CHESTERTON | The busy intersection at Ind. 49 and County Road 1100 North will become even more congested in the weeks ahead as construction in what is known as the South Calumet Triangle progresses.
Town Engineer Mark O'Dell told the Chesterton Town Council at Monday night's meeting that construction crews will begin setting up Wednesday to prepare for lane closures. Weather permitting, those closures will start Monday.
He advised commuters to avoid the area if possible since the work will worsen congestion. He said this phase of the project involves leveling the large gradation from County Road 100 East to Ind. 49, and the closures could last eight weeks or more.
O'Dell also told the council the town has applied for $453,000 in federal stimulus funding through the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, for paving projects, seven traffic light upgrades using LED lights and battery backup packs, and 198 new signs throughout town.
In other business, Stephanie Kuziela, Chesterton's coordinator for U.S. Census 2010 efforts, spoke to the council about her progress on spreading the word.
She said she has secured sponsorships from businesses to fund small projects, such as printing bookmarks, and she has conducted and scheduled nearly 20 sessions in elementary schools to educate students on the importance of the census.
When asked why this group was targeted, Kuziela responded, "Parents ask these kids what they did at school today, and then the children educate their parents on why the census is so important for towns."
Heather Ennis, Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce executive director, also asked the council to cancel its contract with Bob Rauscher, of Rauscher Community Image Marketing, for banners throughout town since he has not fulfilled his end of the agreement with business owners.
"Businesses have paid and received no banner. Every attempt at communication with him has been unresponsive, and registered mail was rejected and sent back," Ennis said.
The council voted unanimously to end the contract. Town Attorney Chuck Lukmann said he would take care of the necessary paperwork, council member Dave Cincoski recommended filing a police report for criminal prosecution, and Ennis said the chamber will pursue banners on its own.
