Categorical Exclusion Appendix G Public Involvement
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The Hamilton County Highway Department will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the Hamilton Heights High School Media Center, 25802 State Road 19, Arcadia, Indiana 46030. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for an informal Open House session with the formal Public Hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The purpose of the public hearing is to offer all interested persons an opportunity to comment on current design plans for a proposed reconstruction of 276th Street from US 31 to Gwinn Road in Hamilton County. The proposed 276th Street project involves the reconstruction of approximately 3.9 miles of two-lane roadway with 12-foot wide travel lanes and 3-foot wide paved shoulders from the intersection of US 31 east to the bridge over Little Cicero Creek. In addition, the project will mill and resurface approximately 0.7 mile of two-lane roadway from the bridge over Little Cicero Creek east to the intersection of Gwinn Road. Total project length is approximately 4.60 miles. Construction of the project would require approximately 38.1 acres of new permanent right-of-way. Additional details regarding the proposed work will be presented in greater detail at the public hearing.
The environmental document and related project documentation are available for viewing at the following locations:
th 1. Hamilton County Highway Department, 1700 S. 10 Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060, Phone (317) 773-7770 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 2. The Hamilton County Highway Department website at http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/233/Highway-Department 3. RQAW Corporation, 10401 N. Meridian Street, Suite 401, Indianapolis, Indiana 46290, Phone (317) 815-7200 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
The tentative timetables for right-of-way acquisition and construction will be discussed during the formal presentation. Public statements for the record will be accepted as part of the public hearing procedure. All verbal statements recorded during the public hearing and all written comments submitted prior to, during and for a period of two (2) weeks following the hearing date, will be evaluated, considered and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation. Written comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period to: Hamilton County Highway Department, 1700 S. 10th Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060.
With advance notice, Hamilton County Highway Department can provide special accommodation for persons with disabilities and/or limited English speaking ability and persons needing auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, signers, readers, or large print. Should special accommodation be needed in regards to the attendance and participation during the public hearing, please contact the Hamilton County Highway Department at (317) 773- 7770, by Tuesday, December 15, 2015.
This notice is published in compliance with: 1) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Section 771 (CFR 771.111(h)(1) stating, “Each State must have procedures approved by the FHWA to carry out a public involvement/public hearing program.”; 2) 23 CFR 450.210(a)(1)(ix) stating, “Provide for the periodic review of the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process provides full and open access to all interested parties and revise the process, as appropriate.”; and 3) The INDOT Public Involvement Policies and Procedures approved by the Federal Highway Administration on August 16, 2012. James W. Neal, P.E., Hamilton County Highway Department, Phone (317) 773-7770, email: [email protected]
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-2 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-3 LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Hamilton County Highway Department will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the Hamilton Heights High School Media Center, 25802 State Road 19, Arcadia, Indiana 46030. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for an informal Open House session with the formal Public Hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the public hearing is to offer all interested persons an opportunity to comment on current design plans for a proposed reconstruction of 276th Street from US 31 to Gwinn Road in Hamilton County. The proposed 276th Street project involves the reconstruction of approximately 3.9 miles of two-lane roadway with 12-foot wide travel lanes and 3-foot wide paved shoulders from the intersection of US 31 east to the bridge over Little Cicero Creek. In addition, the project will mill and resurface approximately 0.7 mile of two-lane roadway from the bridge over Little Cicero Creek east to the intersection of Gwinn Road. Total project length is approximately 4.60 miles. Construction of the project would require approximately 38.1 acres of new permanent right-of- way. Additional details regarding the proposed work will be presented in greater detail at the public hearing. The environmental document and related project documentation are available for viewing at the following locations: 1. Hamilton County Highway Department, 1700 S. 10th Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060, Phone (317) 773-7770 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 2. The Hamilton County Highway Department website at http://www. hamiltoncounty.in.gov/233/Highway-Department 3. RQAW Corporation, 10401 N. Meridian Street, Suite 401, Indianapolis, Indiana 46290, Phone (317) 815-7200 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) The tentative timetables for right-of-way acquisition and construction will be discussed during the formal presentation. Public statements for the record will be accepted as part of the public hearing procedure. All verbal statements recorded during the public hearing and all written comments submitted prior to, during and for a period of two (2) weeks following the hearing date, will be evaluated, considered and addressed in subsequent environmental documentation. Written comments may be submitted prior to the public hearing and within the comment period to: Hamilton County Highway Department, 1700 S. 10th Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060. With advance notice, Hamilton County Highway Department can provide special accommodation for persons with disabilities and/or limited English speaking ability and persons needing auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, signers, readers, or large print. Should special accommodation be needed in regards to the attendance and participation during the public hearing, please contact the Hamilton County Highway Department at (317) 773-7770, by Tuesday, December 15, 2015. This notice is published in compliance with: 1) Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Section 771 (CFR 771.111(h)(1) stating, “Each State must have procedures approved by the FHWA to carry out a public involvement/ public hearing program.”; 2) 23 CFR 450.210(a)(1)(ix) stating, “Provide for the periodic review of the effectiveness of the public involvement process to ensure that the process provides full and open access to all interested parties and revise the process, as appropriate.”; and 3) The INDOT Public Involvement Policies and Procedures approved by the Federal Highway Administration on August 16, 2012. James W. Neal, P.E., Hamilton County Highway Department, Phone (317) 773-7770, email: [email protected] TL9046 12/7, 12/14 1t hspaxlp
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-4 Tuesday, December 22, 2015 6 p.m. Hamilton Heights High School
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-5 Welcome
Meeting Format Purpose of Meeting Informal Q & A in project display area with project engineers and project officials Information Packet
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-6 276th Street Project in Hamilton Co.
Introduction of Hamilton County Project Officials Design Consultant Team Recognition of Elected Public Officials
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-7 Public Hearing
Stakeholders in the project Hamilton County Highway Department Indiana Department of Transportation Indiana Division Federal Highways Administration Elected Public Officials Community residents and citizens Commuters Schools
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-8 Public Hearing
Legal Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Noblesville Times on the following dates: Monday, December 7, 2015 Monday, December 14, 2015 Copies of the legal notice were mailed to property owners, consulting parties and project stakeholders on project mailing list Announcements were posted to the Hamilton County Highway Department website Project mailing list will be updated following the public hearing, please sign in during the hearing Project documents available for viewing at local repositories
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-9 Purposes of Hearing
Introduce this project to the community Discuss purpose and need for project Present a preliminary proposal for consideration Solicit input from the community Discuss public involvement for project Address questions & concerns
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-10 Project Development Process
Project develop Engineering Screen project purpose & project Assessment alternatives need alternatives
Additional work Release on project environmental Public Hearing alternatives & document & to solicit public Right-of-Way Construction preliminary preliminary comment design design
We Are Here
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-11 Environmental Document
Requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Requires Hamilton County Highway Department to analyze and evaluate the impacts of a proposed project to the natural and socio- economic environments Impacts are described in environmental document Environmental document was released for public involvement on December 3, 2015 and is anticipated to be approved in early 2016
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-12 Environmental Document
Development of document begins once purpose of need for the project has been clearly identified Develop a number of possible alternatives including a “Do Nothing” alternative as a baseline for comparison Screen alternatives to identify a preferred alternative Solicit public comment on environmental document and preliminary design plan Solicit, address, and fully consider public comments as part of decision making process
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-13 Elements of Environmental Documentation
Relocations Community Impacts Air Quality Wetlands & Waterways Noise Floodplains Farmland Threatened & Endangered Hazardous Materials Species Historic/ Archaeological
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-14 Project Location Map
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-15 Project Purpose and Need
276th Street is functionally obsolete
Narrow 9 ft to 10 ft wide travel lanes
Bordered by 0 to 2 ft wide gravel shoulders
The existing speed limit
55 mph from US 31 to Webster Pit Road
45 mph From Webster Pit Road to Beck’s Hybrids Complex
35 mph through the Beck’s Hybrids Complex
45 mph from Beck’s Hybrids Complex to Gwinn Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-16 Project Purpose and Need
Pavement Condition Existing pavement consists of mostly of chip and seal pavement with some asphalt over aggregate base pavement at the east end of the project. Narrow Travel Lanes Existing narrow travel lanes do not allow for the safe passage of semi- trucks, farm equipment and other vehicles traveling in the opposite directions. Existing Road Profile The existing road profile has substandard vertical stopping sight distance leading to unsafe driving conditions.
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-17 Project Purpose and Need
Intersection Sight Distance Inadequate intersection sight distance at the 276th Street and Gwinn Road intersection caused by the crest in the roadway north of the intersection Three alignment shifts to minimize impacts The roadway will shift 10 ft south around Robert’s Chapel The roadway will shift 10 ft north around the Hurley Cemetery The roadway will shift 10 ft north around electrical transmission pole
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-18 Project Purpose and Need
Purpose of the Project The purpose of the project is to eliminate the safety issues along 276th Street caused by the narrow travel lanes and substandard vertical stopping sight distances and intersection sight distances.
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-19 Project Alternatives
No action/Do nothing alternative Realign intersection at US 31 Alternative investigated to realign 276th Street at US 31 to be perpendicular approach to US 31 then curve 276th Street up to the existing alignment 1,000 ft east of US 31 was rejected due to high construction and land acquisition costs. Reconstruct and widen roadway through Beck’s Alternative investigated to reconstruct and widen roadway through the Beck’s Hybrids Complex was rejected due to high construction costs and impacts to the adjacent facilities.
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-20 Project Description
Project limits – US 31 to Bridge over Little Cicero Creek Reconstruct the pavement as two 12-ft travel lanes with 3-ft paved shoulders (total paved width of 30 ft) Improve the existing curve radius to meet design speed of 55 mph Roadway shifts around Robert’s Chapel, the Hurley Cemetery and an electric transmission pole Improve intersection radii at all crossing roadways The bridge over the Bennett Drain is an exception to the project
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-21 Typical Section
US 31 to Bridge over Little Cicero Creek
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-22 Project Description
Project limits – Bridge over Little Cicero Creek to Gwinn Road The bridge over Little Cicero Creek is an exception to the project Mill and resurface existing travel lanes Maintain the existing wider shoulders and enclosed drainage Reconstruct the 276th Street and Gwinn Road intersection to improve the intersection radii Reconstruct 700 Lft of Gwinn Road (500 ft north and 200 ft south of 276th Street) to improve intersection sight distance by reducing the crest north of the intersection by 3 ft in height.
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-23 Typical Section
Bridge over Little Cicero Creek to Gwinn Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-24 Project Overview
US 31 to Anthony Road Replace existing pavement Two 12-ft travel lanes with 3-ft paved shoulders Open drainage in roadside ditches New driveways and culverts Improve radius on the existing curve to meet 55 mph design speed Roadway shifts 10 ft south around Robert’s Chapel to avoid impacts
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-25 Project Overview
Segment 1 – US 31 to Anthony Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-26 Project Overview
Anthony Road to Albright Road Replace existing pavement Two 12-ft travel lanes with 3-ft paved shoulders Open drainage in roadside ditches New driveways and culverts Roadway shifts 10 ft north around the Hurley Cemetery to avoid impacts Roadway shifts 10 ft north to avoid relocating the electric transmission pole
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-27 Project Overview
Segment 2 – Anthony Road to Albright Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-28 Project Overview
Albright Road to Gwinn Road Replace existing pavement up to Little Cicero Creek Bridge with two 12-ft travel lanes with 3-ft paved shoulders Beginning east of the Little Cicero Creek Bridge mill and resurface existing pavement Maintain existing 10 ft travel lanes and wide shoulders No roadside ditches (already enclosed through Beck’s Complex) Reconstruct 276th Street intersection with Gwinn Road Reconstruct Gwinn Road from 500 ft north to 200 ft south of 276th Street intersection to reduce the roadway crest on Gwinn Road north of 276th Street by 3 ft for intersection sight distance
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-29 Project Overview
Segment 3 – Albright Road to Gwinn Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-30 Project Overview
Miscellaneous Construction Items 43 driveways and 33 drive culverts will be replaced 13 cross culverts on 276th Street will be replaced 3 regulated drains replaced (Dunn, Butler and Driver drains) 10 Road Approaches reconstructed with 7 cross culverts Trees within the construction limits along project will be removed
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-31 Maintenance of Traffic
276th Street will be closed in 3 segments for construction and through traffic will be detoured using 266th Street The 3 segment are: US 31 to just past Anthony Road East of Anthony Road to East of Albright Road East of Albright Road to Gwinn Road Segments more than likely will not be constructed in this sequence (west to east) due to factors such as harvesting Access will be maintained to all properties during road closure Mail, school bus and trash services will be maintained
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-32 Maintenance of Traffic
Segment 1 – US 31 to Anthony Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-33 Maintenance of Traffic
Segment 2 – Anthony Road to Albright Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-34 Maintenance of Traffic
Segment 3 – Albright Road to Gwinn Road
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-35 Real Estate Acquisition Process
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-36 Real Estate Acquisition Process
Hamilton County Representatives available to discuss procedures How Land Is Purchased Explains the process of buying property needed for highway improvements
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-37 Real Estate Acquisition Process
The breakdown in right-of-way for this project is as follows. Agricultural 29.2 Acres Commercial 1.4 Acres Residential 7.5 Acres Total permanent R/W 38.1 Acres
38.1 acres permanent with 51 parcels impacted 1.6 acres temporary with 34 parcels impacted Total of 53 parcels from 32 property owners No relocations planned R/W estimated based on information available at this time
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-38 Real Estate Acquisition Process
“Uniform Act” of 1970” All federal, state, and local governments must comply Requires an offer for just compensation Acquisition Process Appraisals Review Appraisals Negotiations
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-39 Project Schedule
Design/Environmental Documentation (2014-2015)
Public Hearing (December 2015)
Complete Environmental Document (Winter 2016)
Real Estate Acquisition Activities (Winter/Spring 2016)
Complete Design Activities (Summer 2016)
Project Letting (January 2017)
Anticipated Construction (Spring/Summer/Fall 2017)
Anticipated project completion (Spring 2018)
$6.2 million estimated construction cost
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-40 Hamilton County Would Like to Hear From You
Talk with Hamilton County and Consultant project team members Comment sheet in information packet E-mail or Mail comments to Hamilton County Visit Hamilton County Highway Department website at: http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/233/Highway-Department All comments are very much appreciated and will be given full consideration by project team
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-41 Stay Informed by Receiving Updates
Sign-in at attendance table to be added to project mailing list
A meeting notice was mailed to known property owners within project area
Announcement of this meeting was posted to Hamilton County website. A media release was also issued
Hamilton County website at: http://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/233/Highway-Department
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-42 Project Resource Location
Hamilton County Highway Department, 1700 S. 10th Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060 Phone (317) 773-7770 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Bradley J. Davis, Highway Department Director James W. Neal, P.E. County Engineer Tim Knapp, Right-of-Way Manager
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-43 Thank You
Please visit with Hamilton County Highway Department project officials Project Open House: Project maps, displays and project officials for informal Q & A A special thank you to the Hamilton Heights High School Thank you for your attendance this evening
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-44 Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Dear Local Resident, Concerned Citizen, and Elected Public Official:
Welcome to the Hamilton County Highway Department’s Public Hearing for the proposed reconstruction of 276th Street from US 31 to Gwinn Road in Hamilton County. The proposed 276th Street project involves the reconstruction of approximately 3.9 miles of two-lane roadway with 12-foot wide travel lanes and 3-foot wide paved shoulders from the intersection of US 31 east to the bridge over Little Cicero Creek. In addition, the project will mill and resurface approximately 0.7 mile of two-lane roadway from the bridge over Little Cicero Creek east to the intersection of Gwinn Road. Total project length is approximately 4.60 miles. Construction of the project would require approximately 38.1 acres of new permanent right-of-way.
The purpose of this public hearing is to offer all interested persons an opportunity to meet with County officials, review the project proposal including environmental document and preliminary design plans, and provide input and public comment regarding the proposal.
There are several ways your comments may be presented this evening. You may submit comments in the following manner:
1. Complete one of the comment forms and return it to any of the County representatives attending the public hearing. Comment forms are attached to this page and additional forms are available at the sign-in table.
th 2. Mail your comments to the Hamilton County Highway Department, 1700 S. 10 Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060; Phone (317) 773-7770 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) The Hamilton County Highway Department respectfully requests comments be submitted by Friday, January 8, 2016.
3. Participate during the Public Comment Session and have your comments recorded for inclusion into the official hearings transcript / public record.
4. Comments may be emailed to the Hamilton County Highway Department at: [email protected]
All public comments submitted during the comment session or during the public comment period will be included in the official hearing transcript (public record) and will be reviewed, evaluated and given full consideration by Hamilton County Highway Department officials during the decision making process. Hamilton County Highway Department sincerely appreciates your attendance this evening.
James W. Neal, P.E., County Engineer, Hamilton County Highway Department
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-45 Thank you for attending this public hearing for the proposed reconstruction of 276th Street. Please submit comments by using the space provided below. The Hamilton County Highway Department appreciates your attendance and participation this evening. The Hamilton County Highway Department respectfully requests comments be submitted by Friday, January 8, 2016 for inclusion into the official hearings transcript / public record.
TODAY’S DATE: Tuesday, December 22, 2015
COMMENT: ______
SIGNATURE:
PRINTED NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE, ZIP:
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-46 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-47 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-48 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-49 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-50 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-51 276th Street Reconstruction Hamilton County, Indiana Question and Comment Session December 22, 2015 1. Paula Jo Gilliam, President of Roberts Chapel Homecoming and Burial Association.
Question: When you are going south on the road there, 31 to… is it all going to be shifted up to the south all throughout?
2. Bryan Glover, Board Member with Roberts Settlement
Comment: We got some prepared remarks/comments and then some questions that Lavella will address if that’s okay. By now most of you on the project are familiar with the Roberts Settlement story. This story is not already a familiar one. The Lochmueller Report did a good job summarizing the importance of the Roberts Settlement story and the place as part of that section 106 Review. Nevertheless, the Roberts Settlement descendants ask for your indulgency as we make our presentation as to why this particular story matters to our collective Indiana history and why the County’s plan for the 276th Street Rehabilitation project has some concerns for us. Let’s state for the record we generally agree that 276th Street needs to be improved. We hope the County’s plans for improvement, however, will take into consideration all reasonable needs of the property owners serviced by 276th Street. My fellow board member, Lavella Hyter will address some of these concerns in a few minutes. But a little bit about some history for everyone from our perspective. In the late 1820s and 1830s, the families of founder Roberts Settlement began their migrations from North Carolina and Virginia to Indiana. These free people of color left their homes and families to escape the South where the vile system of slavery was becoming more and more entrenched as an impending of a southern economy. The Nat Turner Rebellion, perhaps the best known slavery rebellion in America, occurred within 100 miles from where these free people of color lived. For what we know, our Roberts ancestors were free from slavery. Unfortunately, the realities of free have a whole host of meanings when it comes to life, liberty and the pursuit of freedom for some people. The freedom of our ancestors in the early 19th Century was constantly under threat. In an instant, the freed papers that supposedly guaranteed their freedom could be taken away. The Roberts younger generation knew that their best chances for remaining free and pursuing their dreams would be to leave the South
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-52 behind. Indiana and other states that once made up our country’s northwest territory seemed like the best place for them to go. So they left, the Roberts, the Waldens, Winburns, Gilliams, Jeffries. These families, just to name a few, began their journey out of the inferno into a new world. Leaving family and friends behind, the pioneers endured the arduous journey out of the old South to the frontier. Darke County, Ohio; Cass County, Michigan; Randolph County, Indiana; Rush County, Indiana; Orange County, Indiana; Vigo County, Indiana, and Hamilton County became the new places to call home for these pioneers. Places where slavery had been outlawed before their arrival, places where they believed life, liberty and the pursuit of their freedom was possible. And so a new life had begun. At one time in the late 1800s, the Settlement had more than 200 residents and control of 2500 acres of land. The small settlement produced doctors, lawyers, educators, pastors and other professionals in a time the great majority of blacks weren’t able to engage in the pursuit beyond pure sustenance. For those of us here tonight representing Roberts Chapel Homecoming and Burial Association, Roberts Settlement is a very special place. But let’s be clear, Roberts Settlement is an historical treasure that belongs to all Hoosiers. Our presence in northern Hamilton County has lasted for 180 plus years, nearly as long as Indiana has been a state. We have received State and National recognition. In 1996, Roberts Chapel was placed on the Department of Interior of National Registry of Historical Places. This year, the Indiana Historic Bureau awarded Roberts Settlement Estate of Historical Marker that will be installed during Indiana’s Bicentennial year. This designation will surely bring more visitors to Roberts Chapel. While the place we call Roberts Settlement no longer has any descendants living in the immediate area, the place remains the ancestral home of 100 descendants that trek to Atlanta, Indiana every July 4th weekend for Homecoming Celebration. This celebration has taken place every year since 1925. That’s 91 years and still counting.
3. Lavella Hyter, Board Member with Roberts Settlement
Comments: We have concerns about safety and control of traffic now and post construction. We visually observe what appears to be excessive speed of vehicles particularly heavy trucks and equipment. Our concerns continue to grow as to the speed vehicles will travel with improved road conditions and whether these large vehicles can safely slow or stop if necessary to avoid injury to people or damage to property along 276th Street. The Roberts Chapel is about 60 feet from the edge of the roadway. We hope a safe speed limit will be
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-53 posted and enforced and would also like to see signage identifying the presence of an historical place in the vicinity. The photos that have been presented depict how we have had to park for several decades. Parking head end in front of the Chapel. Also, we park most often on the grounds. We also park on the north and south sides of 276th Street, east and west of the property itself. At this year’s homecoming just on Saturday alone, we had a total of 50 vehicles parked at or near our site. While Robert Settlement will continue to have ongoing activities during construction and certainly following the noticeably heavy traffic volume and its likely increase over time, it does concern us from a safety and access perspective. It is essential parking ingress and egress is safe and manageable. Roberts Settlement uses the Chapel and grounds for marriages, recommitments, christening, baptisms, funerals, burials, student (?), our annual 3-day homecoming event, film productions and other cultural activities. We’ve created a public awareness of Roberts Chapel through an online presence with our website and Facebook page. Our social media has yielded good fruit. Several first timers came to our Roberts Settlement Homecoming this year as a result of what they found on our website. In addition to the newcomers this year, several other genealogy enthusiasts have made positive online commentary indicating a desire to attend the Homecoming in the near future. All this to say we expect our Homecoming attendance to grow steadily with the increased social medial experience. In 2013 with the help of the Indiana Humanities and Hamilton County Tourism, we produced a 20-minute documentary on the history and legacy of Roberts Settlement. Thus far our film entitled “Southern Seed Northern Soil, The History and Legacy of Roberts Settlement” has been shared with over 200 Hamilton County residents in several community conversations. Our film definitely resonated with viewers. These reactions made us ask ourselves how more compelling would our story be if the public could engage in our program at Roberts Chapel. So what are some of the other current and future initiatives that will likely occur. Over the years, various religious organizations have used our Chapel for their spiritual services and we anticipate that will likely occur in the future. We continue to collaborate with the Hamilton County Tourism, Conner Prairie Museum and various other local and statewide groups and organizations for programs designed for education and tourism. The impact of these programs will certainly be more meaningful if we are able to use the Chapel as one of our primary hosting sites. Under the leadership of historian Steven A. Vincent, also an Indiana native son, we are in the early stages of planning a full length documentation film that will tell the story of African American pioneers that settled in Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. There is no doubt about the potential reach of this
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-54 film and what it could mean growing our membership and visitors to Roberts Settlement. A live theatrical production that recounts the 1880 visit by America’s most famous abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, is also in the works. A recent grant from the Hamilton County 2016 Bicentennial Committee is one of the funding recourses for our project. As I mentioned before, Roberts Settlement is one of the locations we envision for telling this little know story related to Indiana’s history. Taken all together these efforts will bring more attention to Roberts Settlement and the little Chapel that sits along 276th Street. It’s no small fact that our organization must work extremely hard to find the funding necessary for preserving and improving this historic treasure. We will also need to be just as resourceful at finding the funding necessary to create the programs and projects just described. As Bryan stated earlier, the goals of our pioneers were the pursuit of economic, educational, religious and religious aspirations with greater freedom. It is attributed to their lasting legacy that Roberts Settlement descendants keep coming home. It’s our hope that members of Hamilton County Highway Department and County Council agree that Roberts Settlement is a vital part of our Indiana history. Keeping that history alive is very important for this community. As progress continues to unfold in the local area, it seems critically important for all of us to work together to find acceptable ways to bring history and progress into harmony. On behalf of Roberts Settlement, thank you for your time and consideration.
4. Steve Bates, speaking on behalf of his mother, Phyllis Bates, who lives along 276th Street
Comment: I have spoken with the Highway Department before. There is a private tile that runs along underneath the existing side ditch that parallels 276th Street on the south side that drains the farm acreage on the west side of her residence and also the house and some of the fields west of that. I do have some photos marked it for your survey crews. Also we recently put up a fence along the road. Hopefully, some considerations of the cost on those things to move that tile. Obviously, you don’t won’t it under the road. There is going to be some expenses on those types of things. The other thing we would like to reiterate to is the concern they had with the speed, trying to get out of the driveways with the current conditions is tough. If the road improvements down there can make that curve even faster is going to shorten the travel time between the top of that curve and the driveways along all those residences and that’s a safety issue. I agree with the posting of the speed limit and the enforcement of it should be taken into consideration.
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-55 5. Member of the audience who did not give her name.
Question 1: When will the answers to the comments be posted?
Answer 1. The comment period closes in two weeks which will be January 8th. Will gather all the comments and we will address them as quickly as we can. We assume another two weeks. We will submit them for approval. Hopefully, end of January at the earliest the comments will be addressed.
Question 2: How will everybody be informed about the answers to the comments that were made tonight?
Answer 2. They will be in the final document. We will gather all the comments and will address them appropriately and the final document will be released. There will not be another public hearing. There will time for us to address the comments. If there is a very specific question, we might reach out to the property owner and determine what the concern is and see if we can address that. We won’t leave a question unanswered. We’re typically going to look at it and come up with the best answer at that time. Once the documents are complete we will send a notice to everyone that they can go to the Hamilton County website to access the final document. It’s important that we have your contact information. If we receive a comment that needs clarification we can reach out through that and get better information. Let’s make sure we have your up to date.
[The above responses were provided at the time the question was asked to clarify the hearing process.]
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-56 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-57 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-58 James W. Neal
From: Chris F. Burt Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 11:29 AM To: James W. Neal Subject: FW: 276th St. project Attachments: 20151231113224715.pdf
From: Morehouse, Jason [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 11:26 AM To: Chris F. Burt Cc: Amber N. Emery Subject: 276th St. project
Chris,
Good morning, my name is Jason Morehouse. Production Manager at Beck’s Hybrids. I found your name on the county website. So please feel free to direct me to someone else if that is appropriate.
I have 7 culverts that I would like to install under 276th St. for farm drainage tile & irrigation lines. I know the locations and sizes of the these culverts. I wanted to discuss the installation of these culverts as it relates to the design & timing of the install. Attached is the map of the culverts and their sizes. Please let me know who I should work with or how to proceed. Thanks and have a happy new year. Jason Morehouse
CONFIDENTIALITY. This electronic mail and any files transmitted with it may contain information proprietary to Beck's Superior Hybrids, or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates, and is intended solely for the use of the individual to whom or entity to which this message is addressed, and must be maintained in confidence and may not be disclosed to third parties without the written consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the electronic mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this electronic mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this electronic mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic mail in error, please immediately notify the sender by return mail.
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-59 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-60 James W. Neal
From: County Highway Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2016 11:20 AM To: James W. Neal Subject: FW: 276th Street Rehabilitation question
From: kelly rynearson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2016 11:05 AM To: County Highway Subject: 276th Street Rehabilitation question
Our property at 2240 and 2248 E 276th St has 50ft. of right-of-way dedicated along 276th Street. When viewing the project plans, it is apparent that for the road expansion project to occur, only 40ft. of right-of-way is required to complete, which is designated by the red line on the plans. The meeting we attended stated all trees within the right-of-way were to be removed; however, our trees are outside of the 40'ft requirement, which is what is being required of each resident impacted by the project except us. Is it necessary to remove these trees given they will in no way affect the project (including utilities)?
Regards, Brad and Kelly Rynearson
-- Regards,
Kelly Rynearson Cell: 317-507-1779
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-61 1/5/2016
Road expansion comments/concerns
We have the following concerns and comments regarding the reconstruction of 276th street:
Our major concern is the proposed right of way and road construction will be encroaching and cutting into our septic system. We have concerns over flooding of our property due to new ditches and grading that will come with the new construction. We already have flooding of our back yard and side yard due to water that flows from the ditch on the south side of the road into two small culverts under the road into a ditch that runs through our side yard and into a pond. We are concerned about how close the power lines will now be to the front of our house. Will we now be able to hear “buzzing” from the power lines that will be right outside our bedroom window? We would request that the power line be moved underground or some other solution that does not put it right next to our house. With the proximity of the road to the house and the new right of way we are concerned about the road noise and our inability to try and compensate for it by planting any type of barrier shrubbery. With the new right of way, we would be concerned that in order to plant any barrier shrubbery and not be in the right of way we would have to plant too close to the foundation of our home. With the new right of way, we are concerned with the loss of an apple tree and a large growth tree. While the apple tree can be replaced and we will still be alive to see it bear fruit, we will never be able to replace such a large tree in our lifetime. We have a lot of concern about the Impact of the US 31 Construction projects in conjunction with the 276th reconstruction. With potential increased road use due to a potential US 31 roundabout at 276th street and the potential north and south US 31 cross street closures. We are concerned that a road that is now closer with the potential for a high increase in traffic will have a negative effect on property values. We would also recommend a speed limit between 45-50 and not the purposed 55. At the very least there should be a lower speed limit for tractor trailers. During the meeting it was mentioned that some of the hills would be leveled off for visibility reasons. However, we did not see or hear anything about the hill just west of Cal Carson. Will this hill be leveled off as well? From personal experience when turning west from Cal Carson onto 276th street you cannot see oncoming traffic until it is coming over the hill.
While we in general agree with the widening of 276th we are concerned about the impact that the right of way and widening will have on our property, our home, and our family. We hope that you take our concerns seriously and address them accordingly.
Sincerely,
Kevin and Annissa Happel 3840 East 276th Street Atlanta, IN 46031
Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-62 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-63 James W. Neal
From: Estrada, Mary
James,
I will be unable to attend the Public hearing set for Dec. 22, 2015. Please except these comments regarding the upcoming road project.
There was an gas well drilled in 1904 at the intersection of 276th and Gwinn Road. We don’t have any records on hand that would help but I did find a (very) little information at the Indiana Geological Survey. It is located in Twp. 20 North, Rng. 4 East, in section 11 in the SW SW SE. It is reported to be 35’ from the south line and 50’ from the west line or, as my map shows, on the north/east side of the existing intersection. Back in those days, drilling for oil and gas was fairly new and any information about these wells cannot be trusted as oil men didn’t worry about those details and estimated locations.
I give you this information so that you can be cautious while working in the area. I do know that all the casing was pulled when they abandoned the well but am not sure it was plugged since there aren’t any records. The well would not exist at the surface. It was a dry hole at the time and hopefully is still today. If there is no hissing or blowing of gas, you may be able to carefully continue at the surface.
Now for the bad news: If you encounter the well, it will need to be properly plugged to protect the land, your road, and anyone living within 1/4th mile from the well. We will assist with guidance, located an oil and gas contractor to plug the well and oversee the plugging.
If we do not hear from you, a contractor for the project or someone you have delegated, we will assume that you did not uncover the well during the project. But, just in case, I want to provide you with contact information.
Mary Estrada, Asst. Director DNR, Div. of Oil and Gas 402 W. Washington St., W293 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Office: (317) 233‐0933 or Cell: (317) 450‐6611
John White, Northern Oil & Gas Inspector, (765)618‐0766
Brian Royer, On site Coordinator, Field Specialist, (317) 417‐6556
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-64 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-65 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-66 Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-67 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE 1 Paula Jo Gilliam, When you are going south on the road there, 31 The roadway is shifted south around the President of Roberts to… is it all going to be shifted up to the south all Roberts Chapel property then returns to the Chapel Homecoming and throughout? original centerline location. Burial Association 2 Bryan Glover, Board Comment: We got some prepared Thank you for your comments. Member with Roberts remarks/comments and then some questions that Settlement Lavella will address if that’s okay. By now most of you on the project are familiar with the Roberts Settlement story. This story is not already a familiar one. The Lochmueller Report did a good job summarizing the importance of the Roberts Settlement story and the place as part of that section 106 Review. Nevertheless, the Roberts Settlement descendants ask for your indulgency as we make our presentation as to why this particular story matters to our collective Indiana history and why the County’s plan for the 276th Street Rehabilitation project has some concerns for us. Let’s state for the record we generally agree that 276th Street needs to be improved. We hope the County’s plans for improvement, however, will take into consideration all reasonable needs of the property owners serviced by 276th Street. My fellow board member, Lavella Hyter will address some of these concerns in a few minutes. But a little bit about some history for everyone from our perspective. In the late 1820s and 1830s, the families of founder Roberts Settlement began their migrations from North Carolina and Virginia to Indiana. These free people of color left their homes and families to escape the South where the vile system of slavery was becoming more and more entrenched as an impending of a southern economy. The Nat Turner Rebellion, perhaps the best known slavery rebellion in America, occurred within 100 miles from where these free people of color lived. For what we know, our Roberts ancestors were free from slavery. Unfortunately, the realities of free have a whole host of meanings when it comes to life, liberty and the pursuit of freedom for some people. The freedom of our ancestors in the early 19th Century was constantly under threat. In an instant, the freed papers that supposedly guaranteed their freedom could be taken away. The Roberts younger generation knew that their best chances for remaining free and pursuing their dreams would be to leave the South behind. Indiana and other states that once made up our country’s northwest territory seemed like the best place for them to go. So they left the Roberts, the Waldens, Winburns, Gilliams, and Jeffries. These families, just to name a few, began their journey out of the inferno into a new
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-68 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE world. Leaving family and friends behind, the pioneers endured the arduous journey out of the old South to the frontier. Darke County, Ohio; Cass County, Michigan; Randolph County, Indiana; Rush County, Indiana; Orange County, Indiana; Vigo County, Indiana, and Hamilton County became the new places to call home for these pioneers. Places where slavery had been outlawed before their arrival, places where they believed life, liberty and the pursuit of their freedom was possible. And so a new life had begun. At one time in the late 1800s, the Settlement had more than 200 residents and control of 2500 acres of land. The small settlement produced doctors, lawyers, educators, pastors and other professionals in a time the great majority of blacks weren’t able to engage in the pursuit beyond pure sustenance. For those of us here tonight representing Roberts Chapel Homecoming and Burial Association, Roberts Settlement is a very special place. But let’s be clear, Roberts Settlement is an historical treasure that belongs to all Hoosiers. Our presence in northern Hamilton County has lasted for 180 plus years, nearly as long as Indiana has been a state. We have received State and National recognition. In 1996, Roberts Chapel was placed on the Department of Interior of National Registry of Historical Places. This year, the Indiana Historic Bureau awarded Roberts Settlement Estate of Historical Marker that will be installed during Indiana’s Bicentennial year. This designation will surely bring more visitors to Roberts Chapel. While the place we call Roberts Settlement no longer has any descendants living in the immediate area, the place remains the ancestral home of 100 descendants that trek to Atlanta, Indiana every July 4th weekend for Homecoming Celebration. This celebration has taken place every year since 1925. That’s 91 years and still counting. 3 Lavella Hyter, Board We have concerns about safety and control of traffic Hamilton County recently completed a Member with Roberts now and post construction. We visually observe speed study verifying that the 85-percentile Settlement what appears to be excessive speed of vehicles traveled speed is 55 mph (this is the particularly heavy trucks and equipment. Our criteria for the posted speed). The new concerns continue to grow as to the speed vehicles roadway is designed for 55 mph which will will travel with improved road conditions and be the posted speed limit and the project whether these large vehicles can safely slow or stop will include new speed limit signs. The if necessary to avoid injury to people or damage to speed study will identify times when property along 276th Street. The Roberts Chapel is speeding takes place and the County about 60 feet from the edge of the roadway. We Sheriff’s Office will be informed such that hope a safe speed limit will be posted and enforced they can target enforcement at times when and would also like to see signage identifying the speeding is most likely occurring. presence of an historical place in the vicinity. The photos that have been presented depict how we have
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-69 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE had to park for several decades. Parking head end The request for historical signage will be in front of the Chapel. Also, we park most often on included in the project. Sign installation the grounds. We also park on the north and south has been included as a commitment in the sides of 276th Street, east and west of the property environmental document. The language on itself. At this year’s homecoming just on Saturday the sign will be coordinated with the alone, we had a total of 50 vehicles parked at or Roberts Settlement prior to installation. near our site. While Robert Settlement will Signs will be installed per the Manual of continue to have ongoing activities during Uniform Traffic Control Devices construction and certainly following the noticeably (MUTCD). heavy traffic volume and its likely increase over time, it does concern us from a safety and access perspective. It is essential parking ingress and egress is safe and manageable. Roberts Settlement A project commitment will be added to not uses the Chapel and grounds for marriages, allow construction on the 4th of July recommitments, christening, baptisms, funerals, weekend in vicinity of the Chapel (from burials, student (?), our annual 3-day homecoming US 31 to Anthony Road) to minimize event, film productions and other cultural activities. construction impacts to Homecoming We’ve created a public awareness of Roberts Festivities. Chapel through an online presence with our website and Facebook page. Our social media has yielded good fruit. Several first timers came to our Roberts Settlement Homecoming this year as a result of The current parking configuration will be what they found on our website. In addition to the maintained and slightly improved by newcomers this year, several other genealogy shifting the roadway to the south which enthusiasts have made positive online commentary will lengthen the existing gravel parking indicating a desire to attend the Homecoming in the area (front to back) by approximately 5 ft. near future. All this to say we expect our Homecoming attendance to grow steadily with the increased social medial experience. In 2013 with the help of the Indiana Humanities and Hamilton County Tourism, we produced a 20-minute documentary on the history and legacy of Roberts Settlement. Thus far our film entitled “Southern Seed Northern Soil, The History and Legacy of Roberts Settlement” has been shared with over 200 Hamilton County residents in several community conversations. Our film definitely resonated with viewers. These reactions made us ask ourselves how more compelling would our story be if the public could engage in our program at Roberts Chapel. So what are some of the other current and future initiatives that will likely occur? Over the years, various religious organizations have used our Chapel for their spiritual services and we anticipate that will likely occur in the future. We continue to collaborate with the Hamilton County Tourism, Conner Prairie Museum and various other local and statewide groups and organizations for programs designed for education and tourism. The impact of these programs will certainly be more meaningful if we are able to use the Chapel as one of our primary hosting sites. Under the leadership of historian
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-70 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE Steven A. Vincent, also an Indiana native son, we are in the early stages of planning a full length documentation film that will tell the story of African American pioneers that settled in Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. There is no doubt about the potential reach of this film and what it could mean growing our membership and visitors to Roberts Settlement. A live theatrical production that recounts the 1880 visit by America’s most famous abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, is also in the works. A recent grant from the Hamilton County 2016 Bicentennial Committee is one of the funding recourses for our project. As I mentioned before, Roberts Settlement is one of the locations we envision for telling this little know story related to Indiana’s history. Taken all together these efforts will bring more attention to Roberts Settlement and the little Chapel that sits along 276th Street. It’s no small fact that our organization must work extremely hard to find the funding necessary for preserving and improving this historic treasure. We will also need to be just as resourceful at finding the funding necessary to create the programs and projects just described. As Bryan stated earlier, the goals of our pioneers were the pursuit of economic, educational, religious and religious aspirations with greater freedom. It is attributed to their lasting legacy that Roberts Settlement descendants keep coming home. It’s our hope that members of Hamilton County Highway Department and County Council agree that Roberts Settlement is a vital part of our Indiana history. Keeping that history alive is very important for this community. As progress continues to unfold in the local area, it seems critically important for all of us to work together to find acceptable ways to bring history and progress into harmony. On behalf of Roberts Settlement, Hamilton County recognizes and thank you for your time and consideration. understands the importance of the Roberts Settlement and will consider all recommendations. 4 Steve Bates, speaking on I have spoken with the Highway Department before. Private tiles are difficult to locate during behalf of his mother, There is a private tile that runs along underneath the survey unless there is a visible outlet. All Phyllis Bates, who lives existing side ditch that parallels 276th Street on the tiles that are disturbed by construction along 276th Street south side that drains the farm acreage on the west activities will be repaired in place, if side of her residence and also the house and some of possible, or relocated to either the the fields west of that. I do have some photos centerline of the roadside ditch or some marked it for your survey crews. other location nearby as part of construction activities.
Also we recently put up a fence along the road. The property owner will be compensated Hopefully, some considerations of the cost on those to relocate their fence during right-of-way things to move that tile. Obviously, you don’t want acquisition. Once acquisition is completed
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-71 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE it under the road. There is going to be some the owner will be required to relocate the expenses on those types of things. The other thing fence to the new right-of-way line typically we would like to reiterate to is the concern they had within 30 days of receiving payment. with the speed, trying to get out of the driveways with the current conditions is tough. If the road improvements down there can make that curve even faster is going to shorten the travel time between the top of that curve and the driveways along all those residences and that’s a safety issue. I agree with the posting of the speed limit and the enforcement of it should be taken into consideration. 5 Member of the When will the answers to the comments be posted? [The following responses were provided at audience who did not the time the question was asked to clarify give her name. the hearing process.]
The comment period closes in two weeks which will be January 8th. Will gather all the comments and we will address them as quickly as we can. We assume another two weeks. We will submit them for approval. Hopefully, end of January at the earliest the comments will be addressed.
How will everybody be informed about the answers They will be in the final document. We to the comments that were made tonight? will gather all the comments and will address them appropriately and the final document will be released. There will not be another public hearing. There will time for us to address the comments. If there is a very specific question, we might reach out to the property owner and determine what the concern is and see if we can address that. We won’t leave a question unanswered. We’re typically going to look at it and come up with the best answer at that time. Once the documents are complete we will send a notice to everyone that they can go to the Hamilton County website to access the final document. It’s important that we have your contact information. If we receive a comment that needs clarification we can reach out through that and get better information. Let’s make sure we have your up to date. 6 Arthur Eugene Baitz, These comments pertain to 21 acres of real estate in 3549 E. 296th Street, the names of Arthur Eugene Baitz and Phyllis J. Atlanta, Indiana 46031 Baitz Credit Shelter Trust located at 2417 East 276th Street, Atlanta, IN 46031. This property contains tillable acreage I rent out plus a residence also rented out. I agree with the content and authorize David Baitz, who is my power of attorney, to sign
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-72 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE it. At this time I see two considerations that must be made during your planned reconstruction of 276th Street as follows:
This parcel will need the planned drive cut to the The proposed improvements include a 12 residence located at the present site. However, the ft wide drive for the residence, 14 ft wide farmers cash renting the tillable acreage will need a drive for the barn east of the residence and separate drive cut to the tillable acreage. They can a 24 ft wide field entrance west of the presently use the side ditch to enter the field but residence. This field entrance will would not be able to use the residential cut or the accommodate farm equipment. new large proposed right of way. The field needs a road cut of its own located separately from the residential cut large enough to accommodate present day and future farm equipment.
A tile ditch may exist under the present side ditch Private tiles are difficult to locate during now and if so it should be perpetuated with a survey unless there is a visible outlet. All positive fall to the outlet point. It should also be tiles that are disturbed by construction reconnected to any existing field tiles that are activities will be repaired in place, if connected to it now allowing positive fall from the possible, or relocated to either the field. centerline of the roadside ditch or some other location nearby as part of construction activities. 7 Claude and Debra My wife and I have spent a great deal of time and The design includes construction of a curb Spurgeon, 27649 effort to establish and maintain a row of pine trees at the edge of shoulder to reduce impacts Gwinn Road, Atlanta, across the front of our property. These act as a to the tree line. However construction of Indiana 46031 wind break, sound barrier and as a privacy fence. the drive to the property will require We would greatly appreciate any and all removal of two trees, one on either side of consideration to maintaining them as they are. The the new driveway. The embankment slope area between the trees and the proposed curb would behind the curb will be mowable. need to be mowable. We would like to see the right of way width kept as narrow as possible on our half. The proposed right-of-way width along Gwinn Road was narrowed approximately 15 ft on both sides of the road to reduce impacts to the properties along Gwinn road.
We also have a septic perimeter drain and the The drain cleanout location was reviewed basement drain from our house near the northwest and it is located outside the proposed 25 ft corner of our property that will need some special right-of-way and will not be disturbed. consideration. I can show you where that is.
The fence corner posts will also need to be Fencing and fence corner posts located maintained. within the new right-of-way will be removed. The property owner will be compensated to relocate their fence during the right-of-way acquisition process 8 Jason Morehouse Good morning, my name is Jason Morehouse, The information for the cross culverts will Production Manager at Beck’s Hybrids. I found be researched with Beck’s Hybrids. If your name on the county website. So please feel existing structures are replaced the project free to direct me to someone else if that is will cover the cost. If the structures are
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-73 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE appropriate. new or increased in size from the existing, the property owner will incur the I have 7 culverts that I would like to install under additional cost of the betterment. The new 276th St. for farm drainage tile & irrigation lines. I culverts will be installed with the know the locations and sizes of these culverts. I construction project. This has been wanted to discuss the installation of these culverts included as a commitment in the as it relates to the design & timing of the install. environmental document. Attached is the map of the culverts and their sizes. Please let me know who I should work with or how to proceed. 9 Brad and Kelly Our property at 2240 and 2248 E 276th St. has 50 ft. Two trees and a bush are located within the Rynearson of right-of-way dedicated along 276th Street. When right-of-way, which for this property is Cell: (317) 507-1779 viewing the project plans, it is apparent that for the existing and no additional right-of-way is road expansion project to occur, only 40ft. of right- being acquired. The conifer tree towards of-way is required to complete, which is designated the center, the bush and the deciduous tree by the red line on the plans. The meeting we near the driveway will have to be removed attended stated all trees within the right-of-way in order to construct the project. The were to be removed; however, our trees are outside conifer is 38.4 ft from centerline of the of the 40 ft. requirement, which is what is being roadway and will be in the new ditch line. required of each resident impacted by the project The deciduous tree by the driveway is 37.7 except us. Is it necessary to remove these trees ft from centerline and will be impacted by given they will in no way affect the project the drive and drive pipe construction. (including utilities)? 10 Kevin and Annissa We have the following concerns and comments Happel, 3840 E. 276th regarding the reconstruction of 276th Street: Street, Atlanta, Indiana 46031 Our major concern is the proposed right of way and The location of the septic system will be road construction will be encroaching and cutting reviewed during the land acquisition into our septic system. process. If the septic system is impacted by the project, the property owner will be compensated to install a new system during the right-of-way acquisition We have concerns over flooding of our property due process. to new ditches and grading that will come with the new construction. We already have flooding of our The project maintains the current drainage backyard and side yard due to water that flows from pattern consisting of overland flow from the ditch on the south side of the road into two the south across 276th Street to Little small culverts under the road into a ditch that runs Cicero Creek to the north. This pattern through our side yard and into a pond. will not change with construction of the project. We are concerned about how close the power lines will now be to the front of our house. Will we now be able to hear “buzzing” from the power lines that Power lines generally are relocated to the will be right outside our bedroom window? We new right-of-way line. The utility would request that the power line be moved company has not submitted their relocation underground or some other solution that does not plan for the project. We will inform the put it right next to our house. utility company of the concern and work with them on any alternatives to reduce With the proximity of the road to the house and the their impacts. new right of way we are concerned about the road noise and our inability to try and compensate for it The location of the property to the new
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-74 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE by planting any type of barrier shrubbery. With the right-of-way line and roadway are new right of way, we would be concerned that in evaluated during the appraisal process and order to plant any barrier shrubbery and not be in considered in the acquisition and the right of way we would have to plant too close to compensation. the foundation of our home.
With the new right of way, we are concerned with the loss of an apple tree and a large growth tree. While the apple tree can be replaced and we will The property owner will be compensated still be alive to see it bear fruit, we will never be for the loss of the apple tree during right- able to replace such a large tree in our lifetime. of-way acquisition.
We have a lot of concern about the impact of the US 31 Construction projects in conjunction with the 276th reconstruction. With potential increased road Thank you for your comment. A project use due to a potential US 31 roundabout at 276th along US 31 at the 276th Street intersection Street and the potential north and south US 31 cross is not currently included in the INDOT street closures. We are concerned that a road that is 2016-2019 State Transportation now closer with the potential for a high increase in Improvement Program (STIP). Once this traffic will have a negative effect on property project is included in the STIP, we suggest values. you bring up this concern with INDOT during the US 31 project public involvement process. Hamilton County attempted to minimize right-of-way We would also recommend a speed limit between acquisition for the 276th Street project 45-50 and not the purposed 55. At the very least while balancing the needs of the project. there should be a lower speed limit for tractor Right-of-way acquisition for the 276th trailers. Street project will be completed in accordance with the Uniform Act and During the meeting it was mentioned that some of appraised prior to acquisition. the hills would be leveled off for visibility reasons. However, we did not see or hear anything about the See response to comment number 3. hill just west of Cal Carson. Will this hill be leveled off as well? From personal experience when turning west from Cal Carson onto 276th Street you cannot see oncoming traffic until it is coming over the hill. The crest west of Cal Carson will remain in the same location and generally the While we in general agree with the widening of same height. The intersection of Cal 276th, we are concerned about the impact that the Carson Road and 276th Street is being right of way and widening will have on our raised about 3 ft which will improve the property, our home, and our family. We hope that sight distance from Cal Carson Road. you take our concerns seriously and address them accordingly.
Hamilton County attempted to minimize right-of-way acquisition for the 276th Street project while balancing the needs of the project. Right-of-way acquisition for the 276th Street project will be completed in accordance with the Uniform Act and appraised prior to acquisition.
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-75 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE
11 Larry Butcher, 7280 E. I would like to know why most of the excavation is The proposed work to correct the 276th Street, Atlanta, taking place on the west side of Gwinn Road. intersection sight distance along Gwinn Indiana 46031 Road is fairly balanced between the west and east sides of Gwinn Road. The proposed right-of-way is the same for both sides of Gwinn Road.
Also the large trucks (some of them) use their Thank you for your comment. The County engine brake making a lot of noise when it is not does not have a noise ordnance where necessary since they are supposed to be going 45 or enforcement of no engine braking can be less coming up to Gwinn Road on 276th and also regulated. approaching 276th on Gwinn. 12 Parke Speth, 3060 E. I, Parke Septh, respectfully request that our new The proposed driveway matches the 276th Street, Atlanta, driveway be enlarged to 24’ in width with an existing driveway width. Per your request, Indiana 46031 enlarged radius with the corresponding road the project will widen the proposed frontage to be approximately 50’. We would like driveway from 12 ft to 24 ft to the frontage at the road to be similar to our neighbor accommodate the owner’s usage. to the east, Lucille Debarr. My wife Nicole met and talked with many officials of the E. 276th St. project at the public meeting held on Dec. 22nd. Nicole discussed our concerns that our driveway was not functional for our usage. After further discussion, the officials offered to widen our driveway from the proposed 12’ width to 24’ width. We would be grateful to have this completed. Attached is a sketch of how we envision the 24’ driveway with the enlarged radius to the road frontage. We plan to widen the rest of the driveway on our property to match your improvements after the completion of the street project. The improvements will make maneuvering our horse trailer safer for us and the other traffic along E. 276th St. We understand additional changes may be made to the plan to fit the 24’ width driveway, for example, a longer 15” pipe. Thank you for your consideration. 13 Mary Estrada, Asst. I will be unable to attend the Public Hearing set for As part of the environmental document a Director Dec. 22, 2015. Please except these comments project commitment was made that DNR, Div. of Oil and regarding the upcoming road project. requires the County, through its Gas administration of the construction contract, 402 W. Washington St., There was a gas well drilled in 1904 at the to contact the DNR, Division of Oil and W293 intersection of 276th and Gwinn Road. We don’t Gas and request a field review prior to Indianapolis, IN 46204 have any records on hand that would help but I did commencing any grading activities in the Office: (317) 233-0933 find a (very) little information at the Indiana area of the well adjacent to Gwinn Road. or Cell: (317) 450-6611 Geological Survey. It is located in Township 20 North, Rng. 4 East, in section 11 in the SW SW SE. John White, Northern It is reported to be 35’ from the south line and 50’ Oil & Gas Inspector, from the west line or, as my map shows, on the (765) 618-0766 north/east side of the existing intersection. Back in those days, drilling for oil and gas was fairly new
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-76 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES PROJECT NAME: 276th Street Reconstruction, Hamilton County, Indiana DES. NO.: 1383334 HEARING DATE: December 22, 2015
PNO. NAME(S) COMMENT RESPONSE Brian Royer, On Site and any information about these wells cannot be Coordinator, Field trusted as oil men didn’t worry about those details Specialist, (317) 417- and estimated locations. 6556 I give you this information so that you can be cautious while working in the area. I do know that all the casing was pulled when they abandoned the well but am not sure it was plugged since there aren’t any records. The well would not exist at the surface. It was a dry hole at the time and hopefully is still today. If there is no hissing or blowing of gas, you may be able to carefully continue at the surface.
Now for the bad news: If you encounter the well, it will need to be properly plugged to protect the land, your road, and anyone living within ¼” mile from the well. We will assist with guidance, located an oil and gas contractor to plug the well and oversee the plugging.
If we do not hear from you, a contractor for the project or someone you have delegated, we will assume that you did not uncover the well during the project. But, just in case, I want to provide you with contact information.
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Des No. 1383334, CE-4 Appendix G: Public Involvement G-77