As part of the Action Agenda process, the contributed ideas were compiled to guide municipalities. Municipal and community leaders used this critical feedback to identify priority action items for each of their communities, resulting in the Next Chapter Action Agenda.
Action Agenda for Middlebury
Walkable Town Center
Middlebury will conduct a feasibility study on SR 13/Main Street to reduce heavy traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety. Wayfinding signage will be added, and tactical urbanism methods will be used to promote traffic calming measures and ADA accessibility options. Mixed-use, infill development and streetscaping measures will be adopted to increase the retailer footprint and to support a walkable community defined by perceptions of safety, aesthetics, amenities, and accessibility.
Shopping Locally
Middlebury will encourage residents and visitors to shop locally via digital platforms, printed publications, and incentive offerings. When residents and visitors frequent locally-owned businesses they make a personal investment in their local economy which shapes the unique character of our community and surrounding areas.
Pet Friendly Spaces
Middlebury will explore pet friendly events, outdoor eateries, and amenities such as a dog park or areas within current parks which could include off-leash sections, dog trails, water fountains, and waste stations. We will explore pet-friendly hours for appropriate businesses. We are committed to engaging pet owners in community activities which support their social connections, physical activity, and mental well-being.
Trail and Pathway Connections
The Town of Middlebury Trails Committee will guide future discussions of new trails, trail amenities, signage, and ongoing improvements to River Mill, Riverbend, and Olde Mill Parks Trails. It will collaborate with the Town of Bristol to build a connection between our unities and partner with INDOT to identify safe pedestrian pathways for the Middlebury Community Schools and communities adjacent to US 20.
Blueway Connections
Middlebury will explore Blueway recreational opportunities. We will provide fallen timber removal and general clean-up of Little Elkhart River, and explore boardwalks, recreational blueway connections, and access points via Riverbend and Olde Mill Park. We also explore rentals as part of a growing blueway connection including activities such as canoeing, paddle boarding, and kayaking which take advantage of our natural assets.
Immersive Experiences
Improving our community experiences means thinking about other ways to engage our residents and visitors. To promote tourism initiatives and a thriving community we will explore immersive/experiential programs and a Makers Market.
Makers Market
The Middlebury Rural Makers Market will research and develop a plan to support start-up businesses. This incubator program will have a focus in arts and culture and will incorporate a feeder system in and through a physical “Makers Market” housed space.
Intergenerational Experiences
Connecting youth and seniors is a great way to learn from each other. Middlebury will collaborate with Greencroft Senior Center to explore arts and culture programming such as woodworking, ceramics, and fine arts to support intergenerational learning.
Housing and Homebuyer Programs
Middlebury will explore new, affordable, and diversified housing options. We will research and develop homebuyer subsidy models to support our growing population. Models such as, “young family” and “first-time” homebuyer programs, including incentives for workforce housing developers to construct denser residential units in targeted infill and redevelopment areas.
Implementing the Plan
This Action Agenda is a community-based plan at its core. Vibrant Communities, supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc, came together to fund and facilitate the development of the agenda for the communities of Elkhart County. Vibrant Communities will continue in its role in monitoring and supporting implementation activities.
In addition to their ongoing support, successful implementation will also depend on coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations representing the public, private, and civic sectors across the communities, including:
ORGANIZATIONS
Local organizations have been tasked with a great deal of responsibility in the Action Agenda implementation plan. Through new partnerships and strategic investments of time and resources, these organizations can help implement actions and expand the reach of their network.
PRIVATE BUSINESSES
The Action Agenda reveals a lot about the preferences of Elkhart County. The business community would do well in taking advantage of these preferences through strategic investments. Entrepreneurs may find niche opportunities within the recommendations.
INSTITUTIONS
Through their leadership and resources, local and regional institutions can play a key role in implementation. Their support will help to intensify the impact of each action and forge new relationships with other leaders and organizations.
With the power to shape policy, direct community resources, and represent the public, elected officials have an important role in implementation. The action items show clear evidence of thoughtful and inclusive conversations with the community – one leaders can stand behind with confidence.