Exit 26 — the busy interstate access point to Anderson — has been a lifeline to this community’s economy since GM began pulling out of the city.
Now, local merchants and residents are trying to give a stronger voice and wider appeal to the interchange connecting Ind. 9/Scatterfield Road with I-69 and Indianapolis.
Business and community leaders have formed the Go to 26 campaign, hoping to pull together all the stakeholders and develop a cohesive approach to promoting the area. They’ve already created a Web site, www.goto26.com
First, they’ll unite merchants and widen the scope. We hope the progress carries north into the Mounds Mall area.
In conjunction with this effort, Madison Commons is promoting itself as a shovel-ready site for retail. The site, east of Scatterfield, has utilities and amenities ready to go.
That corridor seems ready to go.
We hope that Madison County economic leaders are ready. It seems there is no cohesive plan to address the economic interests in the area, nothing that ties the other exits into a unified marketing approach. We’re aware of the success of the Flagship and Nestle but when an industrial or commercial site is discussed, it seems scattershot. Certainly, we recall the city flip flopping on the proposed PEAT incinerator, at first welcoming its job creation and then condemning it for possible dangers.
We’ve seen the dangers of developing a mall of outlet stores without sufficient surrounding business or interesting mall shops, as at Exit 34.
We point first to the seeming success of Hamilton Town Center at Noblesville’s Exit 10. By nature of Noblesville’s growing suburban area and heavy traffic coming to Verizon Music Center, the interchange is a natural for continuing growth.
Exit 26 is somewhere in the middle. While it may not attract higher-end department stores, Exit 26 may be better positioned to accommodate the daily needs of Anderson residents through groceries, restaurants and retail shops.
That’s why we’re encouraged by the campaign being undertaken at the grassroots level. It’s bound to grow into a viable effort for the community by drawing customers from I-69 into Anderson stores.
Maybe instead of “Exit 26,” we can start calling it Entrance 26.
Editorials
Editorial: Exit 26 is a lifeline, so let’s be ready
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Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
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Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
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You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
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Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
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Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
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Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
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Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
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Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
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Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
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You Said It: About contract, 'Teen Mom,' State of the City
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com, coupled with responses by the newspaper’s editorial board.
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Editorial: New 911 consolidation is good for county
