Developers proposing a $15-million Broad Ripple project won
a continuance today despite objections from remonstrators who pulled their children out of school to attend the hearing. Buckingham
Cos. is working with the city's planning staff on changes to the plans and with the Broad Ripple Village Association in hopes
of winning that group's support. But the odds are slim for Buckingham to win the endorsement of another group, Greater Broad
Ripple Community Coalition. David Dessauer, who represents the group, initially fought the continuance at today's MDC hearing, then he asked for a four-week delay instead of the standard two weeks so neighbors can pull their children out of school again. A Buckingham representative questioned why the children needed to attend, drawing a roar of disapproval. Dessauer said the goal is to show how children won't be safe if the project proceeds. His group wants the developers to follow the site's existing zoning, which allows fewer units and no commercial space. "They're trying to push out the families," he said. "We're sick of it."
The project calls for 150 new apartments, a clubhouse and pool and about 12,500 square feet of retail space along the Monon Trail between Kessler Boulevard and 61st Street. The hearing now is scheduled for June 4.
Back to Top
IBJ Conversations
32 Comments
Add Comment
Ripple Against Progress (RAP) - nice moniker for these neer do wells!
Do people want this city to prosper or not?
And what does having commercial space and high(ish) density have to do with pushing out the families? Are they trying to keep out the single and childless people, or families that want to live in apartments?
Enjoy. Don't let the door hit you.
My point... I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to send letters in favor of this development to the Metro Development Commission, particularly for residents of BR.
As a disclaimer, I moved to BR a year ago and welcome local development.
Finally, the meeting summary can be found on the indygov.com here:
http://www.indygov.org/NR/rdonlyres/F3B432BB-3515-4C6C-936C-A695C4E6E4B6/0/5708mdcstaff.pdf
Look at those apartments just southwest of Broad Ripple High School and ask yourself, really? Some pockets of Broad Ripple need to be addressed. A good friend of mine has been robbed twice a block away from this proposed development, 1 was a armed robbery and the other a home invasion, so let's not pretend certain bad elements aren't sweeping the area. Still relatively safe, but if certain upgrade projects aren't considered then decay takes over.
I hear there's a ton of it in cental North Dakota. Why not check it out and allow us some viable development.
See the other article on this blog regarding their redevelopment work around the new central library downtown.
Can someone tell me again...why well designed urban nodes are a bad thing for an urban infill piece of ground? Also...when was the last time any NEW apartments were offered in Broad Ripple (and I am not talking converted residences).
OH, and I hope most realize that a little density, with buildings pulled up to the right of way, with on street parking....actually makes the street safer, and MORE pedestrian / family friendly.
I am so tired of hearing folks complain about safety, when they have taken NO time to learn how street design works. By increasing activity, and adding parking to the area, cars and drivers will slow down naturally, and be DISCOURAGED from using this route as a quick cut thorugh. By making this street segment more active, drivers will avoid it. This equals a safer, slower, and more mindful street. The LAST thing you want to do is push the buildings back, remove the on-street parking, and give the driver a nice wide road. Doing such would increase auto speeds, and make the monon intersection that much more dangerous.
I just can't see bad side to supporting this. I wish this developer owned property near 62nd and Keystone. That place could use some appropriate design help as well.
In general, these kinds of meetings happen at 6 PM or later where I live, perhaps so that all can attend. Makes you wonder.........