US 31 & 161st Street Interchange Opens

Good news for traffic flow along the US 31 construction site as the new US 31/161st Street interchange opened yesterday. The former intersection has been closed since April as crews have been constructing a new overpass and roundabout interchange.

However, while the US 31/161st Street interchange is open, 161st Street remains closed west of Farr Hills Drive to allow the City of Westfield to continue work near the Monon Trail. This closure will allow the City to create a more pedestrian-friendly crossing in the future at a reduced cost with limited traffic interruption. This closure is expected to last through late October.

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Party on the Patio on August 21 from 5:00 to 8:00

By all accounts, Downtown Westfield Association's first two Parties on the Patio were a huge success. Estimated attendance at the inaugural party in June was 75 guests.  We think we had about 100 guests in July.  The next installment is Wednesday, August 21 and we're hoping for even more people to come out and enjoy the late summer evening with good conversation, music and light refreshments.

Westfield's own Brian Graham of Notch 8 Brewery will once again be sharing samples of his brew. Music will be provided by Hip Harp -- a duo consisting of harpist and conga drummer.  This event is sponsored by Tradewinds.

Please plan on joining us on Wednesday.


Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana

Westfield Once Again One of America's Best Places to Live

Westfield has once again landed on CNN Money Magazine's list of America's Best Small Towns. In the 2013 edition of the list we are ranked first in Indiana, fifth in the Midwest and 18th in the nation.  In fact, Westfield was the only Indiana community that made the list.  You'll recall that Westfield was ranked 48th nationally on the same list in 2011.

You can bet that without such projects as the Grand Junction, Grand Park Sports Campus and the proposed Grand Towers at the intersection of 31 and 32, we wouldn't be making this list.  Of course, our excellent school system also is a major factor at play here.  Make no mistake, people and businesses take such things into account when they decide where to relocate.

Congratulations to Mayor Andy Cook, the City Council and to all the city employees for continuing to do such a great job.

CNNMoney.com is the world's largest business website, CNNMoney is the online home of FORTUNE and MONEY magazines, and serves as CNN's exclusive business site.  For the full list of America’s “Best Places to Live," visit money.cnn.com.
                                                                     

Ken Kingshill
Westfield, Indiana