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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v14n02)
Round the Ripple - by Bill Malcolm
posted: Jan. 20, 2017

Round the Ripple header

Red Line, improved transit for 2017
At the city council meeting held on January 9, Proposal 3, a measure to enact a tax dedicated to transit, was introduced by Council President Maggie Lewis. The measure will be heard by multiple Council committees with a public hearing and vote at the Rules and Public Policy Committee. The full council is expected to vote for final adoption on Monday, February 27, 2017.
"The Marion County Transit Plan proposes significant improvements for a historically underfunded mass transit system," said Mike Terry, IndyGo president and CEO. "Nearly 60% of Marion County residents voted in favor of a tax to improve the city's transit system." The maximum rate of 0.25% would be dedicated to funding service improvements including shorter wait times, extended weekend and late night operations, and other capital investments like new vehicles and rapid transit lines. Committee meetings continue until the final vote at the City-County Council meeting on February 27.
The proposed new bus rapid transit line from Broad Ripple to downtown (the Red Line) faced a setback last month when a $75 million grant for the Red Line was not authorized by Congress when it failed to pass a new transportation budget that contained such authorization. However it still could be passed this year. According to Bryan Luellen of IndyGo:"Indianapolis's Red Line is one project among 31 Federal Transit Administration grants awaiting Congressional action. The Red Line has already cleared two major hurdles: FTA recommendation for funding and inclusion in the President's budget. Programs in nearly every area of government, from agriculture to foreign affairs, are also reliant on the appropriations process. The project is still on schedule and pre-construction work is underway. Outreach and stakeholder engagement continue as final construction documents are being prepared."
Not everyone is on board. Lee Lange of the Stop the Red Line group argues that the Federal grant set back is the perfect time for IndyGo to go back to the drawing board to develop a more appropriate plan that serves folks who actually use IndyGo. Her group is opposed to the establishment of a permanent lane down College Avenue for the route which they claim will cause the loss of parking, that it will be difficult to turn left off College, and that it will interfere with emergency vehicles.


Two Winter Farmers Markets In The Ripple?
Have you been to the Broad Ripple Winter Market? It is held every Saturday at the Bent Rail Brewery (5301 Winthrop Avenue) and runs from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. According to the Market's Mark Demerly, they are featuring more fresh produce this year including organic lettuce, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes all grown locally in Indiana. Fresh baked breads as well as salmon and bison meats are also featured, as is live music. SNAP participants can get double SNAP dollars for Indiana-grown fruits and vegetables by using their Hoosier Works EBT card to double their purchases with 20 vendors participating.
Also, reportedly a new Village Winter Market is being held at Broad Ripple United Methodist Church on Saturday mornings from 9-12. (This is across from Kroger.) However, the doors were locked when I stopped by on Saturday January 7. Since then, a message was received that temperatures closed the Jan 7 market.

Round the Ripple - by Bill Malcolm
image courtesy of Bill Malcolm
Quan


Round the Ripple - by Bill Malcolm
image courtesy of Bill Malcolm
Quan




New shared office space opens
The Hatch has arrived. It's a shared office space environment for "creative co-working". For those like me who tire of sitting alone working from our homes, it's an intriguing idea. It costs $40 per day or $99 a month to use the facility (although you can rent an office as well). It also includes a conference room, rooms for telephone calls, a café, and a creative studio space for artists and photographers. You can visit them at 6161 Hillside Avenue near the LA Fitness.


New apartments, grocery store open soon
Would you like to take an elevator down to your grocery store? You can if you live at the new Coil Apartments on College. The new Coil Apartments will be opening in late March or early April while the new grocery store will be opening in late March. Studios start at $996 while one bedrooms start at $1286. Water and electric are paid separately as is the $100 parking fee if you want a spot in the garage. You can find them in The Hatch for now, taking lease applications, or see the new complex and grocery store at 6349 College Avenue where hard hat tours of the apartments are being scheduled.


Fair Grounds lists winter 2017 events
There's something for everyone at the State Fairgrounds. Here are highlights for upcoming events:
01/21 - 01/22: Fantastic Food Fest - Champions Pavilion
01/28: Naptown Roller Girls - Elements Financial Blue Ribbon Pavilion
02/03 - 02/05: Woodworking Show - Champions Pavilion
02/04: 2017 Brewers Guild WinterFest - West Pavilion
02/04 - 02/05: Great Train Show - South Pavilion
02/09 - 02/12: Winter Classic Dog Show - West Pavilion
02/10 - 02/12: World of Wheels


Upcoming
1/28 (9 to 10 a.m.) - New State Representative Carey Hamilton forum at John Strange Elementary School, 3660 E. 62nd Street (repeated Feb 11). Contact H87@in.gov for details.



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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