Deaconess Aquatic Center Regional Cities 2.0 Update
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MEMBER BUSINESS DIRECTORY - PAGE 36 #keepitlocal Regional Cities 2.0 Update Deaconess Aquatic Center NEW INDOOR SWIMMING FACILITY greater evansville I-69 HOMEBUYING BRIDGING OUR DESTINATION FOR MILLENNIALS COMMUNITIESgreater evansville #1 EVANSVILLE INDIANA greater evansville LOCAL EATS, DRINKS, COUPONS & MORE! Pictured: Baret Family Selfie, Self.e Alley, Downtown Evansville. Photo: Alex Morgan Imaging CountryMark Top Tier Gasoline BecauseCountryMark they are worth it. Top Tier Gasoline Because they are worth it. Letter from President & CEO The great Michelangelo once said, “The problem human beings face is not that we aim too high and fail, but that we aim too low and succeed.” Fortunately, the leaders and officials of Southwest Indiana have aimed high in the goals for bettering our community, and in doing so are well on the way to succeeding. This year’s edition of Keep It Local showcases the many ways that our region continues growing through infrastructure upgrades, quality-of-life improvements and an increasing number of entertainment options. By aiming high, local elected officials and business leaders were able to secure millions in funds through the Regional Cities Initiative, and four years in, many projects meant to attract and retain talent to our region are coming to fruition, if not well on their way. Success, indeed. In the pages ahead, we take a look at several projects that are cementing Evansville as a top attraction in the Midwest: the continued progress of The Post House, a unique mixed-use development that will feature smart-technology labs, retail businesses, apartment living and an open outdoor community space; the upcoming groundbreaking for the Deaconess Aquatic Center, which will be the largest indoor swimming facility in the region; an update on the I-69 bridge that will connect Indiana and Kentucky and is expected to bring a huge economic impact; and several new restaurants and bars with a wide diversity of food and drink options, led by Mo’s House and Myriad Brewery. Enjoy all that this year’s edition of Keep It Local has to offer. Happy reading! #TogetherWeThrive KeepKeep your your vehicles vehicles running running like like newnew withwith ourour Top Top Tier Tier gasolinegasoline products products available available at at these these finefine retail locations.locations. Tara Barney President & CEO, Southwest Indiana Chamber CountryMarkCountryMark - Buslers - Buslers CountryMarkCountryMark - Zellers -Master Zellers Tire Master Tire 2601 N. St.2601 Joseph N. St. Avenue Joseph Avenue 4951 Lloyd4951 Expressway Lloyd Expressway CountryMarkCountryMark - Country - CornerCountry Corner CountryMarkCountryMark - Fish Tail - FishMarket Tail Market 5015 N. St. Joseph Avenue 11115 Broadway Avenue 5015 N. St. Joseph Avenue 11115 Broadway Avenue greater evansville 2 #KEEP IT LOCAL! SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER #KEEP IT LOCAL! 3 greater evansville greater evansville You can count on the IBEW Local 16 for the best quality electrical work at competitive pricing. Electrical systems Data Systems Safety Systems Technology Systems Energy Efficiency We are community minded and are Proud to be members of the Chamber of Commerce. WWW.SWIELECTRIC.COM | 812-867-9670 LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS SELECT FROM LARGE SHOWROOM INVENTORY AND COMPLIMENTARY CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICE PREMIUM QUALITY FURNISHINGS AT AFFORDABLE PRICING Photo courtesy of Hafer TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY STYLES LARGEST DESIGN CENTER IN THE AREA PROVIDING LEADING ENERGY & EXPERT DESIGN ADVICE ON INTERIOR FURNISHING QUESTIONS INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS PROUDLY DISPLAYING MANY “MADE IN AMERICA” PRODUCTS ©2019 Energy Systems Group, LLC 5611 E. MORGAN AVE., EVANSVILLE • BETWEEN BURKHARDT & GREEN RIVER RDS. 4 #KEEP IT LOCAL! SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER (812) 474-4266 • LEAMATTHEWS.COMSOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER #KEEP IT LOCAL! 5 listening, and work is continuing.” completion of construction. Peterson said the Project Team identified two preferred alternatives in the By retaining one of the US 41 bridges, Central Alternatives 1A and 1B Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) published late last year. It provide cross-river redundancy for the region, something that was summarized the I-69 ORX project’s study process, analysis and findings. mentioned frequently as being important at open houses, meetings and other forums. Because of its historic significance, the US 41 northbound bridge would be retained for two-way local traffic. TWO PREFERRED ALTERNATIVES Traffic forecasts indicate six lanes of cross-river capacity are needed IDENTIFIED through 2045. Providing more than six lanes of cross-river traffic would unnecessarily add to long-term operations and maintenance costs. BRIDGING OUR COMMUNITIES The DEIS identified two preferred alternatives, Central Alternative 1A and Removing one US 41 bridge from service saves $145 million in long-term Central Alternative 1B. The two alternatives have identical route, bridge costs, said Peterson. Although it would be striped for four lanes initially, it’s location and lane configurations. Both include a four-lane I-69 bridge anticipated the new I-69 bridge will be wide enough to accommodate six new bridge connecting southwest Indiana and western According to project officials, the construction schedule for the project, just east of the current crossings and retain one of the two existing US lanes in the future, if needed. Kentucky is inching closer to reality, with officials hoping currently estimated at $1.497 billion, will depend on the availability of 41 bridges. The tolling options are the only difference between the two it will bring smoother traffic, economic impact and more funding. alternatives: one would toll both the I-69 bridge and the one US 41 bridge, If only the northbound US 41 bridge is retained and without a group or exposure for the region. while the other option would toll only the I-69 bridge. agency willing and able to maintain and preserve the US 41 southbound Mindy Peterson, I-69 Ohio River Crossing (ORX) project spokesperson, said bridge, it would be demolished after construction of an I-69 bridge. After several years of blueprints, public hearings and the process of winnowing down the alternatives to what is essentially one Of the alternatives considered, the two similar options identified have the Amuch discussion, the Project Team is working toward identifying a single route has been conducted with the public’s interests in mind. fewest residential relocations (four) and no commercial relocations. They Toll revenue will be used to cover capital costs, debt service for the project, preferred alternative for the proposed I-69 Ohio River crossing. A route of also have the fewest impacts to sensitive resources including wetlands, and operations and maintenance of the project. Tolls will not cover all 11.2 miles of new interstate has been identified: 8.4 miles of new roadway “This is a project that has attracted a lot of attention and input,” Peterson floodways, streams and managed lands. And at a shade under $1.5 billion, project costs. The funding gap, which is as high as $1 billion depending and 2.8 miles of improvements to existing US 41 to meet interstate said. “Nearly 570 comments were received from 260 people during the these alternatives were the lowest-cost option. This total cost includes on which alternative is selected, would have to be filled by the states’ standards. public comment period earlier this year. The Project Team is roadway and bridge operations and maintenance for 35 years following traditional funding sources or grants. 6 #KEEP IT LOCAL! SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER #KEEP IT LOCAL! 7 segment of I-69 would continue south, going through the Wolf Hills area before connecting to a new interchange at US 60-East. It would then begin moving west before connecting YMCA OPENS NEW DOORS to another new interchange at US 41 between Van Wyk Road FOR OUR COMMUNITY and Kimsey Lane. This new section of I-69 would then follow the existing portion of US 41 south to where it connects to the Pennyrile Parkway, meeting up with an existing leg of I-69 just south of Henderson city limits. As a nonprofit organization The Teaching Kitchen will offer therapy services in the new building, committed to helping people learn, youth cooking classes as well as bringing more care options to the From that point, I-69 currently follows along the Pennyrile grow, and thrive, the local YMCA nutritional counseling. Downtown area. until it connects to the Western Kentucky Parkway near has developed with the Evansville The new building’s design is The Y gives people the knowledge, Nortonville, then moves westward. Once all sections are community for over 160 years. more accessible to seniors and inspiration, and support to stay completed, I-69 will eventually connect Canada to Mexico, The new Ascension St. Vincent individuals with disabilities with active, eat healthy and prevent coursing through the United States from Port Huron, MI south to a location near Laredo, TX. That will take quite a bit YMCA opened September 5th and an accessible entrance, more and manage chronic diseases, as of time, however, as some states have started construction, includes a 25-yard pool, triple handicap parking, and an easily well as provide opportunities to while others are many years away from doing so. gymnasium, wellness center, two navigable floor plan. connect with others. Everything group exercise studios, hot yoga Ascension St. Vincent also offers the Y does is in service of making NEXT STEPS studio, boxing studio, cycling studio, primary care services and physical our community better together. STEM lab, Teaching Kitchen, expanded The Project Team started work in early 2017, collecting data, Child Watch and Youth Activity conducting field work and gathering feedback. The team areas, and a dedicated Enrichment is considering the hundreds of comments received during Center. the public comment period earlier this year. Many of those The new STEM Lab offers youth comments suggested changes to the preferred alternatives, Robotics programming, How It requiring additional studies and analyses.