Swayzee Town Council adopts 10-year plan to revitalize the town

The Swayzee Town Council verbally adopted Ball State’s 10-year Economic Growth Plan.  Signatures will be put onto paper next month. 

The comprehensive plan will focus on providing gathering spaces for the community, growing local businesses, preserving the small-town charm, and improving the downtown area in order to take advantage of the traffic coming in from the two-state roads that intersect in Swayzee. The plan was drafted through a partnership between the Swayzee Economic Development Corporation and Ball State University’s Urban Planning Department

The Grant Connected article detailing the presentation of the comprehensive plan can be found here.

One part of the 10 year plan is to have a co-op grocery store or farmers market. Town council member Rhonda Fagan said she wants to see that come to fruition. 

“People coming together, I’d like to see food trucks there, I’d like to see picnic tables set up,” Fagan said. “I’d like to see a Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, just a community coming together.” 

Fagan said there are a lot of local artisans and people in Swayzee that grow produce. 

Having a farmers market and local produce shops could be a big draw for out-of-towners to help grow the local economy. 

Town Council President Aaron Travis said he hopes people will buy into the idea of a farmers market. 

“It’s the things like that, that we can at least make available, that we can encourage, “Travis said. “I hope that people will buy in and will engage with it.” 

Water infrastructure had some fairly low ratings on Ball State’s infrastructure survey. 

The Swayzee Town Council approved the purchase of two water pumps. 

“We are going to replace one of the two well pumps,” Travis said. “One of the high service pumps, we have three, we are going to service number three. 

Travis said the services should happen within a couple of months. 

According to the Swayzee Way Vision Statement posted on Ball State comprehensive plan, “the Town of Swayzee envisions a vibrant and thriving future that fosters local business development, a rehabilitated main street, and public spaces that encourage socialization of residents, without compromising its small town charm and rich traditions.”

The full comprehensive plan is available for viewing at the Swayzee Economic Development Corperation Website