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Eastside gateway project uncovers hidden jewels

The following is a letter published in the Indianapolis Star April 12, 2007:

Since last summer, representatives from neighborhoods, businesses, schools and churches along Emerson Avenue from the I-70 interchange to south of Washington Street have been working together on the Emerson Avenue Corridor Gateway Project. From these meetings, many hidden jewels have been rediscovered, including historic neighborhoods, a rich park and trail system and numerous cultural assets, that offer an opportunity to create an environment that is safe, walkable and attractive.

The result is a project plan balancing the many needs and desires expressed in the public meetings. It offers pedestrian and bicycle paths to promote healthy activity and allows an alternative to driving. It defines and enhances residential neighborhoods while respecting the historical nature of the areas to the south. Additionally, the project provides a gateway for some of the larger institutions and employers on the Eastside, including Raytheon, Scecina Memorial High School and Community Hospital East.

We believe that a safe and inviting environment is essential to competing for and retaining talented employees, good customers, gifted students and strong families.

Not only does this project link parks and trails, it also builds on existing revitalization efforts in the area. A road project by itself will not bring about transformation, but when combined with many other efforts it can be a powerful and visible catalyst for change. The Emerson Avenue project fits with other projects such as the Irvington Streetscape Project, the Eastside Revitalization Area and the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative to create momentum for revitalization on the Eastside.

Much of the difficult groundwork has been done. Utilizing tools from the Rotary Gateway Partnership, a concept plan has been developed for the entire length of the project. This month, a Transportation Enhancement Grant was submitted that would help fund the design and construction of the first phase of the project.

What we see is a project that was initiated by the community that now needs and deserves wider support. It's time for civic, businesses and political leaders to help guide the project and provide additional resources. We look forward to additional engagement by the city as well as support at the state level for the transportation enhancement grants and coordination with the Indiana Department of Transportation.

We want the Eastside to be economically competitive in attracting and retaining businesses and residents. We also want other people to see our community's many qualities and strengths.

Ms. Harden is the President of Community Hospital East

Eastside communities band together to drive revitalization on heels of Super 70 project. March 19, 2007 INDIANAPOLIS – The Emerson Avenue Corridor Gateway Project steering committee has applied for a Federal Transportation Enhancement grant to make significant improvements to Emerson Avenue.

A master plan has been completed for the Emerson Avenue corridor that will create a visual and physical sense of entry from I-70 on Emerson Avenue to south of Washington Street – a total length of approximately 2.5 miles. The grant will help fund the design and construction of the first phase of the project, from I-70 to the 21st Street intersection. Included in this phase are bridge improvements to create a gateway at the interstate and additional access to the Pouges Run Art and Nature Park. The estimated cost of this phase is approximately $1. 2 million. Future phases will continue south on Emerson Avenue to the Pennsy rail corridor, located south of Washington Street.

With the commencement of the Super 70 project, the Emerson Avenue Corridor Gateway Project provides an opportunity for the City of Indianapolis and INDOT to generate goodwill with businesses and residents who are inconvenienced during the interstate reconstruction affecting the near eastside. It will also respond to the demand for revitalization of the community by many eastside residents and institutions.



Street Scene
Click for larger image

The project adds momentum to the revitalization of the eastside community by complementing several other projects including:
· Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative
· Irvington Nation Road Streetscape
· Future bike lanes on Michigan and New York Streets to downtown
· Pleasant Run Trail – Part of the statewide National Heritage Trial and link to the downtown Cultural Trail
· The Eastside Revitalization Area

In addition to creating an entry to eastside neighborhoods, the project will promote walkable communities and enhance multi-modal transportation, including routes and way-finding for pedestrians, bicycles and buses. “A multi-use path will link an amazing number of trails, bike paths, parks, schools and cultural assets”, said committee member Kurt Wiegand. “We are really fortunate to have such great resources and strong community organizations on the eastside that can work together to make this happen.”

The Emerson Avenue Corridor Gateway Project is a grassroots effort of Eastside neighborhoods, businesses and institutions along the project length. Public meetings were held this past summer to gather community input from stakeholders. Representatives from the committee also visited the various community organizations to keep them updated on the project. “Strong support for the Emerson Avenue Corridor Gateway Project has come from the neighborhoods and businesses on each side of Emerson Avenue. This project will be key to ongoing revitalization efforts currently underway on the eastside of town,” said Emerson Avenue Corridor Project Steering Committee Chair, Rebecca Seifert.

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