Is IDEM trying to do too much?

April 7, 2008
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Environmental groups are charging that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management is putting a higher priority on jobs and economic development than its fundamental mission of protecting human health and the environment.

The Post-Tribune in Merrillville reported over the weekend that environmentalists complain the state agency in particular has been soft on BP and U.S. Steel in northwest Indiana.

Both IDEM commissioner Tom Easterly and Gov. Mitch Daniels have said they want the agency to do both â?? improve personal incomes and protect the environment.

What do you think? Is it possible to protect our health and the environment while improving job quality â?? especially in an area like the Region that depends so much on heavy industry?
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  1. First, let me say that I love the idea of communities being self-sufficient and people in the community not needing cars, living, working and shopping all in their neighborhood. To sum it up; I love good urban planning and hate urban sprawl. However, there are two reasons that I am against this development. First, this building doesn't fit. Density can occur in Ripple by building up top the street and better use of land. The scale of this project should be downtown. Secondly, I would be willing to bet that if a whole foods in Ripple is built, the Nora store would be closed. Here's my reasoning. The Nora Whole Foods expansion plans have been put on hold. I'm guessing they are waiting to see what happens with the Ripple proposal. Communities next to each other should work together to end sprawl and not work against each other and take other neighbors assets. Develop something both communities can be proud of and will attract more development and density. There's my soap box for the day.

  2. My apologies, Lou - it was the Indy Star that printed cost for entertaining "celebrities" during Indy 500. Sorry for confusing the always timely IBJ with Indy's Gannett reprint news source.

  3. That's fine if you want a grocery store that has festivals and live music. I guess with the prices they charge, they can afford to host such activities. As for me, I choose to spend my money more wisely and if I want to go to a festival or a concert, I will pay for that separately - not through my grocery bill.

  4. TIF is not just to attract development but to attract a higher use for that development. Carmel wisely is using TIF for numerous public parking garages. Asphalt seas of parking pay little taxes and bring even less value to a commercial area. Also density is what is going to save Indy and Broad Ripple. The days of trying to compete with burbs are long gone.

  5. The Prestige was an awesome movie.

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