The Town of Hamlet could get a “community campus district,” expanded town limits, and upgrades to the entrance off of U.S. 30, according to some of the recommendations in the town’s comprehensive plan. A draft version was presented to the public earlier this month.
One of the main ideas is to tie together the area that includes the Town Park, Starke County Fairgrounds, the baseball fields, and the former school currently used as an apartment building. This “community campus district” would include recreational and residential uses. The plan recommends the installation of walking trails through the campus and the development of multifamily housing nearby.
The plan also recognizes the importance of the intersection of U.S. 30 and Starke Street as a gateway to the town. It points out that uncertainty about INDOT’s plans for the intersection has stifled commercial development there, and says the town’s goal is to maintain the current level of access.
Meanwhile, expanding the town limits is seen as a way to help Hamlet control various types of future development. For example, housing is seen as a priority, but the plan notes that there’s limited room for new homes in the existing space. On top of that, annexing the industrial parks just east and west of the town could give Hamlet more say in development there, while adding more land north of U.S. 30 might give the town more oversight of that corridor.
The draft comprehensive plan also includes several smaller suggestions, such as a town website and the long-discussed electronic sign, to help town officials communicate with residents. Once the finishing touches are put on the plan, it will go to the town council for adoption.
