We are so very happy that you have chosen to call our community your home. Whether you have always lived in Boone County, are moving back to raise your family, or are experiencing life in central Indiana for the first time, I am confident that you will love it here!
As we begin to move toward the end of the first quarter of 2024, the City of Lebanon remains on a positive path forward, brimming with excitement and promise. While serving as Lebanon’s mayor, my focus continues to be aimed at enhancing quality of life and fostering a stronger sense of community among our residents. While some projects consist of new developments, I would like to highlight a few initiatives that are set to take place in the not-too-distant future.
The city is continuing to invest in the enhancement and creation of recreational spaces. Abner Longley Park is poised to undergo significant revitalization, introducing modern amenities to provide residents with an inviting environment for leisure, exercise and community gatherings. Additions to the amount of green space within the community include the fall completion of Stone Eater Bike Park, and early conversations surrounding a potential new park on the former location of the Street Department on Lafayette Avenue. Park improvements accompany the continued enhancement of The Big 4 Trail. The Big 4 continues to be an expanding, unifying development throughout our part of Indiana. It currently links Lebanon north to Thorntown and into Colfax in Tippecanoe County. The goal for this rail trail is to one day stretch all the way from Lafayette to Indianapolis.
Infrastructure improvements are planned for later this year as well. City roadways will continue to be upgraded to ensure smoother connectivity and accessibility for all residents. As the Indiana Department of Transportation moves closer to relinquishing State Road 39 (Lebanon Street), and allowing the city to make desired improvements, your opinions will be needed to help make the road as safe as possible. Potential enhancements would not only upgrade daily commutes, but also lay the foundation for a more efficient and modernized cityscape.
Another recent citywide upgrade includes 24/7 recycling at the city’s new Department of Public Works facility, located at 324 North Mount Zion Road. Four easy-to-access receptacles are available for residents to use, at their convenience.
Renovations to the City Planning & Zoning Office are now complete. This remodel on the second floor of the Municipal Building consolidated all staff members within the Planning & Zoning Department, including building inspectors and members of our code enforcement team, into one location within the building. The move also makes room for City Judge Alex Kruse, who is now serving in this capacity.
The recent opening of The Farmers Bank Fieldhouse has already brought an added buzz to our community. Not only are hundreds of people of all ages playing basketball, volleyball, pickleball and turf sports within its walls, but there is added excitement surrounding other amenities that could soon be added.
I look forward to the bright future unfolding in our area. Boone County is bustling with many residential, retail and restaurant opportunities for all. I honestly believe that the best is yet to come. As you begin your journey into Boone County, I encourage you to take time to explore all that Lebanon has to offer.
Welcome Home!
Matt Gentry
