Because I am a Broad Ripple business owner it makes sense I take interest in the business of Broad Ripple. I get a lot of my information right here in this paper especially with regard to zoning issues.

So it was with great interest that I have followed the Gazette columns and photos of a local business, Fine Estate Art and Rugs which moved from 59th and College last January to the vacant building at 42nd and Broadway that was formerly an Indianapolis Public Library. I had the pleasure of meeting owner Curt Churchman last fall after I moved my business into the next block north on College. I went in to introduce myself as his new neighbor and we conducted business as well. I had a print from an Indiana artist that I wasn't sure had any value and in addition I told him that I was the one who recommended him to my friend who did have valuable paintings that he bought. That put me on his email list. From that I learned of his move and his concerns if his gallery could get a variance for its new location. He asked for support at the March 3rd hearing so I decided to go especially after reading this paper's coverage. It was reported here that the Department of Metropolitan Development staff recommended approval stating "The petitioner indicates the retail portion of the operation would be low impact, with an average of no more than 15 customers on any given day. With the minimal number of customers, staff would compare this operation favorably to a commercial office, permitted within the C-1 zoning district, which also permits a day care center, similar to the previous use". Most recently Kaleidoscope Youth Center (current owners of the building) served the community youth here with after-school and summer programs providing a safe and educational environment. KYC, after several years of operation, due to the loss of funding by United Way and the recession, closed the door leaving the building vacant.

The zoning problems surfaced when the Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Association Land Use Committee voted not to support the zoning request. Their explanation is on MKNA.org but the summary is that they have been very active in keeping the former library a community serving facility and feel that it would be a neighborhood loss to allow the property to become a commercial use. They expressed concern that "there is very little space reserved for these special uses". A later Gazette issue featured a follow-up with an interview with Curt Churchman about his gallery plans. From that interview I decided I wanted to go to the hearing and see how this would play out.

I am a MKNA resident. I cast my hat in the ring to support a low traffic, low impact business on a neighborhood street that for more than 50 years has had activity. I don't like empty buildings so I'm not much on "reserving" buildings for "special use". So I went and I sat in the back under the radar. At least 50 MKNA folk came to show they didn't want the variance approved. There were attorneys, letters of support and individuals who shared concerns. Realtors opined that a commercial use of the building would lessen property values or that a low impact business would enhance values by not having an empty building sitting by. The Director of Kaleidoscope stated they had offered the building to St. Joan of Arc, United Way, Lilly Endowment and others to no avail and Churchman had the highest bid. If they didn't get the variance and couldn't sell it they couldn't afford to keep it. They said they had interest from a coffee shop and a brewery and they felt an art gallery and rug dealer would be a good fit.

It was mentioned that language had been recrafted that if the gallery left, the variance would revert back to SU-37 (special use library). It was pointed out that the current library gets 400 visits a day while this business would be less than 15. Speakers stated the importance of having a youth center. The surprise was the representative from St. Joan of Arc who appeared and said they are sincerely interested in this property. Where were they earlier?

Kaleidoscope stated if they didn't get the variance how long would it take for the church to move and what price would they be left having to accept thus eroding their funds further. MKNA wants to help youth groups not harm them. We learned that it was a divided vote by the MKNA board to deny support (5 to 4). In the end it was not a divided vote by the zoning board. They voted unanimously to deny the variance. This means the gallery needs to find a new home. Folks cheered on media sites later in the day. Why? Were they opposed to having class and culture next door to the library and School? It was mentioned that a T.C. Steel painting had been sold from the gallery for $30,000.

I was really surprised that the zoning board went that direction since the staff recommended approval. I overheard two men behind me talking and asking how long the building will remain vacant. Then I came home and read the related article in the Broad Ripple Community Newsletter by Joshua Deisler. He tells of meeting with Churchman and learning of his involvement with the community which includes author presentations, painting demonstrations, community meetings as well as donating time, materials and expertise to IPS School 84 and the Riviera Club. He tells how Churchman planed to take down the fence and preserve the adjacent playground for the neighborhood use and how he planed to open his building for community use. He quotes him as saying "We are inherently a community use. We certainly feel like we're neighborhood serving". What a class act. How could he have lost the variance in order to put a building on hold until another not-for-profit organization ponies up? The Girls' Club sat vacant at 40th and Central for years. It was mentioned at the hearing that an art gallery with handmade rugs brings stability. There is no fear of grant funding being cut. It is said "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush".