WRCU Key Focus Issues for 2008


  • An updated comprehensive plan reflecting smart growth
  • Minimal zoning variances
  • Planning of infrastructure (existing use and future)
  • Traffic control and mitigation
  • Roadway improvements
  • Controlled propagation of big boxes along St. Rd. 135
  • Recruit elected officials to be our advocate
  • Provide opportunities for leadership in White River Township
  • Parks and trails.

    Traffic and Roads:

    While related, they are probably different issues. Traffic is a capacity / signalization /
    design issue, and improving the condition of roads is a financial issue (although some of
    the improvements are capacity related). Tied to this is the issue of funding - wheel tax,
    user fees, etc., as a mechanism that provides for this in a responsible way. Also important
    is the existence of infrastructure prior to development, not after.

    Parks, Bike Paths and Walking Trails:

    Develop more park / recreational land.
    WRT has only 1 park of 13 acres to serve over 40,000 residents. By comparison,
    Greenwood has 12 parks and 200 acres (possibly 272 acres in the near future) serving
    36,000 residents. The bike paths and walking trails in WRT would connect throughout the
    township, link neighborhood focus areas, and connect to Greenwood’s trail ways which are
    under construction with about 3 miles finished and another 63 miles planned.

    Updated Comprehensive Plan:

    Our priority for White River Township is smart growth.

  • Develop areas where infrastructure already exists, which saves taxpayers the high cost of
    building infrastructure far from our town or population centers.
  • Grant a minimal number of zoning variances to current comprehensive plan and no
    development of big box retail on State Road 135.
  • Improve planning and impact studies
  • Take a very active role in the entire planning process.
  • Conform to the updated comprehensive plan once it is implemented.
  • Use infrastructure such as roads and sewers to drive development – location / timing / type.
  • Continue good, ongoing communication with local officials.
  • Regularly attend government meetings.
  • Provide leadership for WRT.