Architects share Osgood Downtown Improvement plan
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

The Gilmore and Golda Reynolds Foundation held an open house last week to unfold its Town Improvement Plan. Green 3 landscape architects Chad Lithig and Jonathon Mooney showed those who attended plans for Phase 2 of the Town Improvement Plan for Osgood.

Phase 2 consists of streetscape improvements within the existing right of way. Planned improvements include enhanced intersections and pedestrian crossings, sidewalks with specialty pavements, street lighting, landscaping, site amenities and wayfaring and information signs. Phase 2 goes from the Intersection of 421 and 350 down Buckeye (421) to Ripley Street (Brick Street).

This project is the second of a multiple phase plan. Phase 1 was completed in 2003 along approximately three blocks of Buckeye Street. The remaining 1.5 miles of improvements are planned over the next 4.5 years.

The Reynolds Foundation is applying for a $500,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation for the project. The local match by the Reynolds Foundation is $131,830. If funds are awarded for Phase 2, construction is anticipated to begin in Spring of 2008. Subsequent phases will be installed sequentially every 18 months until all work on Buckeye Street - from one end of town to the other - is complete.

The Reynolds Foundation and the town of Osgood will coordinate with the CSX Railroad to determine if the surplus railroad property at the intersection of Buckeye and Railroad Avenue can be acquired as part of this project. If this property is acquired, it will be cleaned up and improved with landscaping, lighting and other typical streetscape enhancements.

Currently, more than 9,000 motorists pass through Osgood on a daily basis. Current revitalization projects now underway include the renovation and addition of the Osgood Public Library, scheduled for completion in a few weeks, the creation of the Osgood Historical Museum scheduled for completion in 2006 and the renovation of the Damm Theater scheduled to be complete in 2007. The Town Improvement Project is another step in revitalizing the town of Osgood.

CATHY MAY PHOTO

Green 3 landscape architects, Chad Lithig and Jonathon Mooney show Osgood citizen Bob Damm (center) the Phase 2 Streetscape Project they developed for the town of Osgood.