By Joe Thomas, Journal and Courier

Growth in Wabash Township convinced engineers to reconsider plans for rerouting U.S. 231 north from Indiana 26 to U.S. 52, on West Lafayette's west side.

In 1992, engineers from Merrillville's Michael Baker and Associates recommended a route near the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad. That route follows McCormick Road, and runs between Blackbird Farms and Purdue's south golf course before connecting with 52 at Cumberland Avenue.

Now, some township residents wonder why the proposed highway should run through their area at all, fearing it will disturb neighborhoods, disrupt farms and cut off roads.

"I'm against any of it," said Wake Robin homeowner Jim Walker during a Thursday night meeting seeking public comment on eight possible routes. "I don't think there is a reason for any of it. I think you're wasting your money."

The reason for the new road lies about two miles to the east on Northwestern Avenue, said Area Plan Commission executive director Jim Hawley.

"This will alleviate volume problems on Northwestern," he said. "Without this, Northwestern will need to be six lanes through West Lafayette and campus."

Robert Stwalley, an engineer, prefers using existing roads to accomplish that goal.

"If I've got to pick one (route) I say take it up (Indiana) 26 where you've already got road. Widen that thing a little bit," he said.

"You're just chewing up land" with any other route, he said.

One of the eight proposed routes follows Indiana 26 west before winding northward to Montmorenci, although Hawley has problems with that route and any others that wind their way west.

"We feel closer in (to West Lafayette's western limit) is most appropriate for smart growth and wise land-use decisions. Placing it further out encourages creep."

Wendy Vachet, the project manager, said nine options remain under consideration, including all eight routes.

"No build remains an option on the table and will stay on the table," she said.

She plans to update citizens about the project during another meeting in the summer.