9/29/2010 – The latest on the Parking Meter matter
Posted by Curt Ailes in Neighborhoods, Transit on Sep 29th, 2010 | 4 comments
For those of you who’s heads are starting to spin at this point, here is an update. There was a city council rules committee meeting last night. Aaron Renn (www.urbanophile.com) was invited by council democrats to testify about his thoughts on the ACS agreement. Deputy Mayor Michael Huber was also invited to talk about it. Two local bloggers, lets call them, more politcal than Urban Indy, weighed in on the meeting over the last 12 hours. Their analysis is clear, concise and provides an easy to read version of the events. Neither posts are that long, worth the reading but come with a warning....
From sketches to shovel: How The De Rimini fails
Posted by Curt Ailes in New Development on Sep 28th, 2010 | 58 comments
In the fall of 2009, an infill development on the west side of downtown Indianapolis caused a stir with local urbanists. The DiRimini, or as it was called early on, Sarajo Commons, was set to take an empty lot on N. Capitol Avenue. The project is targetting IUPUI students and potential downtown dwellers. Finally, someone was stepping up to fill in one of the many vacant lots on this side of town. The parcel in particular, was located along 733 N. Capitol Avenue, a former grassly lot that had sat vacant for years.
When the initial plans were submitted to the Metropolitan Development Commission, the...
Indianapolis Streetcar Plan: Guest post by Greg Meckstroth
Posted by Kevin Kastner in Neighborhoods, Transit on Sep 27th, 2010 | 15 comments
Greg Meckstroth writes for the Urban Out website. He has been gracious to share his vision with us.
Earlier this year, the IndyConnect plan was released that set a vision for Indianapolis’ mass transit future. From the onset, I have been critical of the plan’s suburban orientation and its focus on commuter rail. While such improvements are certainly needed and heavy and light rail should be a part of the IndyConnect plan, what I believe is missing is urban transit options such as urban circulators that cater to non-commuting travel and allow for urban and transit-oriented development to occur...
Downtown Indy construction sacrifices mobility for cyclists
Posted by Curt Ailes in Bicycling on Sep 24th, 2010 | 3 comments
I pledged this semester that I would not purchase a parking pass at IUPUI. I have thus far held up my end of the bargain. I’ve been using my wife’s bike which is a multi-speed Trek road bike variant of some sort which she graciously outfitted (recently) with a light on the front and back. Since my ride home takes place after dark, the lights help keep me safe.
In learning the rules of the road as a cyclists, I have also learned how frustration can easily boil to the surface, when a part of road is taken away from a cyclist. Also being as passionate as I am about pedestrian and cycling...
People for Urban Progress announces plans for Indianapolis Car Share
Posted by Curt Ailes in Transit on Sep 24th, 2010 | 4 comments
Urban Indy was invited to People for Urban Progress’ studio at the Murphy Building in Fountain Square on Thursday for a car sharing forum. P.U.P. brought in IGO Chicago to consult on a model that would be a good fit for Indianapolis and it’s smaller market type of environment. IGO currently operates the service for the Chicago region with over 200 cars in their fleet.
If you have never heard of a car share, or been a member, like myself, then here is a little background. Cars are stored in areas or “pods” in a predetermined area by IGO. You sign up to become a member and card...
