Main Street Centerville members have requested town officials provide information they believe could help justify reinstating 18 downtown parking spots.
Tom Peck, who runs Centerville’s farmers market through MSC, presented a public records request during council’s Aug. 11 meeting.
MSC aims to gather more statistics, including records regarding crashes and traffic, police responses and calls for service, fire department, parking restrictions, damage and repair, and other town council/administrative records to present to Indiana Department of Transportation.
MSC says INDOT restricted parking spots at the intersection of Main Street and Morton Avenue without input from merchants or town leaders.
Peck said the removal of parking spaces has “created significant challenges for our local businesses and the customers who rely on convenient access to them.”
U.S. 40 is now transporting more oversized loads that can’t travel on Interstate 70 while it’s narrowed for construction. INDOT first removed overhead traffic signals and installed signals on posts at intersections to help accommodate high loads. But after vehicles went up onto the sidewalks and knocked over posts, INDOT moved the crosswalks back and restricted parking.
Peck said they received about 570 electronic signatures on a petition to reopen the parking spots.
Centerville Christian Church, which now attracts more displaced vehicles in its lots, is also concerned. Church leaders plan to point out that it costs money to maintain their lot.
Peck said MSC leaders plan to invite community leaders, including town and Wayne County Council, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County, business owners and INDOT representatives, to collaborate on a constructive solution that supports the town’s vitality.
In addition, MSC board member Kevin Sparks received permission for an Oct. 17 fall festival in Maplewood Park. It could offer a costume contest, games, bounce house and food.
Sparks also said Main Street wants to organize a community cleanup to address weeds and grass on curbs and sidewalks. Councilors appreciated enthusiasm, but cautioned against spraying because of water protection areas near Whitewater River. Department of Natural Resources can offer clarity.
In other business
- Code enforcement conducted 23 investigations in July. Four remain open; 17 were cleared without enforcement. Two were cleared with enforcement totaling $1,250 in fines. One involved dogs repeatedly roaming, and the other was connected to an arrest on animal neglect charges.
- 109 vendors have been recruited for Aug. 21-22 Archway Days festival, about 20 more than attended last year’s event.
- Police and fire have formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to provide food boxes and take children shopping at the holidays. Police Chief Josh Millsaps said funds will be easier to track through the organization instead of having money go through departmental accounts. They’ve planned a pork chop dinner from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 19 at Firehouse 1, 414 S. Morton Ave.
- Council approved Centerville Senior High School’s request to close roads for a 20-minute homecoming parade at 5 p.m. Sept. 25.
- A floodplain management ordinance moved to third reading at council’s work session at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at town hall, 220 E. Main St. The public is invited.
- Council reappointed its president, Dan Wandersee, to Eastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission.
- Fire hydrants are being flushed; customers should leave water running briefly if they see discoloration.
- Council hired Kenna Consulting for labor standards compliance for the second phase of its water project.
- Police said the new emergency communications tower at Wayne County Highway Department’s garage and 800 megahertz radios have reduced low signal areas. Firefighters expect to begin using new radios soon.
- Center Township trustee’s office paid for vehicle lighting and siren packages for Centerville Fire/Rescue.
A version of this article appeared in the August 19 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
