Urban Indy » Archive for March 2010
It’s Always Cloudy on Keystone Avenue
This is the best this stretch of Keystone can look: Keystone Avenue is a tough place to love. It is similar to newer automobile-based commercial strips, with a few differences: Utility poles in the sidewalks. Actually, that makes 2 differences, in that there are actually sidewalks on Keystone. But with the utility poles crowding the landscape, it is simply unattractive. Most of the buildings are smaller and closer to the street, so it’s actually a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
GIS Nerd Alert!
If you’ve clicked my profile, you’ve seen that I’m a GIS Technician. I have a Geography degree, which is why I find space and place so important. Today I found this fascinating article on the New York Times about the use of GIS in finding little unused public spaces, which, when added up, make up a sizable amount of the city’s footprint. I believe it’s an important topic for our city to consider, as I can bet that Indianapolis has more than its fair share of mini-wastelands. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
Update on Near Eastside Investment
There were a few reports last night regarding the Near Eastside Investment project. Here’s are some links: WRTV, including video. Star WISH WTHR, including video. As most are aware, I love the potential of East 10th Street. Our densest commerial street deserves this attention. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
More fun with zoning
This article on the Star is yet another example of our misplaced priorities with regards to zoning. Let’s go down a quick list of why this is ridiculous to fight: Gives Eastside residents a much-needed place to work. Helps the city’s tax base. A green business that can be called on as a future asset. The abandoned factories and warehouses in the area dwarf the size and scope of Cornett’s planned expansion. They are good neighbors. Google Street View actually has evidence of this. Notice the change in the building: Before, and After. The good news is that Cornett has desire and perhaps financial incentive to stay if possible. We must make it possible for his business to stay in Indianapolis. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
Heads up: Near-eastside neighborhood redevelopment
This little blurb is so short that I can quote it in full. The announcement will take place Monday at 10 am at Brookside Elementary School. Thanks to Thundermutt for the heads up. The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee next week will be among six groups announcing a new investment in a local neighborhood. The funding is expected to assist in the funding of affordable-housing and commercial development in the targeted area. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and officials from State Farm Insurance Company and the John H. Boner Community Center will also participate. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
Keep pushing for Indy Connect
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made a surprise appearance at the National Bike Summit in Washington DC. The Secretary made a strong pitch for diversified transportation options, as the Streetsblog article does a fine job of highlighting. This is another sign to me that the time is right for Indy Connect. To be honest, improvements like Indy Connect probably could have happened 20 years ago, but perhaps a benefit to our traditional Hoosier conservative approach is that we can also learn from other cities’ progress and pitfalls. One way that I think we have learned is by starting out the plan with an improved IndyGo instead of solely focusing on rail. However, an issue that we absolutely have to solve is the lack of walkable density around suburban … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
Placemaking session on Mass Ave
Public Sessions on placemaking on Mass Ave are set for March 25th, according to Urban Times. It is critical to make our reasonably successful public spaces even better, to serve as a catalyst for future positive investments in the area. A critical need is to close the gap between the 400 and 600 blocks, as proposed by this new development. Placemaking will be easier with more places to visit. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
Spring’s around the corner
I’ve been trying to think of a good topic for my second post of the week. The one thing that I can’t get out of my mind is that on Saturday, we should have our best weather day so far in 2010. I plan on getting outside and reacquainting myself with the city beyond my daily routine. Hopefully I can take some neighborhood pics and post them on here as well. We’ve had a real winter this year, and while I can appreciate that, it will make Spring seem even sweeter. Time to get back on the bicycle and hit the streets. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
In-Street Light Rail vs. Streetcar
In this editorial in the Indy Star, there is a mention of in-street light rail along Washington Street, which prompted me to ponder the difference between in-street light rail and streetcars. I did a bit of research on the issue to see if I could clear this up. I have to mention that I used Wikipedia, but I don’t mind that website on non-controversial issues such as this. There is also a nice comparison that I found (via google) that originated in the City of Tucson, although this features a dedicated right-of-way, as opposed to the in-street variety proposed in Indianapolis’ long-range plan. Basically, there are 2 main distinctions between these two modes: They are designed to have higher speeds. They have a larger carrying capacity. There may be others that … Read entire article »
Filed under: Historical Posts
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