North Vernon addresses downtown street maintenance and tree hazards

NORTH VERNON, Ind. — The North Vernon Street Department has presented a targeted downtown maintenance plan to address safety concerns and tree care across key commercial corridors.

The plan calls for a temporary daytime closure of North Madison Avenue to conduct tree trimming, while also evaluating the removal of thorn-bearing locust trees near the Park Theatre in Stellar Plaza.

City maintenance crews are coordinating with city officials and local business schedules to minimize disruption to area commerce.

Street Department recommendations brought before city leaders include:

• North Madison Avenue: Proposed 3-to-4-hour closure on a Monday (reopening before 11 a.m.) for tree trimming
• Stellar Plaza Trees: Proposed removal of mature honey locust trees due to safety risks posed by large thorns
• Replanting Strategy: Coordination with council members to select replacement species that won't disrupt city sidewalks