Associates, directors, and concerned residents met at the monthly Broad Ripple Village Association meeting to discuss changes and current events throughout the area.

The agenda for the November 21, 2006, meeting included discussions about the controversial Gunstra building in the 6100 block of Winthrop, police reports, and the election of three board members.

Carolyn Savill, who was re-elected for a third term, said attending BRVA meetings and being a member of the Board of Directors gives her a chance to be directly involved in the community. Through her position on the Board she helps address zoning issues and the establishment of the Farmers' Market in Broad Ripple.

Each candidate appears on a democratic ballot, and is elected by majority rule. The Board invites all BRVA members in attendance to vote. This election, the candidates ran uncontested. Along with Savill, Christopher Cleveland and Gregory Marx became inducted as new members to the Board. The future Board members vowed to preserve the integrity and uniqueness found throughout the village.

Bringing controversy to the meeting, Jim Morgan from Gunstra Builders addressed questions and concerns about the developments on the 6100 block of Winthrop Avenue. The company recently purchased the property to construct six family-sized condominiums that will cost between $240,000 to $320,000. The exact cost that Gunstra paid for the property is unclear, but Morgan said that the Broad Ripple land was priced significantly higher than land Gunstra owned in Carmel.

Over half the residents in attendance argued that the Gunstra construction and the appearance of new condominiums will deteriorate diversity and uniqueness in the neighborhood. Some disagreed on Gunstra's approach on environmental issues. Morgan, however, expressed confidence in the condominiums, and believed residents will be pleased with the results.

"We build a lot differently than other builders," Said Morgan. "Gunstra Builders has the lowest record of complaint in Indiana and the 6th lowest nationally."

These condominiums mark the first Gunstra construction in Broad Ripple. Other Gunstra homes are located throughout Carmel, Fishers, Lafayette, Noblesville, and Zionsville.

Sergeant Burge from the Indianapolis Police Department discussed crime and safety. IPD plans to increase security on the Monon Trail in light of the recent robberies, muggings, and fights that occurred within the past month. Increased security will include an overtime project to monitor the trail. Burge said that the investigation of the robbery of Jimmy Johns is still underway, but didn't identify any suspects.

With the new merger, the IPD assigned four to five officers to patrol the North District, which includes Broad Ripple. The Department also plans to elect a community liaison to speak directly with worried citizens.

Several branches of the BRVA announced their schedules for beautification, communication, and cultural improvements for the village. The association will plant trees along the tree lawn between 71st Street and Broad Ripple Avenue and may paint a BRVA mural on a building in the village.

In an effort to improve communication between the BRVA and Broad Ripple residents, the Association hopes to publish a newsletter within the Broad Ripple Gazette.

In addition, BRVA moved their offices to 6311 Westfield Boulevard in the Riviera building. The move provides a larger and more professional work space. The board sought volunteers to assist with the move.

The next public meeting of the BRVA will be Tuesday, January 16, 2006, at 7 P.M. The meeting will be held at the Indianapolis Art Center, located at 67th and Ferguson.