Banner Graphic, Volume 14, Number 261, Greencastle, Putnam County, 11 July 1984 — Page 1

Wal-Mart shopping center, hotel get rezoning OK

By ERIC BERNSEE Banner-Graphic Managing Editor In separate votes Tuesday night, the Greencastle City Council rezoned tracts of land that are expected to bring a 140,000-square-foot shopping center anchored by a Wal-Mart store and a 60-room country inn hotel to the city in the near future. However, the discussion leading up to the two unanimous Council votes was as diametrically opposed as the proposed sites of the two projects. FOR MORE THAN AN hour, the Council and a large audience that filled the police station garage area of City Hall discussed the positive and potentially negative aspects of rezoning the northeast corner of Round Barn Road-Indianapolis Road intersection on the city’s east side for development of a shopping center by Hor-

JIM WRIGHT (L), ERNIE PHILLIPS: With newly recovered city street signs

The Wright stuff Street commissioner finds cache of 137 signs

By BARBARA CARHART Banner-Graphic Staff Writer Christmas came early this year at the Greencastle Street Department. And Street Commissioner Jim Wright couldn’t be happier. Wright and his crew just received a “gift” valued at $3,562 alias 137 street signs, most of which belong to the City of Greencastle. “THERE WAS A sign from just about every street in the city,” Wright said, recalling his Sunday discovery. “There are only 25 signs that don’t belong to the city.” Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, espcially in times of tight budgets and fiscal restraints, the street commissioner says he will begin to give the recovered signs a new life.

A reprieve, at least for one day A 30 per cent chance of evening thunderstorms and then turning cooler overnight. Low in the mid 60s overnight after a daytime of high in the mid 90s Wednesday. Partly sunny and pleasant on Thursday, with high in the mid 80s. Winds from the west to northwest at 5-10 mph. Indiana Extended Forecast Partly cloudy each day. Scattered thunderstorms south Friday and Saturday and north Sunday. Lows in the 60s Friday and 60s to low 70s Saturday and Sunday. Highs in the 80s Friday and in 80s to low 90s Saturday and Sunday. Abby A 4 Calendar A 5 Classifieds A12.A13 Comics A 6 Crossword AI2 Editorials A 7 Farm AS Heloise A 5 Horoscope AI3 Obituaries Al 4 Sports A 9, AlO, All TT A 6 Theaters Al 4

Banner Graphic Greencastle, Putnam County, Wednesday, July 11,1984, Vol. 14 No. 261 25 Cents

ne Properties Inc., Knoxville, Tenn. Subsequent discussion of a petition by DePauw University and Ploshay and Taylor Inc., Greencastle, to develop a three-story hotel on the city’s near south side took only five minutes to gain full approval. Richard Presley of Horne Properties used Tuesday’s Council meeting to formally announce Wal-Mart as the anchor tenant in the $4 million shopping center project. The announcement confirmed weeks of speculation that the Bentonville, Ark.-based discount chain would locate here. Presley and the Council discussed numerous aspects of the project, including its effects on traffic on the alreadycongested east side, police and fire protection, aesthetics of the building and its 717-

“Most of the signs are in pretty good shape,” Wright explained. “We’re going to begin next week to put them back up.” WRIGHT HIMSELF discovered the forgotten treasures Sunday when he was performing some plumbing work in the basement of a rental house at 410 S. Jackson St. The street commissioner informed city police of the discovery and police officials recovered the signs at 2:25 p.m. Tuesday, Det. Lt. Charles Wood told the Banner-Graphic Wednesday morning. The landlord, Mrs. Ralph Sutherlin, Cloverdale, Wood explained, is helping police determine which of the building’s former tenants had a habit of collecting street signs. “Mrs. Sutherlin is looking back over

(% IJ yy/jjii y Town board okays Stardust Hills plan

By BARBARA CARHART Banner-Graphic Staff Writer CLOVERDALE-The Cloverdale Town Board Tuesday night unanimously approved a resolution to accept a reorganization plan for the bankrupt Stardust Hills Home Owners Corp. (SHOC) and Stardust Hills Inc. By accepting the plan, Cloverdale effectively releases its liens against SHOC and Stardust Hills Inc. and it takes all the town’s claims, amounting to more than $115,000 out of bankruptcy court. As a class 7 claimant, the town must negotiate with the purchasers of the property to settle any claims of back taxes if any funds are recovered after the first six claimants, attorneys and trustees are paid pursuant to the sale of Stardust Hills lots. THE ENACTMENT OF the plan is contingent on the bankruptcy judge accepting its provisions during a July 24 hearing set at Federal District Court in Terre Haute. With the reorganization plan, filed April 12 by bankruptcy trustee Robert O’Neal and presented at a recent meeting of attorneys involved in the case, a nine-year struggle to find a solution to the Stardust Hills issue comes to a close. “Nothing from nothing is still nothing,” town attorney Rexell Boyd told the board, explaining first mortgage holders, trustee and attorneys will get the initial crack at

car parking lot, drainage, economic impact on the downtown area and the job market. CITY ATTORNEY Jerald Calbert kept reminding the Council that the decision before it was rezoning of approximately 14 of 22 acres at the site purchased from Hazel Day Longden (the remaining area was already zoned commerical) from Rl (residential) and RA (residentialagricultural) to C 3 (commercial). The City Plan Commission had approved that rezoning at its June 25 meeting. “You can’t zone it commercial and then decide which commercial entity goes in and which doesn’t,” Calbert said. The Council, Calbert said, cannot prohibit the building of any structure that conforms to the standards of the zoning area in which it is being built.

the rent receipts,” Wood said. “At this time, we probably won’t make an arrest. We are going to investigate further.” According to the officer, Mrs. Sutherlin and her late husband discovered the signs in a room when they purchased the property four or five years ago. “THEY DIDN’T KNOW what to do with them,” Wood said, “so they put them down in the basement.” The discovery represents a substantial amount of Greencastle real estate. Apparently the thief, however stopped short of making his sign collection complete. According to the police investigator, there are a total of 194 streets in the city, inclusive of both 170 old streets and 24 newly dedicated ones.

the monies to be had from sale of the property. THE PLAN SPECIFICALLY names Putnam Investment Inc. as the entity interested in purchasing the properties, which include unsold lots, a lake and clubhouse for reportedly $350,000. According to Boyd, the investment group, comprised chiefly of local business people, has not indicated how it is going to proceed with the sale. “If they (Putnam Investments Inc.) are going to refurbish the thing,” Boyd told the board, “they are going to have to get in a position of clearing the title.” Boyd added, “If another purchaser makes a bid, that will also be entertained by the bankruptcy judge.” Responding to concerns that approval of the resolution would thwart any efforts by the town to recover its losses, Boyd said the plan specifically states the town, as the class 7 claimant, would deal directly with Putnam Investment Inc. to settle claims. “If they (Putnam Investment Inc.) pull out,” Boyd explained, “another plan would have to be drawn up.” RECOGNIZING THAT Cloverdale would still have an opportunity to negotiate with the new investors, board president Harley Janssen was the first to voice approval of the plan. Continued on Page A 6

Presley said the city has built-in guarantees. The plans have to be approved by the Administrative Building Council and State Fire Marshal’s Office, he noted. However, Second Ward Councilman Larry Taylor expressed reservations about approving the rezoning without any future controls of what might be located on the site. “MY FEELING IS that we have only this one chance for public input,” Taylor said, adding that he has received several inquiries about the project from constituents in recent weeks. “Having seen no building plans, no traffic plans, I feel there are still a lot of questions...questions that haven’t even been brought up. I just think it’s too big a responsibility to just pass on the zoning and go on. If we just want jobs, we can put in a pornographic printing

City's cable TV contract still on 'horizontal' hold after hearing

By ERIC BERNSEE Banner-Graphic Managing Editor Greencastle Mayor Gerald Warren says he doesn’t jest when he says that complaints about cable television service rival only problems with dogs and cats that are brought to his attention. And not unlike the never-ending dog problem, the city’s cable TV situation continues without a solution after a 40-minute public hearing during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. REPRESENTATIVES OF Horizon Telecommunications were out in force, from area manager Phil Bostrack, Bloomington, to public relations officer Susan Carr, of the company’s Denver office, to Judy Irwin, Greencastle office manager. However, the Council and mayor aren’t satisfied enough by their answers to offer any extension of the city’s cable television service contract just yet The current contract is in the last six months of its original 26-year agreement. And the Council appears in no hurry to hand Horizon Telecommunications another two-decade pact. “There’s not the satisfaction in Greencastle with the present contract,” Mayor

Reorganization votes split f wfff Clones North board president

By BECKY IGO Banner-Graphic Area News Editor BAINBRIDGE-Guy Clones, rural Roachdale, advanced from vice president to president of the North Putnam School Board Tuesday evening, replacing J. Carroll Fordice, who served in that office for the past two years. The action took place at a regularly scheduled meeting of the board attended by Clones, Fordice, A 1 Gray, Ted Britton, Joe Crosby, Medford Mcßride and Mary ; Jar tin. Fordice, Russellville, was named vice president with Crosby retaining his office as board secretary. CLONCS BECAME president after a one-vote decision. In starting the nominations, Britton moved that Crosby be elected president. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Martin. But Gray moved that Clones be named president and McBride seconded the move. Voting on the ballot, Crosby was defeated as president by a 4-3 vote against Crosby, Mrs. Martin and Britton voted “yes.” However, Fordice, Mcßride, Gray and Clones voted “no.” Those votes reversed for Clones as president following a 4-3 tally. Clones, Gray, Fordice and Mcßride voted “yes.” Britton, Mrs. Martin and Crosby voted “no.”

Chamber lacks quorum, but hot topics

By DAVID BARR Banner-Graphic Civic Affairs Editor Tuesday morning’s regular meeting of the Greencastle Chamber of Commerce attracted considerably fewer than a quorum, but enough showed up at the 8 o’clock hour to air their concerns over a number of matters. Chief among these was the complaint voiced by Mike Hurt, chairman of the Community Concerns Committee, who reported that many trees and flowers in the concrete planters in the business district are in danger of dehydration unless a caring attitude is forthcoming. SECURING THE TREES and flowers has made a serious dent in Hurt’s budget, and where these have been properly cared for, they have beautified the city.

business or a place that makes fireworks. I’m sure that the citizens of Greencastle don’t want that.” Taylor said he felt frustrated by having to make one decision stand up. The councilman said he is concerned about entrances and exits to the shopping center, the boundaries and the looks of the buildings. “We just don’t have the information to decide,” he added. “Yes, we want jobs. Yes, we want to grow. But without seeing definite plans, I don’t feel right turning over 22 acres and that area of our community.” It was Councilman-at-large Bobby Albright who said jobs were at the heart of the issue. “WE RE TALKING ABOUT 200 jobs for the City of Greencastle,” he said. “This

Warren said, adding that he “in no way” is ready to present Horizon’s expansion proposal to the Council for its vote. “YOU’VE EXPLAINED IT,” he said of local service difficulties"but you haven’t improved it.” Horizon Telecommunications proposes to add eight channels to the Greencastle system to make it a 20-channel system. The city’s base rate would go from $8 to sll monthly. Scheduled to be added are WTBS (Atlanta), ESPN, CNN, CBN, USA Network, M-TV, Lifetime (the old Cable Health Channel), a local access channel and additional charge services of HBO, Cinemax, the Disney Channel and a pay-per-view service available for special events like boxing matches and concerts. In comparing rates, Bostrack said Greencastle would still be below the national average for comparable cable offerings. “We’re not asking for anything out of the ordinary,” he said of the $3 monthly increase. “We’re far from the top. There are several lower rates, but you can see we’re closer to the bottom than the top.” THE RATE INCREASE, however, wasn’t the complaint of most residents in attendance Tuesday night.

For the position of vice president, Britton made a motion for Crosby to serve. Again, his motion was seconded by Mrs. Martin. But Mcßride countered the nomination, moving that Fordice be elected vice president. Mcßride’s motion was seconded by Gray. CROSBY WAS DEFEATED in the move to name him as vice president following a 4-3 vote against. Mrs. Martin, Britton and Crosby voted “yes.” Mcßride, Clones, Gray and Fordice voted “no.” Once more those votes reversed and Fordice became board vice president, after a 4-3 vote. Gray, Mcßride, Clones and Fordice voted “yes.” Crosby, Britton and Mrs. Martin voted “no.” For the remaining office of board secretary, Britton began the nominations by moving that Mrs. Martin be elected. His motion was seconded by Crosby. However, Mrs. Martin declined the nomination and the motion was withdrawn. McBRIDE FOLLOWED that action by moving that Crosby be retained as board secretary. His motion was seconded by Gray. However, Crosby reversed that move by making a motion that Mcßride serve as secretary. Crosby’s motion was seconded by Britton. But Mcßride declined the nomination and the motion was withdrawn. Crosby ,was elected board secretary,

Supposedly, each business was expected to care for the planter in front of its store or office. But apparently, not all have received the message, according to Hurt. This led Chamber members present into a rather lengthy discussion on civic pride, or the lack of it, noting that there hasn’t been enough of a selling campaign to make folks appreciate all Greencastle has to offer. Previously, the Chamber had given the go-ahead for a hog roast for new people and new Chamber members. It has been left up to Hurt to negotiate for a place which is both suitable and affordable. CHAMBER PRESIDENT Bob Hut chings reported that Hoosier Hospitality Days held in June at Indianapolis had been

man (Presley) is going to spend $4 million in this community. I don’t believe he’s going to spend that kind of money and hurt himself or the community. Back in the election, both parties, Republican and Democrat, ran on the idea that we need more jobs in the City of Greencastle. I’m not going to be a hypocrite and go against that.” After more discussions and questioning of Presley, Albright urged his fellow councilmen to quit nitpicking and trust the developer. “I think we’re challenging Mr. Presley’s integrity right now,” he said. “If I was building the building, I’d tell you to take Greencastle and jam it right now. I don’t know who we’re protecting, but I don’t see Col. 4, back page, this section

“Why don’t you give us what we’re paying for first before you ask for another nickel,” a South Side resident complained. Ms. Carr quickly pointed out the expansion program and the scheduled upgrading of system components. “I don’t believe the gentleman speaks in isolation,” Mayor Warren interjected. “Next to dogs and cats, I get more calls about TV than anything else.” LIKE OTHERS IN THE audience, Robert Loring, 723 Highwcod Ave., said he is tired of calling with complaints. “Where is ARTS, which we enjoyed watching and then you took off? Where is Channel 59? ” The cable representatives said the ARTS channel (sharing cable channel 3 with Nickelodeon previously) has been pulled pending negotiation of a contract between its officials and Telecommunications Inc., parent company of Horizon Telecommunications. However, Bostrack’s contention that there were never any plans to carry Channel 59, WPDS, Indianapolis, met challenges from the audience. “We were told we’d get Channel 59 just as soon as the converter equipment came Col. 4, back page, this section

following a 6-0 vote. Mcßride, Mrs. Martin, Fordice, Gray, Clones and Britton voted “yes.” Crosby abstained. With elections complete, the board later considered a proposal regarding teachers Linda Patrick, Shirley Steward and Roni Cook setting up the corporation’s computer lab at the high school. The request was tabled from the board’s June 7 meeting. THE THREE TEACHERS asked to be compensated for time spent (two weeks) on the project where they would select computer software and familiarize themselves and other teachers with the equipment. Crosby was the first board membe- to voice approval ior the idea. “The corporation is spending $120,000 in an area that is practically a new form of education in our school system. I feel what these teachers are asking for is for the betterment of our school system and I think it’s worthwhile.” Steward, who was in attendance with Mrs. Cook, responded, “Being familiar with this type of equipment is not as simple as you think. It’s not like a VCR. Even wpth a word processing program, often you have to spend from 4-10 hours just to become familiar with that one program. It tikes time to sit down and preview all of jj! ahPJL 4£9>" tinued on Pa ß e A 6

beset with some problems which hampered contacts. Jo Auvil, executive secretary, reported that she would be attending a conference in Fort Wayne. There were some questions concerning the status of the membership drive but no answers. After 45 minutes of discussion (no business can be conducted with less than a quorum) the meeting adjourned. The Chamber meets the second Tuesday of each month. THE FOLLOWING PERSONS from the 20-member board of directors were present Tuesday morning: Hutchings, Hurt, Bob Miller, Will Prather, Tom Graffis, Allen Barber, Jim Peck, Barbara Feld and Jerry Williamson.