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2006 12 15

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n25)

Entrepreneurs, builders, businesses appear before Broad Ripple Zoning Committee - By Ashley Plummer

posted: Dec. 15, 2006

New store fronts and renovations and expansions of old favorites will soon be visible in the Village.

The Broad Ripple Village Association met on Tuesday, November 28 at the Broad Ripple United Methodist Church to discuss issues involving building and alcohol permits in the area.

Items on the agenda for the night included new flats to be built at 6310 College Ave, a three-way liquor license for Naked Tchopstix, changes to the building where Dick's Bodacious BBQ was once located, the expansion and renovation of the Casba bar, and a two-way liquor license request for Biscuits.

Van Kirby, Daniel Detrick and Conrad Cortellini opened the night by presenting blueprints for the "Green" flats they will be building on College Avenue.

"Broad Ripple could be a model for Indianapolis," Kirby said. "We are not going to do it (build) unless we do it in the green mode."

Kirby also highlighted that the building will be cultivated for those who do not have automobiles, but will still provide parking for those who do have them.

Conveniently located right by a bus stop, the builders and designer are also building the flats cyclist-friendly: there will be a large storage area for bicycles.

Maggie Lee, owner of Naked Tchopstix, followed by asking the zoning committee's permission to purchase a three-way liquor license. Lee mentioned that her restaurant has been successful as of late, with numerous people crowded in the front waiting for a table.

"We are looking to upgrade our services to our customers," she said. Lee also said that with the addition of the new license, there would be the possibility of expansion for the restaurant-an area with bar service where customers waiting could mingle before being seated.

Mike Deweese, Shawn Cannon and Rick Payne continued the meeting by outlining an idea in the works for the space that used to be Dick's Bodacious BBQ.

Deweese said the place they are currently envisioning will have a "rustic look" to it, and will focus primarily on beer with bar food. The men are currently looking into buying a liquor license before settling on a final decision.

In response to a question from a zoning board member, Deweese said that if Broad Ripple residents are still craving Dick's famous BBQ sauce, it can be purchased at the "thriving" downtown location.

Next, the possible expansion and renovations to The Casba were brought before the committee by Jamie Browning. He is one of the people who leases the space that includes The Casba, The Usual Suspects and what used to be the Parthenon Deli. "We (the leasors) hope to do the same thing downstairs as we did upstairs," Browning said.

These changes would include putting two entrances to the downstairs portion of the building to improve the flow of people, a total renovation of the current restrooms, and expanding the dance club into the vacant space behind the basement.

"Overall, we want to upgrade what we have today," Browning said.

The final discussion of the night was a two-way liquor license request from Brian Haymond, current owner of Biscuits at 1035 Broad Ripple Avenue. "Biscuits will remain a family restaurant, that won't change," Haymond said.

Haymond did highlight that in order for Biscuits to remain competitive with other locals, they needed to offer beer and wine, especially for the dinner hours.

Haymond has a hearing with the city on January 2 for his license.

The BRVA Zoning Committee meets monthly on every fourth Thursday. There is no meeting scheduled for December, but meetings, including the upcoming one in January, are open to the public prior to the committee's voting. They are currently held at the Broad Ripple United Methodist Church.

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