Mayor Green expects paving on South Main at some point this year

Salem Mayor Justin Green gave an update on the South Main Street and Poplar Street projects at the city council’s regular meeting Monday, Aug. 11.

The water line up size on South Main from the south end of the square to the bridge, according to Green, is in the ground and services are run off it.

“That part is done,” he said. “There are some items remaining the contractor has to finish. That part of the project, which is well ahead of the federal highway project is pretty much done.”

Green said those stretches that are patched will eventually be topped over. The project will be shoulder to shoulder and curb to curb, he said.

“That is a true reconstruct that includes curb, gutter, sidewalk and streets,” Green said. “It mirrors what North Main was from the north gate of the square to the stop light.”

Green said he expects to see some action on the road work this year.

As for the Community Crossing Matching Grant for the Poplar Street beginning at Main Street, Green gave an update on that, as well.

He said there have been some issues with DUKE energy, but the project is on task and on schedule. The Kimball Boulevard will be the next CCMG project within the city limits.

Green shared the next “On the Bricks” series will be “Baked on the Bricks” on Aug. 22 from 6 until 9 p.m.

On Aug. 12 the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement was in Salem looking at things and trying to come up with ideas for new opportunities for the community.

Green said they have helped the community with a number of projects including the pocket park located behind city hall.

The last item Green shared was city exterior rings of manholes are being rehabilitated which will keep teeth on the snow plows from being jarred.

In other business, the city council approved ordinance 2025-13 progressive engineering/ Martinsburg re-zoning. This is 30 acres on Martinsburg Road that is requesting to be re-zoned for single family residential. In short this re-zones the area to a residential area and a petition for voluntary annexation.

City Councilman Dylan Moore recommended tabling the item to see what the actual plan is before approving the item.

They brought on a discussion about the topic, but the ordinance passed with Moore opposing. The board approved also approved some in-house transfers off the recommendations of City Clerk-Treasurer Sally Hattabaugh.

The Salem City Council’s next meeting will be Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.