Kristy Jerrell, Jerrell Consulting and Grant Administration Services

By Frank Phillips / DLC Media News

BRAZIL-A community center for the city of Brazil is advancing from conception to the planning stage.

On Wednesday, a public hearing was held during the Board of Public Works and Safety Meeting in City Hall.

Kristy Jerrell of Jerrell Consulting and Grant Administration Services told DLC Media News after the meeting …

Jerrell plans to submit an application to get a planning grant to the State on August 18th and she hopes to begin planning in September after the grant is approved.

There are four locations being considered for the community center. They are the former zoo building in Craig Park, 510 West Jackson Street, 410 West Jackson Street and the Cow Palace in Forest Park.

Other locations may be considered but these were chosen because the city already owns the properties and would not have to buy real estate.

Additional public input will be sought after the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs planning grant is approved.

The plan for the community center is expected to cost $23,600 by DLZ, the architectural firm working for the city. The city is asking for a $20,000 grant with the city paying $3,600.

During the public hearing, Mr. Rose said he didn’t think the Cow Palace would be a good location.

Mayor Brian Wyndham said the Cow Palace could be enclosed for a community center but none of the current activities in the Cow Palace would be affected. In any case, the Cow Palace will be preserved for its historical value.

The Mayor said it is not likely the Cow Palace site would be chosen and his personal preference would be a location on West Jackson Street because it would be centrally located in the city.

The Mayor called the planning stage “a good start” for the community center project.

The idea of a community center was raised by Janet McClellan, City Plan Director, on DLC Media News last February.

In other business:

The board approved an annual testing agreement with St. Vincent Public Safety Medical for firefighter testing.

Mayor Wyndham cleared up confusion about the new basketball court at Forest Park. He said Central  Indiana Asphalt is waiting for the basketball goals to be installed. A contractor has agreed to install the goals but a date has not been set.