The sidewalk off Adams and Elm roads is part of Phase 1 of the entire project. The Friends of Granger Paths said they hope this new grant will help them build more sidewalks just like the Adams and Elm one in the near future.
“We need to be able to raise $150,000 to be able to receive those matching dollars,” Peterson said. “And this will help us raise those dollars."
For every dollar given to Friends of Granger Paths, the group receives $4 from government funds.
Right now, there are not many sidewalks in Granger, making it difficult for pedestrians to have easy access around the town.
“I have five kids, and I want them someday to ride their bicycles safely to church, to school and to the library,” Peterson said. “So to me, it will help make our community a closer and safer community."
But neighbors WSBT spoke with on the south side of State Road 23 still have qualms about the supposed soon-to-be walkway.
“Why they didn't put the sidewalk on the other side of the street is the big question, because they wouldn't have interrupted as many of the homes," said neighbor Sharon Willoughby.
The Friends of Granger Paths said that project is mainly handled by the state of Indiana. Even though they were advocates of the sidewalk, they didn't have a say on which side of the road the sidewalk would reside.
Willoughby understands the need for progress in the area, but doesn't agree with this portion of the project.
“We’ve already lost our trees and it's going to make it really bad," Willoughby said.
“I think as we get closer, we haven't seen as many people express concern, so no, we haven't heard much of that lately," Peterson said.
Willoughby said everyone on her side of the street has stopped voicing their opinion because they're beyond frustrated.
She said their voices were not fairly represented in this decision
Peterson says there is no end date in site for all three phases, but he expects Phase 1 will be done in the next couple years.
