Rebuilding Bicknell

BICKNELL, Ind. (WTHI) - A Wabash Valley community begins to wind down one big improvement project while gearing up for a couple more.

Bicknell in northern Knox County has spent 2 years working on a Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Project.

Now, the city is ramping up a pair of projects totaling $4-million to expand the re-building process.

The city of Bicknell has spent more than a year tearing down old properties and building new ones on the west side of town under a one million dollar neighborhood stabilization grant.

The first project is winding down but the city isn't done.

"We were awarded N.S.P. 3 and so we're starting all over again," said Bicknell Mayor Jon Flickinger.

The city's initial stabilization project went from the western city limits to the corner of Second and Jefferson.

The next project is for $3 million and will extend over into the Main Street area and all the way to the city park and the south city limits.

Add that in with a million dollar downtown revitalization project and officials hope that by the time the trees begin to bud in the spring they can see action happening in almost one quarter of the community.

"I want to see it," said Flickinger.  "I want to hear hammering and nailing and concrete being busted up and concrete being poured.  I want to see all of that as soon as possible."

Officials say they are confident that by the time the projects are finished in 3 years the community will see a big improvement.

"I hope it looks great," added Flickinger.  "I really do and I think it will."

A big hope that the small city can use federal and state grants to build toward the future.

Bicknell officials say they also hope to get a project replacing the street signs going this spring, and are also working on housing rehabilitation projects to help senior citizens.