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Now why would you want a planned unit development to look...planned?
This building is not very attractive, but if there is one positive, it's that it's going to be absolutely dwarfed by the JW. I think we've got some foreshortening going on that's making it look bigger than it actually will.
Cory, you made my day. Thank you.Lots of info on Mass Transit. We had our spring retreat yesterday and I thought I would share some stuff with you all. I promise, this WILL be making a splash this summer. We were even discussing a $0.05/dollar sales tax increase for Central Indiana to pay for this.
First of all Mayor Ballard was in attendence and he made some very encouraging coments...enough so that my opinion on his "opinion" of mass transit here in Central Indiana has changed and he totally "gets it." Though, and I tends to agree, he supports a line from the airport to downtownas much if not more than a line up the northeast corridor. His exact comment was "mass transit here in Indy will be much more of an economic development/quality of life tool rather than traffic control." Face it, when it comes to traffic congestion, Central Indiana is very lucky to have an effective hub and spoke highway system. BUT, we all know that we are on the verge of serious issues if something isn't done soon. I think that the Mayor is thinking that the City's chances for a SuperBowl are greatly enhanced with a line up and running from the airport to DT.
We voted yesterday to begin the public hearings within 60 days. The first "line" is looking to be a diesel/hybrid commuter train that will utilize the existing Nickel Plate Line (State Fair Train) from 146th street to Union Station. Yes, that's right, UNION STATION! This will be inexspensive to start as the State already owns the ROW and very little environmental work/studies will need to be done. This option also works best for a downtown circulator that is expected to be a possible combination of trolleys, busses, and the People Mover. However, nothing is definite on the downtown routes right now.
Central Indiana needs to establish a "rail culture." By utilizing the existing Nickel Plate, we will be able to do this...quickly. We must make sure we get this right immediately "out of the gate." If we don't, the possiblity of getting that "cadillac system" will be low. Redevelopment along this line has a lot of potential too. Also, this does not exclude a future LRT or AGT line down Keystone Ave, which is something that the group is very interested in building as the redevelopment of that corridor would be enhanced. Glendale is seen as an obvious station and the IRTC/CIRTA is well aware of that.
Goals are to have this first commuter line up and running by the time the reconstruction of I-69/I-465 begins. Yes, by the time it begins. Arenn will be able to provide specifics on that project, but I believe that 2011 is the target date for construction.
All in all, yesterday was very informative and we left feeling very good about our prospects. Yes, selling a half-cent tax increase will be difficult, but a perfect storm is brewing and now is the time to seize the chance.
I thought it was a starbucks going up as well.. Sorry I can't provide more info, but I would also like to know what this is.Quick question...does anyone know what they are building along the west side of Meridian Street, just south of Fall Creek, on the site of that former gas station. Looks very Starbuck-ish to me, but am not sure.
This x1000. The simplest, most effective thing that can be done to improve mass transit is to improve the system we already have. Frequent, reliable bus service would do so much more than any rail line ever will.Unbelievable news! Those comments from Ballard are very surprising and welcoming!
Hopefully an IndyGo improvement will coincide.
That's awesome news, Cory. Thanks for the update. I've heard rumblings of Brainard's unshakable support for regional mass-transit. Perhaps he's been speaking to Ballard behind the scenes.Lots of info on Mass Transit. We had our spring retreat yesterday and I thought I would share some stuff with you all. I promise, this WILL be making a splash this summer. We were even discussing a $0.05/dollar sales tax increase for Central Indiana to pay for this.
First of all Mayor Ballard was in attendence and he made some very encouraging coments...enough so that my opinion on his "opinion" of mass transit here in Central Indiana has changed and he totally "gets it." Though, and I tends to agree, he supports a line from the airport to downtownas much if not more than a line up the northeast corridor. His exact comment was "mass transit here in Indy will be much more of an economic development/quality of life tool rather than traffic control." Face it, when it comes to traffic congestion, Central Indiana is very lucky to have an effective hub and spoke highway system. BUT, we all know that we are on the verge of serious issues if something isn't done soon. I think that the Mayor is thinking that the City's chances for a SuperBowl are greatly enhanced with a line up and running from the airport to DT.
We voted yesterday to begin the public hearings within 60 days. The first "line" is looking to be a diesel/hybrid commuter train that will utilize the existing Nickel Plate Line (State Fair Train) from 146th street to Union Station. Yes, that's right, UNION STATION! This will be inexspensive to start as the State already owns the ROW and very little environmental work/studies will need to be done. This option also works best for a downtown circulator that is expected to be a possible combination of trolleys, busses, and the People Mover. However, nothing is definite on the downtown routes right now.
Central Indiana needs to establish a "rail culture." By utilizing the existing Nickel Plate, we will be able to do this...quickly. We must make sure we get this right immediately "out of the gate." If we don't, the possiblity of getting that "cadillac system" will be low. Redevelopment along this line has a lot of potential too. Also, this does not exclude a future LRT or AGT line down Keystone Ave, which is something that the group is very interested in building as the redevelopment of that corridor would be enhanced. Glendale is seen as an obvious station and the IRTC/CIRTA is well aware of that.
Goals are to have this first commuter line up and running by the time the reconstruction of I-69/I-465 begins. Yes, by the time it begins. Arenn will be able to provide specifics on that project, but I believe that 2011 is the target date for construction.
All in all, yesterday was very informative and we left feeling very good about our prospects. Yes, selling a half-cent tax increase will be difficult, but a perfect storm is brewing and now is the time to seize the chance.
The sales tax on restaurant food in Marion County is already 9%: the state's 7%, the (county-only) Hoosier Dome Tax of 1%, and the (regional) Lucas Oil Stadium Tax of another 1%.correction, not a $0.05/dollar, rather $0.005. I forgot a zero. It is to only be a half cent
It was featured in a Star story about the developer (HSM Development) some time back. The tenant is to be "Fall Creek Cafe".Quick question...does anyone know what they are building along the west side of Meridian Street, just south of Fall Creek, on the site of that former gas station. Looks very Starbuck-ish to me, but am not sure.
Not a map, but an Indy-centric description:Could someone post a map with the nickel plate line highlighted?
Could someone post a map with the nickel plate line highlighted?