Broad Ripple Random Ripplings

Brought to you by:

Everything Broad Ripple Home

Random Ripplings Home

2007 09 07

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v04n18)

Numerous upcoming events in village discussed at BRVA meeting - By Ashley Plummer

posted: Sept. 07, 2007

By Ashley Plummer

The Broad Ripple Village Association made an exciting announcement at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 21, 2007.

Village Association president Ellen Morley Matthews said that after quite some time of discussion with the City Council and the Mayor's Office, Broad Ripple may start seeing a portion of the money received in the parking meters in the village area.

Currently, all parking meter money goes into a general city fund. Morley Matthews said that the BRVA has a commitment from the Mayor's office to bring the issue before the City-County Council.

"Steve Campbell (Indianapolis Deputy Mayor) said he feels we will get bipartisan support on all levels in this effort," Morley Matthews said.

She continued by mentioning that with the funding received from the parking meters (over time-not right away by any means) and funding from other sources, the BRVA may eventually be able to buy the Green Machine, a versatile street sweeper that allows congested sidewalks, parking lots, roads and downtown areas to be cleaned beyond the reach of larger and traditional sweepers.

"It's at the top of our wish list," Morley Matthews said.

After the announcement, Rich Bees stepped up to discuss happenings involving the beautification committee. He primarily discussed the contract that the committee is working on that will attempt to provide an answer for some of the messes left around the village after the weekends.

"This contractual agreement will be presented to merchants in the area," Bee said. "It will encourage them to adhere to certain standards of cleanliness."

The contract, which was described at a previous Land Use and Development meeting by BRVA Executive Director Sharon Butsch Freeland, will work in favor of Broad Ripple businesses and merchants that do specific duties to keep the areas around their places of residence clean and tidy.

Bees also mentioned that the next Broad Ripple Volunteer Clean-up will be October 6, 2007, and 8 a.m. in front of the Broad Ripple firehouse.

Next to speak was Elizabeth Ricke with the Business Division. She spoke about new brochures that the BRVA will be putting together for local merchants and businesses. There will be individual brochures for dining, shopping, entertainment and services.

She also mentioned that planning for the Holiday Preview Party will begin soon. The preview party is a night where businesses in the village tend to stay open later than usual and have treats out for customers (sometimes they even have special sales).

Ricke also mentioned the Broad Ripple Music Festival, which will take place on October 13. Read in future Gazettes for more information on the music fest.

Carolyn Savill spoke about the Farmer's Market, focusing on the Harvest Dinner that will take place towards the end of October. The Harvest Dinner is where everything served for the meal is provided by local farmers and vendors.

Savill also mentioned that the group is in the midst of preparing market bags.

"The bags will be made of recycled material," she said. "We are trying to push for 'green' education with the market."

Peter Dean from the Land Use and Development Committee then spoke. For an update on this sector of the BRVA, please see the above story on the most recent meeting.

After the committees reported, numerous BRVA members spoke about upcoming special events in the village.

Nicole Oprisu spoke about the Ripple Effect, the four mile run/walk that took place last Saturday (with a great turn out). She mentioned and thanked the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic for taking the reins as one of the major local sponsors, as well as other businesses in the village.

"Please remember to shop at our local community shops," Oprisu said. "They do so much to help us."

Diane Seybert then spoke about the fall gallery tour. She said that so far there are 16 locations that have agreed to participate. The Fall Gallery tour will take place on September 14, 2007.

The Broad Ripple Historic Home Tour is also coming up on September 29, 2007, and volunteers are needed. If interested, contact brva@mybrva.com. Ten historic homes will be on display, and the theme this year is "Putting on the Kitz."

The final issue discussed was "Broad Ripple Lights Up," a new contest that will put businesses and area homes in competition for who can provide the best display of Christmas lights.

The judging will take place on December 14, 2007, and will be promoted by cross-marketing with Indianapolis Downtown Inc.

"We are going to help them promote the Circle of Lights, and in exchange, they are going to help us promote Lights Up," Diane Seybert said.

The next BRVA meeting will be September 18, 2007, 7 p.m. at the Indianapolis Art Center.

Brought to you by:

Brought to you by: