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2014 10 17

Column

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v11n21)

Round the Ripple by Bill Malcolm

posted: Oct. 17, 2014

Monon Trail now open extended hours

The Monon Trail (and all Indy greenways trails) are now open from 5 a.m. until midnight effective immediately, but only for a limited-time experiment, through Christmas.

IndyCog had pushed for a 24 hour open time.

Apparently additional patrols and additional lighting are not planned (although the trail was patrolled 24 hours anyway).

Even though it's now legal, is using the unlighted Monon Trail in the dark a good idea?

A recent walk on the trail at 6:30 a.m. one Monday morning featured bicyclists (apparently bike commuting), most with good lighting. I did notice a few joggers with NO lights nor reflective gear at all. They were very hard to see.

State Representative, Congressional race top ticket November 4

Tuesday November 4, 2014, is Election Day. In Broad Ripple (House District 87), our State Representative Christina Hale (D) is up for re-election. She faces a challenge from Mike Friedman (R).

Hale is an energetic, hard worker who can "work across the aisle". She has gotten a lot done during her first term. I am a strong supporter of hers.

First term Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R) is being challenged by Democrat Shawn Denney in the 5th House District of Indiana which includes Broad Ripple at its southern end. (We used to be in Congressman Andre Carson's district.)

You can find out more about all four candidates on their Facebook pages.

Free WiFi and snacks now offered on the Chicago train

Have you taken the Amtrak train to or from Chicago lately? Three days a week is The Cardinal with a dining room, snack bar, and sleeping car. Four days a week is the INDOT and community funded Hoosier State.

As of October 1, 2014, Amtrak is offering free WiFi and snacks to all passengers (as well as new business class seating options in a separate train car). This is downtown to downtown service. Hop on the #17 or #18 bus and walk from the State House to Indy's Greyhound/Amtrak Transportation Center, 350 S. Illinois. Fares from $24 (or less with your AAA card).

Hoosier State service could end on January 31, 2015, if Indianapolis does not extend its financial support of the train (at $300,000 per year). For more information, visit Hoosiers for Passenger Rail on Facebook or www.indianaHighSpeedRail.org, the website of the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance.

Amtrak wants to keep the service although INDOT is awarding it as of February 1 to another firm. Union Station is our city's oldest building. It also needs $4 million in mostly structural repairs.

A special Amtrak train to Chicago stops in Lafayette.

image courtesy of Bill Malcolm

William Creek Bridge Repair Update

The Williams Creek bridge repair project (north of 75th and College) finish date was delayed. Long Nguyen of the Department of Public works told the Gazette:

"We are waiting for the weather break to put the final touch on the bituminous pavement."

Holliday Park schedules fall festival for October 26

A fall festival will be held on October 26, 2014, at Holliday Park. Also at Holliday Park will be the Hauntless Holiday. Dates are October 16, 17, and 18, 2014. Call 327 7180 or go to www.indy.gov/parks.

image courtesy of Bill Malcolm

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Bill Malcolm also writes a travel column in The Midwest Eagle and is a reporter for All Aboard Indiana (as a volunteer for both). He advocates for fair and affordable utility rates for a national association based in Washington, D.C. He welcomes reader feedback and story ideas. Send to Bill@BroadRippleGazette.com

bill@broadripplegazette.com

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