The Pilot News - Downtown committee meets to discuss vision

Those invited to the meeting included representatives of several community entities including PIDCO (Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation), Plymouth Redevelopment Commission, Plymouth Park Board and city officials.
Referring to the announcement that PIDCO members decided to focus on revitalizing the historic down area of Plymouth, Senter said, “I wanted to put several groups together to come up with ideas and how this could happen. But first we need a vision.”
A part of that vision appears to be centered on the area where the Farmers’ Market has been set up along Garro Street on Saturdays for the last few years.
“I see it as a beautiful downtown park in the future,” Senter said. “It will also be a link to the Greenways Project.”
Senter also discussed the upcoming fourth year of the Yellow River Festival that utilizes the adjoining area as well.
“It too has grown into an observance of the way Marshall County was a century ago and has a very strong committee that meets monthly. I see the festival only getting bigger and stronger,” he said.
Local architect and civic leader Brent Martin said, “I’m so glad to have a meeting like this. I know how hard this is. You have to start somewhere.”
Speaking of park space, Martin said, “Those are jewels for the city.”
Dave Morrow representing the park board said, “We’ve known that the area would be part of the parks at some point. Initially we need to make it green and nice.”
He then suggested that it would take long-term vision with cooperation from other groups to make the park a reality.
PIDCO representative Mark Gidley asked for a time table for when a park could be completed.
Senter said, “I’d like to have it by June 1 of this year.”
He then added that there would need to be a five- to 10-year plan as well.
Dan Tyree, a member of the Redevelopment Commission, said, “We (Redevelopment) dropped the ball into Mike’s (Hite, Plymouth Park superintendent) with no dollars and no vision. As we talk about a green area in our downtown, I believe it will draw people to Plymouth as a great place to live.”
Dr. Tom Pedavoli was also on the panel as a representative of Redevelopment.
Plymouth Clerk-Treasurer Toni Hutchings informed the panel of some of the stipulations that could be in place since FEMA money was used to purchase some homes in the area that fell in the flood plains.
“There are covenants on FEMA properties,” she said.
An integral part of the vision is expected to come from area youth as well.
Senter said, “Late in the summer before the next school year, we plan to have in place the Mayor’s Youth Council. We currently have on the books a 1982 ordinance to organize this council, but this needs to be amended to suit 2010.”
He said he would like the Youth Council to be a big part of the park in both ideas and the naming of the park.
Senter was elected as chairman of the newly-formed committee.
Morrow will serve as vice-chair and Brent Martin will serve as secretary.
Future meetings have been set for the first Wed-nesday of each month.
The meetings are open to the public; Senter expressed his desire to have input from the community on the proposed project.