Hello everyone, I hope everyone has had a great start to the new year, can you believe that we are on the cusp of March?  Well, things have been quite busy around the city, and I know that there have been some projects across the city that the community remains curious about, so I’d like to update you a little on that, in particular regarding the Illinois/Indiana railroad crossings and road project. The road construction on Indiana Avenue and the eventual closure of Illinois Avenue is required by BNSF Railroad to comply with quiet zone requirements that the voters approved with the Moving Fountain Forward (MFF) Ballot Initiative back in 2009.  The Indiana Road Project started a little after Thanksgiving of last year, being the last of the MFF projects, and although the city has had some snow days and icy weather, it is still on schedule with the goal to finish the new road in summer of this year. The improvements to Indiana Avenue will include a railroad crossing, four traffic lanes, and a three-way lighted intersection at US Highway 85/87 (CDOT roadway). This is to improve the traffic pattern and allow residents on the southern portion of our community better access in and out of this area, while also reducing traffic near Aragon Elementary School. If you would like to know more details about the project, we have various information available on our website and in the media, and you can view the links provided at the end of this newsletter to learn more!

Speaking of additional information, I would like to share with you a new information site hosted by the city, “The Jimmy Camp Trading Post.” This city webpage is a creative new way to share information about what is going on in the city, while also addressing some rumors floating around Fountain!  The page shares facts about the city that residents might not be aware of in a fun, lively way and shares some interesting stories about who Jimmy was and the history of Jimmy’s Camp. There are links on the page that will navigate you to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum website that share some interesting accounts of Jimmy and his camp. So, watch out for the Jimmy Camp logo across our city website and Facebook page, and when the flame is lit there are new rumors being traded at Jimmy’s Camp for facts!

As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at [email protected].

-Mayor Thompson

Links to Illinois/Indiana Project:

Moving Fountain Forward

KRDO Story

Link to Jimmy’s Camp:

Jimmy’s Camp Webpage