October 21, 2004

Mr. Jason Stone

Environmental Scientist

DLZ Indiana

2211 East Jefferson Blvd.

South Bend, Indiana 46615

Dear Jason:

On behalf of the Towns of West Baden Springs and French Lick, we are responding to the SR 56 Pavement Replacement and Lost River Bridge Replacement project’s area of potential effect (APE) findings with this letter. Please view these proposals as preliminary and open to future discussion.

Introduction:
As you are aware, the two towns and others interested in the growth and future of Springs Valley, have been meeting to evaluate the current pavement and bridge replacement project proposals while considering integral, parallel and related ideas for improvements along the SR 56 corridor. This response is intended to establish the two town’s positions regarding assessment procedures and initiatives for specific affected properties and the area within the APE.

The two town’s position regarding the proposed INDOT projects are that they provide needed improvements to both vehicular and pedestrian infrastructure in the valley. With respect to construction schedules and project timelines, we are in favor of facilitating and establishing a timeline for all of the projects in the valley that meet the needs of the valley and residents of Orange County. However, the two towns recognize that the project, as scoped in 1999/2000 and as currently designed, does not, nor could have addressed the significant changes that have occurred in recent years within the valley. Specifically, a new casino, 30-60 million dollars in investment in the West Baden Springs Hotel, traffic counts projected to more than double, new investment and increased property values leading to new development, and an influx of tourists and pedestrian traffic.

The two towns are pleased that the project is planned and want to work with the INDOT to find ways to embrace the positive change in a context sensitive way for their communities. On behalf of the towns, we would like to compliment INDOT and the State of Indiana on its efforts to work with the towns. At the same time we recognize that these projects were originally scoped as a pavement replacement project and have subsequently evolved into a road reconstruction project.

With that in mind, we present some initial ideas for consideration that meet the new conditions outlined above as well as our historic preservation concerns. Please note that we have conducted a public information meeting in which these ideas were discussed openly. The response to date has been generally positive, but no final recommendations have been prepared or adoption by the Towns been undertaken.

1. Prospect Intersection: (See attached concept sketch)
   From a cultural resources perspective, the Town of Prospect Intersection should be re-examined to find an appropriate alignment and configuration that preserves the small town character and not foster strip development. We would like to suggest examination of an alternative US 150 alignment preserving the station and house and consider a roundabout complementing the proposed roundabout at SR 56 and SR 145 in French Lick. A new alignment and intersection may preserve not only the historic structures but are more sensitive to the urban design of the community. The roundabout may calm traffic and provide a signature feature for Prospect and the valley. Through traffic can be maintained on US 150 with this proposal, possibly eliminating a future traffic signal at this intersection.
    
2. Bridge at Lost River (See attached concept sketch)
   According to the July 2000 scoping report, the 1923 bridge is apparently proposed for replacement to add a southbound center turn lane onto Abydel Pike. The current scenario is to build a "runaround" or temporary bridge west of the existing structure to maintain traffic during removal and construction of the new bridge. We propose consideration of designing and building a new permanent bridge west of the historic spring in an effort to preserve this interesting, marketable, and foundational element of the valleys history and economy.
   
   This scenario allows traffic to be maintained on the existing structure while the new bridge and road alignment are constructed. One benefit that may result from this concept includes a faster timeline in that the bridge replacement is a two-step process rather than a four-step process. A second benefit is that this would allow the bridge project to begin upon approval of permitting independent of the road project, saving time and money. The third is that by placing the bridge further west, a safer intersection at Abydel Pike could be created. Fourth, the approach and alignment of the roadway and corridor into West Baden Springs takes advantage of views of the West Baden Springs Hotel and Downtown West Baden Springs and Scarlet Terrace.
   
   This new alignment also may provide traffic calming effects necessary to encourage a pedestrian friendly downtown environment. Finally, the spring could be accessed by a proposed greenway trail system exposing residents and visitors to the historic spring. The trail is proposed to connect further east along Abydel to an overlook of Lost River from an historic railroad abutment.
    
3. West Baden Springs and Scarlet Terrace (See attached concept sketch)
   We would like to propose investigation of a new alignment for SR 56 that distances the roadway from Scarlet Terrace as it approaches the Oxford hotel. This new alignment may allow the existing wall, which we understand is currently undergoing structural assessment, to be shored with a new wall or provide enough buildable area for an alternate configuration. This distancing of the roadway from the wall may also provide a safer intersection from Scarlet Terrace and preserve existing structures and town fabric.
    
4. Streetscape Plan (See attached concept sketch)
   We would like to suggest that a context sensitive design approach be applied to the streetscape plan in both facility and material. The planning, design and placement of structures along the SR 56 corridor will impact its success for many years to come.
   
   We would propose consideration of INDOT approved timber guardrails, islands and medians where possible to occupy turn lanes that are not essential or an alternative material such as an asphalt paver that will improve aesthetics and traffic calming.
   
   We would propose the exploration of intersection treatments with paved pedestrian pausing areas, timed crosswalk signals, clear delineation of pedestrian crosswalks with added visibility markings or surfaces, and median refuges where possible. Sidewalks should take full advantage of separation from the street with a 5’ minimum separation and a 6’ minimum sidewalk width. In cases where these minimums cannot be achieved, other solutions should be explored such as the installation of walks by the towns.
   
   Street trees are desirable in many instances and add to the small town character, however, species should be carefully identified that are suitable for the soils, climate, and location and branching height sufficient to allow visibility of business signage. We would also propose examination of apron/curb cut treatments to make the pedestrian more visible and safer.
    
5. Intersection at SR56 and SR 145 (See attached concept sketch)
   We are in favor of exploring the proposed roundabout intersection at SR 56 and SR 145 if efforts are taken to create a safer environment for pedestrians. Recommendations include a separated continuous sidewalk around the perimeter, median refuge islands, improved crosswalk visibility and consideration of an alternate material for the roundabout pavement. Additionally, the components of the roundabout should incorporate or accommodate the inclusion of public art and landscape or other aesthetic improvements to create an appropriate entrance into the Historic French Lick Hotel and Trump Casino.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment and we look forward to working with you as the project proceeds. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
 

Sincerely,

Partner

5958 West 71st Street

Indianapolis, IN 46278

(317) 347-3663

Associate, Project Development

212 West 10^th Street, Studio A440

Indianapolis, IN 46202

(317) 639-3420

attach: Concept Sketches per text above

cc: Karie Brudis, DHPA

Town of West Baden Springs

Town of French Lick