Walnut Grove Historical Society

Time is of the essence…

https://www.permits.performance.gov/permitting-project/dot-projects/governors-parkway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Walnut Grove Historical Society Endorses Grand Avenue Alternative for Hammond Railroad Crossing

Merrillville, IN– 3-25-2025 – The Town of Merrillville has in recent years adopted the slogan, “The Heart of the Region.” At the center of that heart is the Morgan-Skinner-Boyd Homestead, also known as Walnut Grove. It is the site of Me-Gwun’s Village, purchased by one of Lake County’s earliest settlers, Jeremiah Wiggins, in 1833. Since that time, each subsequent resident has worked tirelessly to develop, restore, and preserve this 150 year-old historical landmark. If Merrillville is the Region’s heart, then Walnut Grove will strive to be its soul.

The Walnut Grove Historical Society, a dedicated advocate for the preservation of natural and historical resources in Lake County Indiana, today announces its strong endorsement of the Grand Avenue alternative plan for addressing the railroad crossing issue in Hammond, Indiana. This unanimous endorsement from our board comes in response to concerns surrounding the Governor’s Parkway Overpass project and its potential devastating impact on the Briar East Woods and the ecosystem of the entire region. 

After thoughtful review of the information available, including the details presented on SaveBriarEastWoods.com, the Walnut Grove Historical Society has concluded that the Grand Avenue alternative offers a more responsible and sustainable solution that prioritizes both public safety and the preservation of The Region’s unique natural heritage.

Key reasons for the Walnut Grove Historical Society’s endorsement of the Grand Avenue alternative include:

• Directly Addresses the Problem: The Grand Avenue alternative, by focusing on an overpass or underpass located directly on Grand Avenue, provides a more direct and effective solution to the safety concerns at the specific crossing where children are at risk. The Governor’s Parkway Overpass, located a mile away, would require children to walk up to two miles out of their way, making it an impractical and unlikely solution for their daily commute to school.
  
• Preserves the Briar East Woods: The Grand Avenue alternative would avoid the destruction of the 32-acre Briar East Woods, a vital ecosystem that provides numerous benefits to the community, including flood protection, air and noise pollution mitigation, and a natural space for recreation and respite. The woods are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including barred owls, red-tailed hawks, red tailed foxes, deer, bald eagles, amphibians, valuable insects/pollinators, and native sand dune flora.
  
• Cost-Effectiveness: According to information available, an overpass on Grand Avenue was estimated to cost significantly less than the Governor’s Parkway Overpass project. The Governor’s Parkway overpass is estimated at $11,670,000 (2019) plus a $7.7 million supplemental pedestrian bridge, bringing the total to at least $19,370,000. The Grand Avenue alternative was estimated to cost $8,480,000 in 2019.
  
• Sustainable Solution: The Grand Avenue alternative represents a more sustainable approach to infrastructure development by prioritizing the preservation of natural resources and minimizing environmental impact. The destruction of the Briar East Woods would have long-term consequences for the local ecosystem and the community’s quality of life.
  

Walnut Grove recognizes the will of the people of Hammond. But we also recognize the interconnected web of life that our communities are all a part of. The removal of that ancient duneland in Hammond will have a negative cascading effect that will become a long-term detriment to not only Hammond, but the very Region our board has dedicated themselves to protect. Time is of the essence, as federal funding has nearly been approved.

The Walnut Grove Historical Society urges the people, organizations, and municipalities of the Region to carefully consider the Grand Avenue alternative and prioritize a solution that effectively addresses the railroad crossing issue while protecting the invaluable Briar East Woods for future generations. We believe that a responsible and sustainable approach is essential for ensuring the long-term well-being of the community and the preservation of its natural and historical heritage.

About the Walnut Grove Historical Society:

The Walnut Grove Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and natural resources of Walnut Grove, Lake County, and our planet as a whole. Through educational programs, preservation efforts, and community outreach, the Society strives to foster an appreciation for the past and a commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.

Contact:

Jeremy McShurley

Project Coordinator

projects@walnutgrovehistory.org

833-925-6884 ext. 8326

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