Hamlet taxpayers may save some money next year due to the property tax cap, but the town’s budget will take a bit of a hit. During Wednesday’s public hearing on the 2020 budget, Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts said that while the assessed valuation stayed the same, the amount of money that will actually make it to the town will go down.
Continue readingHamlet Town Council to Hold Budget Hearing Tonight
Hamlet residents have the chance to weigh in on the town’s 2020 budget proposal during tonight’s town council meeting. It totals just over $448,000, with over $311,000 of that being the General Fund. The proposal calls for $55,000 in the Economic Development Fund and almost $55,000 in the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund.
Continue readingHamlet’s Draft Comprehensive Plan Recommends Expanding Town Limits, Creating ‘Community Campus’
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.
Continue readingHamlet Council Joins Starke County Election Board in Calling Off Town Election
The Hamlet Town Council has officially voted not to hold a town election this year, due to a lack of contested races. The only candidates to run were the current office-holders: Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts and town council members Connie Bailey, Brian Earnest, and Dave Kesvormas.
Continue readingHamlet Taking Applications for 50/50 Sidewalk Program
The Town of Hamlet is once again offering to split the cost of sidewalk upgrades with property owners. The town is taking applications for a 50/50 sidewalk replacement program.
Continue readingEconomic Development Foundation Continues Pushing for SYSCO Property Sale
Fundraising Underway for Memorial Path in Hamlet Town Park
A walking path honoring a fallen soldier may soon be coming to the Hamlet Town Park. The town’s American Legion post has officially begun raising funds for a Robert J. Tauteris Jr. Memorial Walking Path.
Continue readingRailroad Street in Hamlet Set to Reopen This Evening
Railroad Street in Hamlet should be ready to reopen to traffic this evening. Engineer Lee Nagai told the town council Wednesday that the asphalt placement is done. He said the contractor still needs to clean up the edges and asphalt still needs to cure a bit, but Nagai said he’d be comfortable allowing traffic on it by this evening.
Continue readingHamlet Property Owner Considering Storage Facility or Apartment Development
A Hamlet property owner is exploring the possibility of adding either a storage facility or more apartments in town. Andrew Spite told the town council Wednesday that he’s considering a couple potential uses for the land adjacent to his apartment building on Indiana Avenue, between Starke Street and the fire station.
Continue readingHamlet Town-Wide Yard Sale Set for August 16 and 17
Planning Continues for Walking Trail, Other Improvements at Hamlet Town Park
The Hamlet Park Board may soon get cost estimates for the addition of a walking trail in the Town Park. A few ideas for how to pay for the proposed trail were brought to the board Wednesday.
Continue readingLack of Existing Material Creates Challenge for Hamlet’s Railroad Street Project
Hamlet’s Railroad Street project is proving to be a bit more of a challenge than originally hoped. Engineer Lee Nagai gave an update during Wednesday’s town council meeting.
Continue readingHamlet Council President Reaches Out to U.S. Representative Concerning Railroad Company Sale
With the operator of Chicago, Fort Wayne, and Eastern Railroad about to seek regulatory approval for a planned acquisition, some Hamlet officials are making their opinions known to the federal government. Genesee & Wyoming has announced that it’s set to be acquired by Brookfield Infrastructure and investment firm GIC for about $8.4 billion.
Continue readingHamlet Looking at Town Park Upgrades for Stellar Project List
The Hamlet Park Board’s wish list of projects could become a reality, if the Constellation of Starke region is designated a Stellar Community. During an update to the town council Tuesday, Ron Gifford with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation said that communities around the county are working with planning consultant DLZ to come up with projects that might be eligible for Stellar funding.
Continue readingHamlet Zoning Board President Believes 503 S. Starke Street is Structurally Sound
The Hamlet Zoning Board has found the house at 503 South Starke Street to be structurally sound. President Dave Kesvormas told the rest of the board Tuesday that he visited the site after the previous town council meeting.
Continue readingRailroad Street Construction to Start After County Fair
Upgrades to Railroad Street in Hamlet will have to wait until after the Starke County Fair. Engineer Lee Nagai told the town council Tuesday that all the contracts have been signed, and paving contractor Mark Milo tentatively plans to start the week after the fair.
Continue readingOwner of Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad to Be Sold
The owner of the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad is being sold. Genesee & Wyoming announced Monday that it’s set to be acquired by Brookfield Infrastructure and investment firm GIC for about $8.4 billion. It would make Genesee & Wyoming a privately-held company.
Continue readingHamlet Town Council May Consider Moving Election Cycle for Future Years
The Hamlet Town Council may consider moving the town’s election cycle for future years. Town Council President Dave Kesvormas raised the idea last week, noting that it could be a potential cost savings.
Continue readingHamlet Officials Continue Monitoring Progress at 503 S. Starke
Hamlet officials have agreed to hold off on condemnation proceedings on 503 South Starke Street as the owner continues to work on the home. During last week’s town council meeting, Council President Dave Kesvormas noted that the sewer and water lines have been corrected and are now within code.
Continue readingHamlet Police Department Receives Donations for Police Vests, Community Outreach Efforts
The Hamlet Police Department received funding for police vests and community outreach efforts, thanks to the generosity of the local community. Town Marshal Clint Norem told the town council Wednesday that the Knox VFW donated $1,800 for vests, on top of the funding that was authorized by the council.
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