Tag «Transit»

Streetcar tracks on Mass Ave

Streetcar Tracks on Mass Ave (image credit: Curt Ailes)

I was picking up some pizza from Bazbeux’s last night on Mass Ave and I saw all the construction that is taking place. The project going on is resurfacing of the street, sidewalk reconstruction and addition of electrical conduit for additional lighting along the avenue. At the expense of looking like a hipster with my …

IURC approves water lease; $425m for infrastructure

Portland Streetcar (image credit: Curt Ailes)

On July 13th, 2011, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved the lease of the water utility to Citizen’s Energy. While this has been debated vigorously over the past year and a half locally, what it means is that when it goes through, over $425 million will become available to put towards Rebuild Indy; a program …

Tackling the 16 Tech Plan

16 Tech Site Plan - Initial Renderings (image credit: Develop Indy)

The week of June 13th was an exciting one in Indianapolis. The Broad Ripple Parking Garage was announced. CIRTA launched a campaign to build a transit coalition to present to state lawmakers. And the City announced the 16 Tech Technology district that would be anchored by a redeveloped Bush Stadium. On the surface, the 16 Tech …

Broad Ripple Parking Garage Public Artwork

Charlotte I-485 Park & Ride (image credit: Curt Ailes)

The project team for the newly announced Broad Ripple mixed use parking structure is seeking input from the public regarding how the structure should appear and how artwork and aesthetics should be incorporated into the final design. Per their request, “On June 13, Mayor Greg Ballard announced plans for a mixed-use parking development in Broad …

Broad Ripple Parking Garage Moves Forward

Broad Ripple Parking Structure Rendering (image source: City press release)

Last week, the Mayor’s Office announced that they had selected a winning proposal for a parking garage to be located in the Broad Ripple Village. The garage was hinted at when the parking meter lease was closed although details were very fuzzy at that point in time. Before I dive into an analysis, here are …

Join the Central Indiana Transit Movement

Last week, CIRTA went public with it’s message focused on building a coalition of transit supporters. The effort includes a spot on their website to sign your name to a petition as well as a means of organizations crafting a resolution of support for dedicated transit funding in the upcoming 2012 Legislative Session. As I …

Myrtle Beach & its focus on Walkability

Myrtle Beach Sidewalk Widening, road narrowing (image credit: Curt Ailes)

When one mentions that they went on vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC, visions of complete streets and urban design do not spring to mind. For years, I remember friends who’s parents took them to Myrtle Beach on summer vacation. I had never attended until recently, when my wife proposed that we take a summer trip …

A ride on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line

Lynx Light Rail at 3rd St Station (image credit: Curt Ailes)

My recent summer vacation took my family to Myrtle Beach, SC. By virtue of good fortune, and a wife who is accepting of my psychotic civic activism, we were able to spend a morning in Charlotte, NC to take a ride on the Lynx light rail line. The Lynx (or Blue Line) is a modern …

The Future of Transit in Central Indiana

Could Light Rail someday look like this on Washington St?

When Indyconnect unveiled its first proposal for a long range transit plan for the Indianapolis region (February 2010), many people were happy about what had been included in the plan.Transit backers were thrilled that light rail transit was planned along Washington Street from the airport to the east side. Finally, vocal advocates (myself included) had something …