Welcome to the June issue of Center Grove Community Newsletter. Usually, you will find the cover story here. But, because this month we are focusing on four distinct communities, Bargersville, Johnson County, Greenwood, and Center Grove, we are using this space to guide you to each article, so you miss nothing. Our focus is on the future and the good things happening in our area. We depend upon one another; our economic success is linked, so sharing stories is important to all of us. Some stories are challenging, others promising.
The cover this month features three people at the core of efforts to move the southern suburbs ahead: Kevin McGinnis, Bargersville Town Manager; Cheryl Morphew, President and CEO of the Johnson County Development Corporation; and Mark Meyers, Greenwood Mayor.
Bargersville grew dramatically overnight when it annexed over 15 square miles of White River Township in 2010. They are now planning for their future. They are considering how they will manage the inevitable growth around the eventual I-69/State Road 144 interchange. They also have some changes in mind for their downtown. Jennifer Uhl conducted the interviews with Bargersville officials. We are pleased to have Jennifer as a contributor to the magazine.
The Johnson County Development Corporation’s (JCDC) mission is to attract new business to Johnson County. Ann Cinnamon-Craig discusses the successes and the day-to-day challenges faced by the JCDC. In a future article, we will introduce the JCDC-led effort called Aspire Johnson County. Its goal is to engage a diverse group of leaders in the development of a shared vision that will move Johnson County from “good enough to great.”
When Mark Myers became Mayor of Greenwood in 2011, the city turned a corner. Under his leadership, the budget is under control and the city is looking toward the future. One of the first signs of change is the consolidation of the city offices in the recently acquired Presnell Building and the construction of the nearby “splash pad” aquatic facility. In addition, the Greenwood Municipal Airport has become a more important resource to the community. In this collection of stories, Joyce Long examines some planned major developments in Greenwood’s near-term future.
For the “heart” of Center Grove, the unincorporated portion of White River Township, we turn to the County Commissioners. We share their vision for this highly populated area, with no town government. Regardless of where you live in the county, what the County Commissioners do affects you and your community.
