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Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
The news from Broad Ripple
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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n13)
Levee and safety issues main discussions at Village Association monthly meeting - By Ashley Plummer
posted: Jun. 29, 2007
The June meeting of the Broad Ripple Village Association took place at the Indianapolis Art Center on June 19, 2007 and featured discussions on two important developments in the area: the construction of the North Levee Project and a projected condominium development on Winthrop Ave.
Village Association President Ellen Morley Matthews welcomed members of the community and kicked off the meeting by introducing Department of Public Works Assistant Administrator John Oakley.
Oakley proceeded by discussing the current levee construction and road closures in the village area, which is covered in-depth on page one (Village Levee North Updates).
Indianapolis Public Works Assistant Administrator John Oakley speaks to the BRVA and residents about Levee closures.
Residents were unfortunately not given a recent report on public safety affairs-IMPD officer Michael Martin was not able to make the meeting. However, many villages reported recent crimes that seemed to be on the rise in the area, including graffiti, noise pollution and stolen personal items.
Next on the agenda was Dave Gilman, who explained to the association plans for a proposed development at 6159-6175 North Winthrop Avenue, which was ultimately denied by the board members and the downtown city staff. Please see page 6 for a more in-depth report on the events surrounding the denial of these condos.
David Gilman
proposed development at 6159-6175 North Winthrop Avenue
Committee Reports:
Beautification: Rich Bees reported that the committee had a lot of good ideas for a partnership between businesses and BRVA to keep areas around businesses clean.
"We have great ideas, but most exceed our budget and man power," he said. "We are still looking for single source funding for a weekly street sweeper."
Bees is asking villagers and residents to seek out a philanthropic organization or donor for this, which he feels will play a vital role in keeping the village clean.
A few residents spoke up again about the conditions of the village on Saturday and Sunday mornings, which included overflowing trash cans surrounded by horrid smells and flies.
Morley Matthews reminded residents and anyone else who witnesses such things to contact Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson's Action Center via internet (http://www.indygov.org/eGov/Mayor/mac.htm) or phone (317-327-4MAC).
The next Village Clean Up will be Aug. 4, 2007, at 8 a.m. Volunteers will meet in front of the fire station on Westfield Boulevard.
Business Division: The Business Division report was made by Sharon Butsch Freeland and consisted mainly of discussion on new brochures that were being developed by the committee-one for dining, one for business and one for entertainment. Businesses and groups are asked get their materials in as soon as possible.
"We are hoping to provide more information on the daytime activities within the village through these publication," Butsch Freeland said.
Communications: Diane Seybert was present to discuss the success of the BRVA pages in the Gazette. She asked residents to nominate local persons of interest for the featured villagers. Morley Matthews commented that this is a fun way to let the readership of the Gazette know about people who are important to the area.
Cultural Tourism District: Butsch Freeland promoted Indianapolis Downtown Inc.'s new feature: a Day in Broad Ripple Village. The contest includes winning an entire day of food and entertainment in the village area. More information can be found at www.indydt.com. She also mentioned Intake's pull-out Cultural District features section.
Morley Matthews followed up Butsch Freeland's discussion by answering a question proposed by Conrad Cortellini at a past BRVA meeting: What is the benefit of being considered a Cultural District in the city of Indianapolis?
"I think there is a huge benefit," she said. "We are the only district not downtown, and the funding received by the area is used to bring tourists."
"I have to believe that it also brings up property values in the district," she continued. "There is certainly an element of pride that we are in these spots that are airing in other midwest cities. Broad Ripple Village is so unique, and there is no place like us in the city."
Land Use and Development: Elaine Zuckerman took Peter Dean's place in addressing the audience on the committee's recent zoning decisions.
6019 Guilford: Provide variance for a detached garage: committee felt it was improvement, as did the board of directors. City staff is opposing use, planner agreed that garage would be improvement. BRVA committee support, BRVA board support.
Haus: cited for inappropriate sign usage. Variance-they will be allowed to put out mannequins and A-Frame sign on sidewalk. BRVA committee support, BRVA board support.
6191 Broadway: Zoning variance to transform property into a beauty salon: parking would be too intense. Feeling was that parking would end up being on street, breaking the block of a residential neighborhood. Zoning board staff is not supporting. Petitioners withdrew petition.
Winthrop Ave condominiums: An ongoing project for quite a few months-quite a few changes had been made at committee recommendation, such as parking spaces and the creation of a walkway. Staff had supported this, but the board of directors had voted not to support this petition. Rezoning would have to happen prior to the beginning of the development. Feeling is that basically there are a lot of condos and property already for sale, and we would just prefer not to see this happen in the village. BRVA did not support.
Membership: Catherine Adler said the committee sent out a bulk mailing of 207 pieces directed at businesses to renew their membership, and included in the mailing were residents who are not members. The mailing also went out to businesses who were not members last year and are still not members.
Catherine Adler and Ellen Morley Matthews
Public Safety: There was a long discussion on public safety, as mentioned earlier in the article. The Gazette will attempt to look further into these problems and place a full report.
The next public BRVA meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center.
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