When I called Mayor Randy Strasser to tell him Delphi was a 2012 Stellar Community, I think he literally floated to the ceiling as he was so high on emotion. A few days later I went to Delphi for the official celebration, and the mayor was still just as excited.
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| Lt. Governor Skillman Names Delphi a 2012 Stellar Community |
Stellar Communities is an initiative I started last year that is a collaboration between several state agencies; the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Department of Transportation, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, and the Indiana Finance Authority. Delphi along with Princeton will share more than $20 million to help fund the cities’ long term comprehensive plans.
When I arrived at the Wabash Erie Canal Center in Delphi, it was like a scene out of Midwest Living magazine. Several hundred Hoosiers, young and mature, were outside with the sun shining bright enjoying BBQ, while kids were running around eating ice cream cones provided by the local Lions Club. A high school student kicked-off the celebration with a beautiful rendition of the “National Anthem”. The mayor and many community leaders spoke as well. After the official celebration, we took a tour of the city by trolley to see firsthand the areas of town that will be renovated, rebuilt, and rejuvenated.
Delphi plans to revitalize the downtown business district as well as create paths from the Hoosier Heartland Corridor through downtown to increase tourism to the Wabash and Erie Canal Park. The Delphi Opera House will also be restored to provide the community a venue for the performing arts. Officials will also redevelop the historic near-downtown neighborhoods, creating owner-occupied housing.
For the past year I’ve been able to see the progress of the 2011 Stellar Communities, Greencastle and North Vernon, as long terms goals are now becoming a reality. I’m looking forward to watching the same results in Delphi.
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