. "Clark County is growing at a rate that is higher than many of the areas, if not all the areas in Indiana."
It's a good time to choose Charlestown, she added.
With the population continuing to grow, the city may look to expand its police department.
"By FBI standards, we're a few officers under where we need to be," Hodges said. "We should probably be between 20 and 22, we have 18."
Next year the city will be adding a new school resource officer.
A city council featuring a new face in Chuck Deaton will convene in January. Deaton replaces Ruthie Jackson, who lost to Hodges in the mayoral race.
Deaton wants to talk with residents, city workers, Hodges and anybody else involved with Charlestown to learn what their needs and wants are.
"When I come in, I want to start off strong in January," Deaton said. "I just want to make sure I talk to people, because that's where it matters."
He wants to know what the residents need, want and how they want to grow. He wants to collaborate with the residents and build on what they want for Charlestown.
He also would like to bring new businesses to Charlestown that would encourage people from surrounding areas such as Clarksville or Jeffersonville to visit the city.
"I want to make Charlestown a place that is very homey for people," Deaton said. "It's not about how fast you can get something up, it's about doing it precise and doing it with the right people to where it works for everyone."