Writer / Jamie Hergott
Plainfield Town Council
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Family, career history, etc.
“I moved here in ’05. I’ve been married for 25 years. We have two boys: one is in his second year at Ball State in Muncie and going for a construction management degree with a minor in business management. His younger brother is a junior at Plainfield High School. We moved here in 2005 from Cincinnati, where my wife was born and raised.
For two decades I’ve done specifically retail development. I’ve built and worked in shopping centers for 24 years, and I absolutely love it. It’s how I met my wife. I was an operations manager at a shopping center in Cincinnati, and she owned and operated a t-shirt shop in the mall. My employer owned land here in Plainfield and wanted to develop a shopping center here so he asked me if I wanted to move. That project was formerly known as Metropolis. Now it’s Perry Crossing. I absolutely loved that project. “
How did you come to be on the council?
“Five years ago, I was approached by a friend of ours who served on the council. She was considering not running again, and she asked if I was interested in running for town council. I’m not really a political person on the front end. What drew me to saying yes was the fact that there was fantastic infrastructure that council members put into place 25 to 30 years ago. I wanted to be a part of that.”
What do you like most about being on the council?
“The ability to connect with people and the residents. I’m amazed by the people I meet. Just about every week I get to meet new people with all kinds of questions, whether it be someone emailing me or someone who recognizes me at the Richard A. Carlucci Rec Center. I’m meeting new residents all the time.”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
“I love volunteering. I serve at the church with the youth. I’m also an avid golfer. I currently serve on advisory board for the Chamber of Commerce, and I’ve served on the board for Visit Hendricks County.”
Since you’re a retail developer, what’s your favorite place to shop?
“I really like shopping locally. One of my favorite local spots is the African Plum. It’s right downtown and offers fantastic home décor.”
What’s the best vacation you have been on?
“A few years ago, we had a family reunion in Washington D.C., with all my side of the family. We got together on the Fourth of July in Washington D.C. and watched fireworks on the National Mall. My oldest son is already planning to go back because he enjoyed it so much.”
Do you prefer books or movies, and what’s your favorite?
“My favorite movie, with us just getting past the holidays, is “A Christmas Story.” We watch it every year. I do enjoy reading. I usually enjoy books that are going to benefit me educationally and personally. I just finished a book on emotional intelligence. I also enjoy Dan Brown — I read all of his books.”
What do you want people to know about what’s coming up for Plainfield?
“I can share something current. One of the things I believe needs a little bit more public sharing is the Talon Stream Park. It opened just north of the Richard A. Carlucci Rec Center. It has one of the most amazing stories. That land used to be a dump. Ten years ago, some town council members and staff put a plan together to make it safe and ultimately turned it into an amazing park. They took their time and did it right. Now, it is a beautiful amenity.
Another thing is the nature preserve park that’s in the planning phases. We want to get input and get the right partners in place, so we have really just started that process. The master plan won’t be completed until mid-year next year. Depending on what the master plan says it could take a couple of years to put together. Our goal is to keep it as natural as possible. There will be trails and amenities, and we’ll decide which piece of land is appropriate to develop those amenities. There could easily be lodging, maybe some RV and trailer parking, fishing, hiking and more.
One other thing to know is that while Plainfield is poised for continued growth and development, there are phenomenally talented people within the staff who are making sure that it’s appropriate growth. There are amazing people who are serving the town.”
