Demolition of Greenwood ‘Eyesore’ Begins
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowDemolition work has begun in Greenwood on a vacant strip mall once described as an "eyesore." Our partners at the Daily Journal report work to tear down the buildings could be done as soon as this week as the city looks to transform the area into greenspace by this spring.
The Greenwood Redevelopment Commission in November completed the $1.1 million acquisition of the property, and the following month approved a $250,000 contract for demolition. Specific plans for redevelopment are still being considered.
Chris Jones, director of the city’s stormwater department, tells the publication redevelopment at the site is complicated because of flooding issues in the area. He says a developer would need approval from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources before building any new structures and may be required to do additional drainage work.
The city is also looking into addressing flooding issues near the site. In August, the Greenwood Stormwater Board hired an engineering consulting firm to study potential improvements along Pleasant Run Creek to reduce flooding in the area. That study is nearly complete.
The Daily Journal says the study is recommending widening the banks of the creek by 10-15 feet at two points, making it less likely to flood into nearby streets and homes. The cost of such a project has not yet been determined and Jones says any improvements at the creek are unlikely to take place this year.