Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v13n04)
Round the Ripple - by Bill Malcolm
posted: Feb. 19, 2016
New group formed to get bus line off College Avenue
As reported in my column last edition, neighborhood groups have raised concerns about IndyGo's plan to run the new Red Line Bus Rapid Transit line along College Avenue.
A recently formed group called College Avenue Indy has placed a billboard at 54th and College. "Stop the Red Line" it proclaims, citing congestion, wasted tax dollars and over-development. They note the City will hold a hearing on the matter on February 17. They do not list who is funding them nor the names of any individual on their website nor how to contact them.
Bus rapid transit would be a new high-frequency, limited-stop service that is being used in other cities along high usage routes. The Red Line is planned to run from the University of Indianapolis, north to downtown, up to Broad Ripple, and then, eventually, on to Carmel. Requests for Federal funding for the line is pending. In a city plagued by a bare bones transit system, it's disappointing to see opposition to the one bright spot on the horizon.
While waiting for the Red Line, be sure and take the #17 and #18 from Broad Ripple to downtown. You'll save on parking and be able to read while you ride. Fare just $1.75 and buses run every 30 minutes during the week.
image courtesy of Bill Malcolm
Enjoy the train to Chicago
Don't miss the new Hoosier Train to Chicago. Leave Chicago 4 days a week at 5:45 p.m. and enjoy a cooked-to-order chef's dinner complete with adult beverages. You'll enjoy dinner in the dining car. Going the other way, enjoy breakfast. Details at www.hoosierstatetrain.org).
image courtesy of Bill Malcolm
Skunk cabbage up at Holliday Park
Norma Wallman and I are scouting out for skunk cabbage, the first plant to bloom in spring, which is starting to bloom in Holliday Park. The plant generates it own heat (to melt snow) and has large green flowers (which smell like a skunk to some).
Norma Wallman with the witch hazel.
image courtesy of Bill Malcolm
Also in bloom is the witch hazel tree.
So, spring is around the corner and in just a month hepatica hill will be full of hepaticas. Can the trout lilies be far behind.
Don't miss a winter hike at the Park-an area gem. Read more about the plant in Wallman's book, Wildflowers of Holliday Park. She will also lead a hike in the park in April for those wanting to learn more about the spring wildflowers.
Freshen your houseplant selection
Need some more green for your house or apartment? I can always use some more house plants and always enjoy the house plant sale at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired greenhouse. It runs March 3rd (noon to 5), 4th (noon to 5), and 5th (9am to 3 pm).
The last word on civil rights for LGBT
The state legislature and Governor have spent the 3rd legislative session debating LGBT issues. No matter which side you are on, it's amazing that again this session it was the number one topic.
Worse, they kicked the can to 2017 - despite the fact that this is an election year and you would think they would like to get it off the table. Worse, a survey by Visit Indy showed that Indy was losing convention business due to the RFRA fall out.
If Utah can pass a bill (as they did 2 years ago with support from the Mormon Church), certainly Indiana should be able to figure it out. Indeed, the Indiana Chamber and large businesses throughout the state strongly supported civil rights protections.
Indiana should not continue with a self-imposed black eye. RFRA was bad last year but this year's non-actions ripped the bandage off the wound. Indiana can do better.
Upcoming
February 27, 2016 - Sap to Syrup Day at Holliday Park. 12:30 and 2:00 pm to journey around the trails learning all about making maple syrup. Try a syrup taste test, complete a craft, and enjoy a delicious Sugar Maker's Sundae (trust us, you'll love it!). Tours will depart every fifteen minutes, meet in the lobby. $7/person, pre-registration required by calling the Holliday Park Nature Center at 327-7180 or visiting www.hollidaypark.org
image courtesy of Bill Malcolm
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