City Of Hobart Breaks Ground On 61st Avenue Phase III Project

On Monday, the City of Hobart broke ground on the much anticipated 61st Avenue Phase III project. When finished the project will complete the link on 61st Avenue between Interstate 65 and State Road 51, which provides a foundation for future development. When completed the project will feature a roundabout, landscaped medians, improved lighting, regional storm water retention, as well as sewer and water extensions.

“I know this the groundbreaking but we’re already looking forward to the ribbon cutting,” said Hobart Mayor, Brian Snedecor. “I look at this as the start to the finish. It’s Phase III, we’ve already done Phase I and II. We knew ultimately that Phase III was going to be the big project. We knew it would be the one that required the most commitments and partnerships so it took time. Without Carla Houck and the City of Hobart Redevelopment Commission’s insight and vision this would not have become a reality. They were the catalyst for Phase III.”

“Without everyone’s involvement this wouldn’t have happened,” said Mayor Snedecor. “Not without Congressman Visclosky’s Office, NIRPC (Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission), or our State and Federal funding. This was truly a partnership. A community could not have taken on this sort of project without truly a team effort.”

It has taken about six years and $13 million in funding required to complete the design and construction of the project which was helped along through partnerships between the Federal Government, INDOT and the City of Hobart Redevelopment Commission, who has pledged TIF funds to secure the City’s portion of the expansion of 61st Avenue.

“This Phase III I think we can look at as the grand finale and the ‘wow factor’,” said Carla Houck, President of the City of Hobart Redevelopment Commission. “We’ve been through many years of Phase I and II and we’ve also lived through the sewer and pipeline improvements. As you drive into our city it’s going to create a sense of livability for our citizens. They’re going to have that pride in our community but it’s also going to tell people who don’t that, if I’m thinking about relocating myself or my business, Hobart is a forward thinking city. They actually take action on our plans.

Houck continued, "I also want to recognize the people who live on 61st Avenue. Our city owes you gratitude for supporting the ongoing efforts to actually make and turn our vision of 61st a reality. 61st Avenue is a main thoroughfare and with that comes change.”

“We’re here today to incentivize the best that Northwest Indiana has to offer,” said Mark Lopez, Chief of Staff to Congressman Pete Visclosky. “This project brings a tremendous benefit. It’s going to improve safety. It enhances existing employers and business entities and will promote economic growth and development throughout the greater Northwest Indiana region. We’re here today not just because the City of Hobart and their local industries and businesses have a vision. We’re here today because they have action behind that vision. It’s not an accident that we’re here today. Through cooperation and perseverance we now are seeing and realizing the benefits of this project.”

Construction on the project will take just under two years and will be completed in the summer of 2017.