Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing hot water in a tank. The result is that you don’t ever run out of hot water. In addition, tankless water heaters are much smaller than a standard tank unit.

Tankless gas water heaters use about 38% less gas than a gas tank water heater. While they cost more than a standard 40 gal tank water heater, a tankless gas water heater with an energy factor of .82 or better qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit. In addition, Citizen's Gas regularly offers rebates on some of these same water heaters. Payback period will vary, but five years or less isn't unreasonable.

More...

A new Noise Ordinance for Indianapolis was signed into law in Feb of 2006.


What do boom cars, fireworks, children playing and cell phone conversations all have in common? According to the Revised Noise Ordinance for the City of Indianapolis (Article III, Section 391-301-303), given the time of day and environment, they are all examples of unreasonable noise. Fines for unreasonable noise are $50 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third (within a 12-month period). Additionally, the ticket can be issued to the property owner.

But, before you start thinking that the City of Indianapolis has gone too far in regulating “children playing” or controlling the use of your cell-phone (or free speech for that matter), consider what the new ordinance says. Rather than using a device that measures decibels to determine what is noise, the city has now defined Unreasonable Noise as:

“Sound that is of a volume, frequency, or pattern that prohibits, disrupts, injures, or endangers the health, safety, welfare, prosperity, comfort, or repose of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivities within the city, given the time of day and environment in which the sound is made.”

And, there are no intentions of limiting First Amendment Free Speech rights because the ordinance states:

“That the sole intent of the provisions of this chapter is declared to be, as a matter of legislative determination for this declaration of public policy, to secure and promote the health, safety, welfare, prosperity, comfort, and repose of persons in this city by reducing unreasonable noise, and a determination of violation of this chapter may not be based on the content of any message conveyed during the creation of any noise or the identity of any person responsible for or associated with the creation of any noise.”


Unreasonable noise can occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unreasonable noise can be from sources such as car horns, loud stereos or radios, people yelling or screaming, and vendor’s vehicles (ice cream trucks). Below is a digest you can print out to place on your refrigerator.

If you experience unreasonable noise, ask the offender(s) to either turn the noise down or stop the noise. If they do not comply, call the police non-emergency number at 327-3811. According to Sheriff Frank Anderson “the law is the law.” Therefore, if a responding officer tells you that it is not worth their time to ticket a $50 offense, you may ask him if he would give the same response if Sheriff Anderson were calling. You may also ask the officer how he knows that the offender doesn’t already have the $50 ticket. The price of the first ticket may be only $50, but for neighborhoods and communities---well, you’ve HEARD it before, the ticket is priceless.

Below are copies of the Indianapolis Noise Ordinance and a handy digest:

Prop_50_approved_2-13-06.doc

Noise_Digest.pdf

Here is some basic information about the Eastside HOTIF and the Eastside Redevelopment Area

Neareastside_HOTIF_FAQs.pdf

HoTIF_description.pdf

NESCO-Redev-HoTIF_map.pdf

More information is available from:

Joe Bowling
Community Builder
Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative
http://www.greatindyneighborhoods.org
2236 E. 10th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46201
P: 317.633.8210, 2357
C: 317.496-2662
F: 317.633.3006

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.

More...

Whether you are looking for an inexpensive and healthy way to entertain the kids or you want to keep yourself in shape, Emerson Heights has several top-notch parks and recreational trails nearby. So dust off the bike, get out the roller blades, find Fido’s leash, or lace up the walking shoes. It’s time to get out there and explore.

While most of us associate the Monon Trail (map) with Broad Ripple, the trail actually starts on 10th Street and Mass. Avenue near the Cottage Home neighborhood. Parking is available off Doorman Street and the adventurous can ride their bicycle all the way to Carmel. Or you can take the Monon trail to Broad Ripple, grab lunch, and then loop back along the Canal Towpath to the White River Trail, to the downtown Canal, and then back New York Street to your car. This path allows you to explore many different neighborhoods, parks and greenways.


It only takes seven minutes to get downtown from Emerson Heights by car, and soon it will be just as easy to get downtown by bicycle. The City of Indianapolis recently received a federal Transportation Enhancement grant to create bike paths along Michigan and New York Streets. The paths will go from White River Parkway on the west to Pleasant Run Parkway on the east. As part of the plan, there will be bicycle racks and BikePorts installed downtown. Bicycles can also be mounted on the front of an IndyGo bus if you decide to take the bus to a nearby stop and then bike the rest of the way.


If you are looking for a trail a little closer to home, there is the Pleasant Run Greenway and Trail (map), which is part of the Indy Park and Boulevard National Register Historic District. The trail starts in Ellenberger Park and goes southwest to Garfield Park. The Garfield Conservatory and Sunken Gardens make the park a destination worth seeing. The trail crosses near our neighborhood at Emerson and New York Streets. Ellenberger Park is just east of our neighborhood about half a mile on St. Clair Street. It is an easy walk, with Emerson Avenue being the only busy street to cross to get there.


In addition to being the trailhead for the Pleasant Run Trail, Ellenberger Park (map) has many facilities for family fun including a swimming pool, ice rink, tennis courts, play grounds, baseball diamonds and a 1.2 mile trail around the park. And even though it is not an official “Bark Park”, you are sure to meet lots of dogs that bring their owners out to the park in the evening. Ellenberger Park is also the location for some special events such as the recent Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert, sponsored by Community Hospitals Foundation, where approximately three thousand people enjoyed the music in an informal setting—many of them with a picnic basket.



A relatively new park and trail in the neighborhood is the Pogues Run Basin Trail and Art Park (map) near I-70 and Emerson Ave. The park is accessible by following Dequincy Street north of 21st street until it dead-ends at a trailhead. The 40-acre park is a flood control basin for Pogues Run and creates a wetland habitat. There is a 1.5-mile trail around the park. Future development of the trail will have it linking up through Brookside Park to the Monon Trail. Plans also include public art, some of which may be visible from I-70 to help create a landmark and a sense of place for the neighborhoods south of the interstate.



Another exciting future development is the Pennsy Trail. This trail is located just south of Washington Street (the Historic National Road) and sections are being developed now in Greenfield, and from Cumberland to Ritter Ave. Future development of the trail will link it with the Cultural Trail downtown. The Pennsy Trail is part of the National Road Heritage Trail that will be the first trail to traverse the state and is part of a larger statewide trail initiative announced by Governor Daniels in April of this year. Imagine being able to jump on the trail near our neighborhood and go downtown or pedal to all the way to Richmond or Terre Haute!





Intersecting many of these trails and park facilities is Emerson Avenue. The Emerson Avenue Corridor Gateway Project will extend from the I-70 interchange on the north to south of Washington Street and will create a sense of entry to neighborhoods south of I-70 on Emerson Avenue. One of the goals of the Emerson Avenue Corridor Gateway Project will be to make these trails and facilities easy to find and access. Besides being good for recreation and fitness, these trails and parks boost property values and promote economic development.


So whether you just want a quiet place to walk the dog or are looking for something much more adventurous and physically challenging, Emerson Heights has convenient access to some great parks and trails now, with more planned in the future.

Thomas Carr Howe Academy
4900 Julian Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46201-3755
Phone: (317) 693-5590
6-12



Thomas Carr Howe Academy School is a traditional IPS school that combines middle and high school grades. The School is less than a mile away from most parts of the neighborhood and is within walking distance. Students less than a mile from the school are not provided with bus service.

Additional information about the school may be found at its http://www.420.ips.k12.in.us/default.aspx

Testing and academic performance information for Thomas Carr Howe Academy.


This school is one of many schools with a track record of academic performance that serve the Emerson Heights neighborhood. Click here for a list of other schools.

Ralph Waldo Emerson School 58
321 North Linwood Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46201
(317) 226-4258
K-6



Ralph Waldo Emerson School is a traditional IPS school. The School is less than a mile away from most parts of the neighborhood and is within walking distance. Students less than a mile from the school are not provided bus service.

Additional information about the school may be found at its website http://www.58.ips.k12.in.us/

Testing and academic performance information for Ralph Waldo Emerson School 58.


This school is one of many schools with a track record of academic performance that serve the Emerson Heights neighborhood. Click here for a list of other schools.

In response to a request by the Emerson Heights Community Organization, the IPS School Board unanimously voted in their November, 2006 meeting to alter the IPS school boundaries so that children in the Emerson Heights neighborhood will attend neighborhood schools starting with the 2007-08 school year.

Specifically, children who live south of 10th street who attended grade school #11 (Edgar H. Evans) and school #43 (James Whitcomb Riley) will attend the elementary school in our neighborhood, school #58 (Ralph Waldo Emerson) located at Linwood Ave and New York Street beginning in the 2007-08 school year.

Also next year, middle and high-school students who live in the area between East 19th Street, North Bosart Avenue, East Michigan Street and Emerson Avenue, currently assigned to Forest Manor Middle School and Arsenal Technical High School, will be reassigned to Thomas Carr Howe Academy near Emerson Ave. and Washington Street.

The change in school boundaries gives families in Emerson Heights the option of choosing from a wide variety of high quality, neighborhood based schools including traditional IPS schools, IPS Option schools, Charter schools and Catholic schools. Previously, children in our neighborhood who attended traditional IPS schools were bussed several miles away. Some parents had elected to send their children to the neighborhood private schools or charter schools in order to keep their children in nearby schools. Those parents will now have the option of a high quality IPS neighborhood school within walking distance of many homes.

The change in school boundaries comes out of a larger EHCO initiative that recognizes the connection between good schools and good neighborhoods. The Good Schools, Good Neighborhood Initiative seeks to make both current residents and potential residents aware of the broad range of excellent schools that serve the Emerson Heights neighborhood and to work with education providers to make those choices as attractive as possible. This year, EHCO had several neighborhood meetings in which schools were discussed. Two of those meetings included members of the IPS School Board and our November meeting featured Dr. White as our guest speaker.

Neighborhood schools encourage greater parental participation, community involvement and pride. But not only is School 58 a neighborhood school, it also has excellent ISTEP test results. We greatly appreciate the IPS Board and Dr. White for being willing to have a dialogue with our neighborhood and being responsive to our requests. Also, a big thank-you to the EHCO leadership for making the meetings happen.