Indian Trail Update from Mayor Quinn     

The first several months of 2008 have been a busy and eventful period for the Indian Trail staff and Town Council.  The Town Council has moved to address several important issues as well as exciting new initiatives. 

Over the next several months the Council will be approving our new Unified Development Ordinance which will support the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.  These documents will help our planners implement the town vision established through the Comprehensive Plan with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for residents and strengthening our business community.

We have moved to address public safety by entering into a five-year contract with the Union County Sheriff's Office.  This partnership agreement with Indian Trail will give the Sheriff’s Office a solid base on which to establish a policing model designed for the needs of our town.  Our newly created citizens’ Public Safety Committee will work closely with the Sheriff’s office to help assess community needs and identify solutions.

Our Park, Greenway and Tree Committee was very instrumental in the development of our new Tree and Landscape Ordinance. As a result of the hard work of the committee and Planning Department, Indian Trail has now been designated a “Tree City U.S.A.”.  We have also been awarded a grant to hire a firm to study and make recommendations for a pedestrian plan for the Town.  Our Committee continues to “think green” and looks to identify potential land for parks.  Our other boards and committees have also been working on the new ordinances, storm water issues and roads.

Later this year, the Town will be conducting a survey of Indian Trail residents to help the Council and staff better understand taxpayer needs and prioritize for the future.

Motivated by citizen feedback, the Town Council recently selected the firm of Arnett Muldrow and Associates to guide us in a new community “branding” initiative.  Our town has changed dramatically in the last ten years and this program will be designed to unify our residents and create a sense of place and community essential to a thriving town.  Soon residents of Indian Trail will be invited to focus groups and one-on-one meetings.  The folks will be asked what they love about our town, to share their community values, and what they want the town to be.  From this input, Arnett Muldrow will create a marketing brand that will build off of Indian Trail’s heritage, strengths and vision.  The brand will include a graphic logo and theme line that will be the cornerstone of a larger marketing strategy.  Arnett Muldrow proposes that “A community brand is a promise a (town) makes with people.  A successful brand will communicate that promise to foster trust between the (town) and potential resident, tourist, merchant, shopper or investor”.  This could be an excellent tool to allow us to market Indian Trail to businesses that share our community values and appreciate the Town’s unique identity.

Several of the Council members and our spouses recently attended Indian Trail’s annual Public Safety Appreciation Dinner.  Our staff did a great job of organizing the event.  I had the tremendous honor of speaking to and publicly recognizing our Fire Fighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and Indian Trail Sheriff’s Deputies.  These folks sacrifice much as they protect our homes and property, bring criminals to justice and save lives. 

Indian Trail is moving in the right direction.  The staff and Council members are committed to making our town the best it can be for our citizens.  The initiatives the Council has undertaken will help strengthen our town and the quality of life we enjoy in Indian Trail, North Carolina.

John Quinn

Mayor, Indian Trail