Resident urges city action on South Muncie business vacancies, warns against roundabouts

During public comment at the Aug. 20 meeting of the Muncie Board of Public Works and Safety, Rick Yenser, described on the record as a newsman and author, urged city officials to consider steps to "restimulate business" in the South Muncie commercial corridor.

Yenser cited several vacant or closed businesses along Memorial and Southway, saying that the area around Memorial has become "a dead zone" after Walgreens moved out and other storefronts closed. He also noted reports that a Dollar General location may vacate by year's end and that local groups say street and infrastructure work in the area has been limited.

"A lot of people wanna know what government might be able to do to help restimulate business down there," Yenser said. He added that he hoped the city would assist small businesses, saying, "I would hope that you still help some of these businesses out because, again, they still need help, and I know that the government's got money to do that."

Yenser also mentioned that Indiana Landmarks had expressed concern that proposed roundabouts could harm the character of the East Central neighborhood; he relayed the comment but did not provide documentation. He referenced a separate local dispute over zoning or fire-code issues involving a business he referred to as the Common Market.

Yenser's remarks were given during the meeting's open comment period; no board action was taken in response during the session. The board then adjourned.