Greendale Supports Scaled-Back Plan To Beautify I-275 & US 50, Gateway Into SEI

One Dearborn has proposed improving the appearance of the ramp area with more regular maintenance and some new features.

A concept 2016 initial proposal for improving the aesthetics of the Interstate 275 ramp at U.S. 50 in Greendale. One Dearborn says it is taking "a more practical approach and recommended scaled-back, less daunting improvements." Image by Context Design.

(Greendale, Ind.) - A shared concern about the first impression visitors and citizens have as they approach U.S. 50 from I-275/Exit 16 brought local leaders together nearly four years ago. Their mission: identify ways to improve the Gateway appearance and create a more positive brand for southeast Indiana.

“We have so much to offer in the way of beautiful terrain and outdoor activities. This immediate impression doesn’t accurately reflect our unique mix of vibrant communities and amenities,” said Debbie Smith, Executive Director of the Dearborn County Convention, Visitors and Tourism Bureau (CVTB).

In 2015, a committee made up of representatives from throughout the county started working on a plan and the CVTB board hired Context Design, a landscape architecture firm, to facilitate deeper planning, create possible concepts and budget estimates. These “big picture” concepts, while they would certainly make an impression, also brought costly budgets. As a result, the group elected to take a more practical approach and recommended scaled-back, less daunting improvements for consideration.

In 2017, the new economic development organization, One Dearborn, was asked by the CVTB to help lead the project to a decision point. In keeping with their commitment to this important tourism and quality of place project, the CVTB provided additional funding to hire engineers who worked closely with INDOT, developed initial agreements and refined the project scope. However, it became necessary to secure phase 1 project funding before investing too much more into the engineering.

Through open listening sessions, Greendale leaders heard concerns from citizens who viewed the exit ramp as a reflection on their community; regardless of the multiple other communities it serves. Mayor Alan Weiss evaluated the options, understanding INDOT jurisdictional issues and generally sorting out the best approach to the enhancement of the Gateway. As One Dearborn continued working with the engineers, landscape architect and the mayor, a more “do-able” project emerged with a logical phasing and prioritization of the highest impact for the dollar.

Recently, the project took a promising turn as members of the Greendale City Council and Greendale Redevelopment Commission made a commitment of support. One Dearborn has been asked to go back to the drawing board and present conceptual designs at different budget breakpoints to allow city leaders to make an informed choice about the final approved project. 

“It’s important to ensure we get a project that, not only beautifies the corridor and intersection, but places a priority on making sure mowing, weed trimming and general housekeeping (beyond the bare minimum INDOT schedules) is a part of the solution,” said Mayor Weiss.

“We plan to have an open session to allow citizens to view the plans and share any concerns before implementation,” he added.

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