Urban Indy » Archive for September 2010
Debunking the myth of expensive tunneling for Light Rail at IND airport
When Indyconnect released it’s innitial findings, citizens were very excited about one prospect that was relayed and that was a direct light rail link from downtown to the airport on Indianapolis’ westside. However, upon further examination, the Indyconnect team clarified in meetings and local media that this link would not go all the way to the airport. The reasons that they gave were founded upon the notion that it is expensive to tunnel under the north runway that seperates … Read entire article »
Crews get moving in Indy for (PARK)ing day 2010
This morning I was able to head downtown and snap a few photos as Architecture for Humanity was setting up for this year’s event at the corner of Washington and Meridian. They had spots on the east and the west side of the street which was nice to see. Kevin reported on the details in a post last week regarding today’s event. People for Urban Progress’ shade structure was not on hand yet as they were … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Pedestrian
Progress on 52nd street bike lanes
Back in July, we brought you a story about new bike lanes and associated improvements on 52nd street in Midtown Indianapolis. Recently, more action was taken towards finishing this project. For the last month and a half it has had a single layer of pavement over the prior removed roadbed. Crews moved in and started reconstructing the old and broken sidewalks. Normally, I would call this a cause for celebration but in this case, I am … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bicycling, Featured, Neighborhoods
MDC Hearing September 15th – Clarian Projects
On the agenda earlier today for the Metropolitan Development Commission were two items related to the recently announced Clarian Health projects immediately to the south of Methodist Hospital. One project will be a $100M Clarian-owned Neuroscience Center on a block of land bounded by 16th St., Missouri St., 14th St. and Senate Ave. The other will be a $50M Shiel-Sexton project on land bounded by 16th St., Capitol Ave., 14th St., and Byram Pl. (an … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Neighborhoods, New Development
An open letter to the IPS Board regarding School #58
If you are one of the few who have followed my writing, then you know I penned a fairly strong blog on my own site (follow the link to read) a number of months ago when it was announced that IPS was aiming to sieze property adjacent to IPS School #58 on the east side of Indy. It caused an uproar with urban enthusiasts here in the city for good reason. First off, siezing people’s … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Neighborhoods
A Bump-out Here, a Widened Street There
Last year, the village section of Broad Ripple Avenue added curb bump-outs and prominent crosswalks. This was much needed, and crossing the street has become safer in this section: Unfortunately, this project did not apply the same ethic to the rest of Broad Ripple Avenue east of the village. From Broad Ripple Park to Keystone Avenue, there are wider lanes and increased turning radii. The picture is just a small snapshot; this pattern continues eastward: With … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Neighborhoods, Pedestrian
Induced Economic Activity is not Progress
I’m not always happy with Cost/Benefit Analyses to justify infrastructure investments. Induced economic activity has especially frustrated me because I don’t believe that an extra highway exchange can be justified just because it spawns a Wal-Mart. Too often we see these studies that proclaim a net benefit when in reality the private sector gains a new source of profit while shifting cost and risk to the public (similar to the privatization of Parking Programs). An interesting … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Neighborhoods
(PARK)ing Day, Indianapolis
Next Friday, a group known as Architecture for Humanity is hosting Indianapolis’ version of (PARK)ing Day. This idea was first noted on this blog back in 2007, and I’ve often wondered if this could ever happen here. Well, I can wonder no more, as it actually took place last year: The group ensures that its efforts aren’t temporary. This year, the group will disassemble the park and rebuild it in the Reagan Park neighborhood at 23rd … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, Neighborhoods
Urban Land Institute – Moving Forward in Indiana: The Facts on Mass transit and the Impact on Real Estate Development
I have been communicating with Rebecca Wagner of Urban Land Institute Indiana, and she recently informed me that there will be a conference next week regarding the impact of Mass Transit on Real Estate Development. If you are “in the know” about mass transit, this is a known by-product of transit expansion. ULI has brought in national transportation expert Bob Dunphy to speak, along with CIRTA director Ehren Bingaman. I have attached a link to the webpage … Read entire article »
Speedway Streetscape
Way back in 2007, the Town of Speedway unveiled an ambitious redevelopment proposal. The first phase of construction is underway, which features of a redesign of Main Street. The branding of the new streetscape draws inspiration from Speedway’s world-famous track, while also providing room for the mixture of street life and non-motorized transportation that is promoted here at Urban Indy. The first 6 photos are from the completed southern portion, the final four are … Read entire article »
Filed under: Bicycling, Featured, Neighborhoods, Pedestrian
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