Southwestway Park Land Acquisition a Huge Success

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The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

Determined residents of Decatur Township raised over $300,000 to top off the coffers of the Indianapolis Parks Foundation who was instrumental in pulling all the funding pieces together. Expansion of the park has long championed by City-County Councillor Bob Cockrum. And, the Decatur Steering Committee pulled the community and its funds together to cinch the deal. This neighbors’ group was lead by Sue Ellen Collins. The acquisition, combined with the expansion of Southwestway to the south by the addition of Cottonwood Lakes, makes this regional park second in size only to Eagle Creek Park. The focus now turns to development of the new parkland.

Mock Trial on Billboards
a Spirit and Place Event

November 9 -- free event

The Hoosier Environmental Council and the Indiana University School of Law are sponsoring a Mock Trial on Saturday, November 9 as part of the Indianapolis Spirit and Place Civic Event. The theme this year is "Breaking Silence". Neighborhood groups might find this mock trail especially interesting as the scenario is college students become disgruntled with the continued proliferation of billboards in Indianapolis and stage a "billboard sit". Local lawyers and judges will argue the case.

The case will be heard at 3:00 - 4:30 pm, Saturday, November 9th, in the Inlow Building Courtroom of the IU School of Law. For more information, please call Lori Olivier (845-5956), Clarke Kahlo (283-6283), Tim Maloney of Hoosier Environmental Council (685-8800), or Anne Laker of Spirit and Place at alaker@iupui.edu.

Greater Broad Ripple Community Coalition Scores Another Win

On September 16th, the Greater Broad Ripple Community Coalition enjoyed a success at the Marion County Liquor Board hearing. The Coalition remonstrated against a new 3-way permit for 811 Westfield Boulevard, arguing that there are already about 51 licenses in the area, and many adverse impacts are being experienced. The Liquor Board voted 4 to 0 to deny the application.

River of Flowers

Be a Part of a Neighborhood Legacy!

By Mary Beth Oakes, Meridian Street Foundation

We need your help to create a River of Flowers in our neighborhood! Members of the Meridian Street Foundation and neighborhood volunteers will be planting more than 390,000 Glory of the Snow flower bulbs in October along Meridian Street, between Westfield Blvd. and 40th Street. Designed to beautify our neighborhood, the River of Flowers project will create a long lasting legacy that will bloom every spring for thousands of area residents and visitors in Indianapolis to enjoy.

The bulb planting will take place on October 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th. Volunteer shifts will be available on each day from 8:30 am – 12:00 noon, and from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available.

Bring your family and friends for a day of fun community service, while helping to make our city an even better place to work and live!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kathy Shorter at 283-5322.

Speak Up and Save Your Neighborhood
a Spirit and Place Festival

— November 7 -- free event

The Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis, the IUPUI Office of Neighborhood Resources, and the University of Indianapolis -- Wheeler Arts Community, are sponsoring this program that invites citizen activists to explain how speaking out has helped them save their neighborhoods from crime, blight and deteriorated housing. The event will be held in the auditorium of the Wheeler Arts Building, 1035 Sanders Street, Indianapolis on November 7 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. (Public parking available across the street at the IPD South District Station on Shelby Street.)

The program is a strong example of the value of civic engagement and addresses issues of concern to many Indianapolis neighborhoods. A panel of speakers will address such issues as dealing with crime, improving city infrastructure such as sidewalks, rehabilitating structures for low- to moderate-income housing, and developing attractive and safe recreational areas. You will learn practical techniques that have been proven effective in neighborhoods throughout the city. You will learn where to go for help. You will meet successful role models and hear case studies.

Fay Williams will serve as moderator to a panel of distinguished neighborhood activists, including: Olgen Williams, Kerry Michael Manders, Linda Minter, Sue Solmos, Paul Smith, and, Bill Taft. For more information log onto www.historiclandmarks.org , or call 639-4534.