Delphi Pitch-in
Preparation for action
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

By the time the nine o'clock ending time rolled around for the "Pitch In" meeting Monday night in Delphi, the group of 80 community members in attendance had identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the future of Delphi. The group then voted on the most critical of the perceived critical issues summarized in the final exercise.

The meeting was organized and sponsored by Delphi Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Association and Delphi City Council. Held at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretive Center, it was facilitated by local resident Janet Ayres and lasted three hours.

Ayres initially explained the meeting was not intended to be a "moan and groan," but it was to inspire ideas about what problems should be addressed to make the Delphi community what residents want it to be.

Participants listed a host of community strengths that included the parks and trails, location and atmosphere, a historical theme, a good library, and caring people.

Weaknesses included abandoned buildings, the lack of support for local businesses, no building inspector, a lack of lodging and ordinance enforcement for downtown parking, and the absence of youth activities.

The five identified critical issues to address within the next five years are:

+ Development of an access and growth plan for the Hoosier Heartland Highway;

+ Building an infrastructure (including wireless Internet access) for growth;

+Growing downtown businesses;

+Developing a balanced code and ordinance enforcement;

+ Developing businesses and leadership skills in the community and in youth; and

+ Stabilizing and improving downtown buildings.

The six issues will form the basis for the next meeting, scheduled for May 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Described by Ayres as the meeting "where the rubber meets the road," the May meeting will be the time when participants will be asked to "roll up their sleeves" and develop an action plan for each critical issue. Task forces will be formed. Ayres said a third and final meeting will be scheduled for early fall.

"We're not just here for one night," Ayres concluded. "We need worker bees for the next meeting."

Anyone interested in participating in the next Pitch In can call the Delphi Chamber at (765) 564-3034, Main Street Association at 564-6692 or Delphi City Council President Carolyn Pearson at 564-3488.