Hobart, IN & Merrillville, IN – In a collaborative effort to address pressing infrastructure and transit concerns, Mayor Josh Huddlestun of Hobart and Town Council President Rick Bella of Merrillville have announced a proposal for a Joint Municipal Task Force to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth in Northwest Indiana.
The initiative addresses growing concerns about traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, and transit accessibility in both communities. Merrillville and Hobart aim to implement more cohesive transportation strategies, secure state funding for major road projects, and explore potential public transit solutions by working together.
“Our communities are interconnected, and the challenges we face require a unified approach,” said Hobart Mayor Josh Huddleston. “By forming this task force, we can maximize resources, improve traffic flow, and create safer pedestrian pathways while strengthening economic opportunities for both Merrillville and Hobart.”
Key Objectives of the Joint Task Force:
– Enhancing Traffic Flow & Road Safety – Coordinating traffic management strategies, optimizing signal systems, and reducing congestion through targeted road improvements.
– Improving Pedestrian Infrastructure – Expanding sidewalks, installing safer crosswalks, and implementing better lighting to increase walkability.
– Exploring Shuttle Service Feasibility – Assessing the viability of a local shuttle service to ease parking demand and boost business activity between the two municipalities.
– Securing State Funding – Jointly pursuing state and regional funding for large-scale road projects that benefit both communities.
– Collaborating on Economic Development – Sharing growth plans and potential business opportunities to attract investment and foster regional economic expansion.
– Strategizing for a Potential Regional Convention Center – If Hobart is selected as the site for a new regional convention center near Mississippi Street, the task force will develop a joint approach for managing infrastructure and logistics, given that the roadway is under Merrillville’s jurisdiction.
Task Force Membership and Structure
The task force will consist of municipal officials, town and city employees, representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and key community stakeholders. The group will include:
– The Planning and Building Director from each municipality
– The City/Town Engineer
– The Redevelopment Commission President
– The Mayor and Town Council President
– A representative from the Plan Commission
– Additional members as needed to ensure a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach
“This initiative is about smart governance and regional cooperation,” said Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella. “By aligning our efforts, we can improve infrastructure, attract funding, and ensure that our roadways, pedestrian areas, and transit systems support the future growth of both communities.”
Next Steps & Implementation Timeline
The task force will roll out in four phases:
Initial Planning & Research (Months 1-3) – Establishing task force membership, conducting traffic studies, and assessing infrastructure needs.
- Strategic Development (Months 4-6) – Developing detailed plans, cost estimates, and drafting funding proposals.
- Proposal Submission & Pilot Programs (Months 7-12) – Seeking state grants and launching pilot initiatives, such as temporary pedestrian safety measures or a trial shuttle service.
- Full Implementation & Evaluation (Months 12-24) – Executing approved projects, securing long-term funding, and continually assessing impact and effectiveness.
Anticipated Outcomes
Through this collaboration, both towns expect to see:
– Reduced congestion and improved traffic efficiency.
– Safer pedestrian environments with enhanced walkability.
– Greater economic opportunities through increased business accessibility.
– Stronger state and regional funding support, reducing local financial burdens.
Conclusion
By working together, Merrillville and Hobart can create a more connected, efficient, and economically vibrant future. This task force is a testament to the power of regional cooperation in solving shared challenges while ensuring sustainable growth and improved quality of life for residents.
For media inquiries, please contact:
– Office of Mayor Josh Huddlestun, Hobart, IN
mayorsoffice@cityofhobart.org or 219-942-6112
– Office of Town Council President Rick Bella, Merrillville, IN
rbella@merrillville.in.gov or 219-769-5711 x303