by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Two independent candidates for municipal council office have filed for this fall’s election. Kate Snedeker has filed in Westfield City Council District 5, and Brad Baker has filed for Cicero Town Council, District 1. The deadline for independents to submit petitions to enter the race was July 1.

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The Hoosier Heritage Port Authority, former operators of the Nickel Plate Railroad, accepted bids on June 28 for removing the rails from Noblesville to downtown Indianapolis. The removal is in preparation for converting the rail line to a pedestrian and bicycle trail. Only one bid was received. It will be opened at the port authority July meeting.

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Hamilton County Commissioners, County Council members and Noblesville city representatives held a joint session last week to consider major projects concerning both units of government. High on the list was discussion of the long-discussed Pleasant Street bypass of the downtown area. The project is now slated to get underway in 2022. Studies have shown the bypass will take nearly 40 percent of vehicular traffic off Conner Street.