On Thursday, June 12th, 2008, a new neighborhood baby was born. It had been in gestation and eagerly awaited birth since early last October. Its name had been tossed around as everyone talked about it and planned for it to officially arrive on the scene. Birth announcements were sent and people came to see. Some even brought gifts. Balloons were filled with helium and tied with pretty ribbons so people would take notice. Proud parents stood by and thanked everyone for coming. Steve Habig of Habig Garden Shop sent over pretty plants. The Bottle Shop's Tom Bovis provided wine with which to celebrate. It was a festive time. This new neighborhood baby was christened "Can DO!" (College Avenue Neighborhood Development Organization).

Its time had come for its unveiling. There has been talk of it before, but on that date merchants on College as well as developers and some residents were invited for wine and cheese and to hear how their avenue has a new organization ready to take on issues of infrastructure, blight, crime, revitalization, redevelopment and transportation. They were told by President Sarah Larkin that the goal was to bring new business and housing down College to 38th Street with hopes of continuing the momentum of revitalization all the way to Massachusetts Avenue, eventually connecting the two cultural districts of Mass Ave. with Broad Ripple. The corner of 52nd and College has exploded with good restaurants and businesses and then going south, it drops off. Broad Ripple claims it is being over developed.

CAN DO! is reaching out and inviting the developers to extend the ambiance of Broad Ripple all the way south. It was explained that the mission of CAN DO! is to REDO with the letters of redo being the mantra. R is for revitalization and restoration of authentic, vintage urbanism. E is for enthusiasm and education. Enthusing merchants and residents and educating them of resources available for grants and programs. D is for development of neighborhood relationships and business partners. Development of housing, transportation and business thus giving revenue back to the city. O is for organization. Organizing against crime and blight. Organizing partnerships for prosperity. Organizing membership. On this evening new members were pledged. Another introductory gathering is being planned to involve more residents. It was grass roots involvement such as this that gave birth to the library, fire department and police department at 42nd and College. The immediate hope and first focus of the group is to bring fruition to the Uptown multi-use development at 49th and College proposed by Leif Hinterberger of Carreau Designs in Broad Ripple. This project will bring a ripple effect (pun intended) to the immediate area. It will provide upper housing (apartments) with businesses on the main level. People wishing to live in the area can do so in affordable apartments. The businesses will offer neighborhood residents services and restaurants within walking distance. With the Monon Trail close by, bike as well as bus transportation will be available. Fresh Market Grocery, City Dogs Grocery, Paw Patch Veterinarian Hospital, College Avenue Library and various dry cleaners, restaurants, churches and schools round out the current neighborhood services that would be a plus to those living in the new proposed Uptown apartments. It is becoming a common preference to have work, home and services close so as not to have to travel to the suburbs using time and energy/fuel. This could just be the beginning of one of the most important neighborhood groups in the city, seeing that College Avenue is one of the most important north/south streets in the city linking downtown to Hamilton County. If you want to make a difference to your community, contact them. Community involvement is a great way to meet people and make new friends. For more information on meeting dates and membership, the contact email address is cando4846@aol.com. At this press time, meetings are being held on Mondays at 7:00 PM. Exact dates and locations uncertain. Contact Sarah Larkin at the above email address.