JOHNSON COUNTY, IND. -- The town of Bargersville is bracing for a population boom.
"This was mostly cornfields -- and our friends from Greenwood would hate driving down here because it would be too far out in the country," said Robert Nichols, Bargersville resident.
Nichols remembers growing up in Bargersville. It's also home to his family's custom cabinet business, Cabinets by Nichols.
From their view along 144, they see more traffic, more people at places like Taxman Brewery, and a massive new subdivision being built right next door.
Julie Young, Bargersville's Director of Development, says it's all about finding a balance between the old and new.
"Really respecting that agricultural - and preserving that beautiful terrain that we have," said Young.
Young says there are about 6,000 people living within the town's limits.
"In the last two years we have approved over one thousand new lots," said Young.
Many of those new homes will be at Morningside and Aberdeen. They're all expected to be under construction by next year.
Bargersville also just hired a person to look at economic opportunities along the proposed I-69 and 144 interchange.
"Well with all the housing that's happening in this area, there has to be support for the housing," said Dan Theobald, Economic Development, Bargersville.
Theobald is looking to attract much needed hotels on that side of town, also restaurants and shopping.
"We've watched over the past 20-30 years how Indianapolis is developing and its going ring by ring and Bargersville is the next ring," said Theobald.
Walkability is a big draw so the town will put in place a park impact fee for new residents. This will help Bargersville keep up with new trails and parks as homes are added.
The town already bought 15 acres for the new Kephart Park and they are creating a master plan for trails connecting neighborhoods to town.
WATCH PART TWO OF OUR STORY ABOUT BARGERSVILLE'S POPULATION BOOM BELOW:
