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Mayor highlights DOT sound barriers, Greenfield High civics visit and Hugh Jackman proclamation
Summary
Mayor Michael J. Nieske reported progress on DOT sound barriers (project locations and an approximate $10 million cost), described speaking to Greenfield High civics classes with state lawmakers, and read a proclamation honoring local performers during a visit by actor Hugh Jackman; he also praised DPW snow response and announced holiday events.
Mayor Michael J. Nieske used his Dec. 2 remarks to report infrastructure updates, civic engagement with local students and community events.
On transportation, the mayor said the Department of Transportation plans sound barriers from 60th to 68th on the north side of the freeway and from Loomis to 35th on the south side, with work anticipated in 2027. He described the project as roughly a $10,000,000 effort and said some neighborhoods have been requesting barriers for decades.
"So it's about a $10,000,000 project," the mayor said when discussing the scope. He and other council members described driving past newly installed barriers (Shirley Crest and sections between Loomis and 51st Street) and noted a visible reduction in noise where barriers are in place.
Education and community events were also on the agenda. The mayor said he, Superintendent Elliott and several state legislators visited Greenfield High School to speak to three civics classes and that students asked substantive questions; he called the visit encouraging for civic participation.
The mayor read a proclamation recognizing local musical duo Lightning and Thunder and the city's relationship with Kops Frozen Custard, and said actor Hugh Jackman had visited the restaurant that day. He said he issued and read a proclamation dated Dec. 2, 2025, for the record.
Council members praised Public Works for snow removal after a recent storm while noting constraints on leaf pickup because crews and trucks must shift between snow and leaf collection. The mayor also announced holiday events including a tree lighting at Conco Park and a Santa visit Dec. 15'18.
What the record does and does not show
The mayor provided locations, an approximate project cost for the sound-barrier work and anecdotal observations about new barriers reducing noise. The meeting record does not include formal DOT schedules, grant or budget line items, or specific funding authorities linked to the stated project cost; those details were not specified during the meeting.
Bottom line
The mayor's remarks combined infrastructure updates, community outreach and seasonal events; follow-up with DOT and city finance staff will be required to confirm project timelines and funding details.
