The Elkhart Common Council on June 3 approved ordinances that move Community Crossings Matching Grant funds into construction for downtown and neighborhood streets.

City staff said the controller’s office splits incoming grant receipts across accounts, which is why two separate ordinances were presented. Tory Erwin of Public Works told the council the funding supports three projects: reconstruction of segments of Stevens Avenue, Francis Avenue and Second Street. The combined appropriations read into the record were $1,327,621.32 (Ordinance 25‑O‑18) and $2,219,895.95 (Ordinance 25‑O‑19).

Erwin described work plans and timing. "July for Second Street, July through September," he said, and added that Stevens and Francis have a more flexible window beginning in October. Erwin said Second Street will be milled and overlaid in preparation for conversion from one‑way to two‑way traffic; the work will include restriping, angle parking on the east side and intersection changes. He said Franklin, Jackson and Lexington will remain signalized while other intersections may become four‑way or two‑way stops.

Council members asked about the timeline amid multiple city projects. Erwin said the Second Street work must precede the Third Street project because Second Street will serve as the detour route during Third Street construction. No members of the public spoke during the council’s public‑comment slot on these ordinances.

Both ordinances passed on unanimous roll call votes. Ordinance 25‑O‑18 (transfer of $1,327,621.32 to the local road and bridge matching grant fund) and Ordinance 25‑O‑19 (appropriating $2,219,895.95 from that fund for the reconstruction projects) passed 8–0.

The funding will support milling, removal and asphalt replacement on the specified segments and related intersection work; staff said the Stevens and Francis projects involve removal of older granite concrete surfaces that are difficult to remove with standard equipment. Council did not add conditions or amendments at the meeting; project schedules and contractor details will be finalized through the procurement and contract phases.