Physical Goal

West Indianapolis is known for its attractive physical appearance, gateways on Morris Street, and greenway connections to the Indianapolis Zoo that provide connections between blocks of stable housing with good infrastructure, accessible recreational opportunities, and integrated land use where residential, commercial, and industrial uses co-exist to the benefit of all.

 

 

Action Items

Action items for this area of the West Indianapolis Quality-of-Life Plan are listed below. Click on any action item to expand the table and review our progress; click the title again to close the table.

Key to item status:

Completed       Ongoing       Pending       Deleted

4.1 Monitor and address air quality concerns

Lead Organization West Indianapolis Development Corporation
Partner Organizatons
Action Step Status Description Comments 2011 Year-End 2012 Year End
4.1.2 Identify locations/opportunities to plant trees to mitigate air quality concerns KIB/WEMO/neighborhood volunteers
  1. 30 trees planted at West Park on April 30th/ 50 volunteers
  2. L D of S -517 trees planted throughout WI
 Locations determined but due to drought, no trees were planted

Performance Measures:

  • No. of trees planted

4.2 Provide a high quality, high amenity public environment

Lead Organization West Indianapolis |evelopment Corporation
Partner Organizatons
Action Step Status Description Comments 2011 Year End Update 2012 Year End Update
4.2.1 Prepare and implement Morris Street streetscape plan
  1. Plan completed and submitted for TE grant. Not moved forward but advised it was a strong application.  Working on further support from IPL and LTC
  2. WIDC is forming a major project committee and will inviting members for local business and corporation
 Conversations continue with IPL, Lilly and the City of Indianapolis.
4.2.2 Prepare and implement Howard Street streetscape plan WIDC has taken ownership of 3 lots this year for a total of 8.  We have build 3 homes with Habitat.  2 homes to be built later this summer 3 families became new home-owners through a partnership with WIDC/Habitat.  Including the new homes built this year, there now 9 new families located on Howard Street.  There is the potential for 6 more new homes in the future.
4.2.3 Design and construct/install attractive gateways into the neighborhood initially promoting Kentucky Avenue at Morris per the Gateways Toolbox and the Morris Street Bridge
Activity Lead Outcomes
WI median beautification 2008
 1/70 & Holt Rd 2009
 1/70 & Harding St 2010 30 Totems installed, WICF provided $7,500 for gateway improvements
WI Beautification  2011  9 projects completed during L DofS

  • Harding Street median
  • SWHC
  • MRNC
  • Raymond Street median tree planting
  • Raymond Street right of way tree planting
  • West Park/Peace Park
  • White River tree planting
  • Red Cross preparedness information to 1800 WI homes
White River Greenway-Washington to Raymond Indy Parks – pendingSKA provided copies of greenway plan,
West Park Gateway project
  • SKA/KIB providing design for gateway and park improvements,
  • 30 trees planted April 30.
  • Will be part of Lilly Day of Service, Oct 6th
  • 11 trees/370 plants – gravel paths constructed – WICF contributed $2,500 to project
 SWHC art installation
  • Four additional totem have been commissioned by SWHC and should be installed in July
  • Totems installed in November2011, WICF provided 50% funding for creation of four totems.

 
  • WI invested in ROW process. Master plan created for Key Learning Communtiy.  Invasives removed, public art installed.
  • No planting due to drought.White River Greenway construction began in the fall.
  • Two murals installed, 1 at 1917 Morris Street and 1 on the southside of WI Library.

 
4.2.4 Identify where and how to provide greenway connections to new Washington-to-Raymond corridor Received greenway plans from SKA, working with Indy Parks. Greenway consturction began in the fall.  Working with KIB/ROW to determine next steps
4.2.5 Develop land use plan that allows for the transition of vacating industry and the mitigation of air quality impacts Awaiting final updates and discussion with city planners about ULI recommendations for the GM site Working with City of Indianapolis
4.2.7 Prepare infrastructure improvement priorities per resident input (i.e., alleys, sewers, sidewalks) and coordinate with Capital Improvement Program through Neighborhood Liaison  Working with Jeff Miller to complete assessment Top 5 streets & sidewalks submitted to City County Councilor. Morris Street Complete Street is #1.
4.2.10 Continue coordination and promotion of neighborhood beautification
Activity Lead Outcomes
Expand KIB Adopt A Block 25 current coordinators
Harding Street/Alley Clean-up St John the Forerunner WICF renewed grant for Harding Street maintenace and alley clean-up
Great Indy Clean-up Adopt A Block, local churches, organizations, businesses, schools and CAP Adopt A Block, local churches, organizations, businesses, schools and CAP – 200 Participants on April
Promote KIB tree planting to increase tree canopy 550 trees added to WI in 2011
Activity Lead Outcomes
Expand KIB Adopt A Block 46 current coordinators
Harding Street/Alley Clean-up St John the Forerunner WICF renewed grant for Harding Street maintenace and alley clean-up
Great Indy Clean-up Adopt A Block, local churches, organizations, businesses, schools and CAP Adopt A Block, local churches, organizations, businesses, schools and CAP
Promote KIB tree planting to increase tree canopy No trees planted in 2012

Performance Measures:

  • No. of improvement projects completed

4.3 Improve housing conditions

Lead Organization West Indianapolis Development Corporation
Partner Organizatons
Action Step Status Description Comments 2011Year End Update 2012 Year End Update
4.3.2 Upon completion of Land Use, rezone residential property classified otherwise where appropriate (particularly Morris Street)  WIDC
  1. Four new Habitat Homes completed.  In 3 cases property was rezoned from Commercial to Residential. Have determined best zoning for Morris Street Land Use plan especially from Harding to Tremont  is C3C.
  2. Land use plan has been submitted to DMD for approval.

 

 3 new Habitat homes completed. In all cases, the property was rezoned from commerical to residential. Land Use plan approved by DMD
4.3.8 Continue monitoring code compliance through WINC committee WIDC WINC Land Use – every 2nd Tuesday.  Health & Hospital report updated monthly, 5 to 7 people usually in attendance.  Also forum for zoning peition presentations. WINC Land Use – every 2nd Tuesday.  Health & Hospital report updated monthly, 5 to 7 people usually in attendance.  Also forum for zoning peition presentations.

Performance Measures:

  • No. of persons using available programs
  • No. of houses renovated or repaired

4.4 Promote neighborhood involvement in creating a safer neighborhood

Lead Organization West Indianapolis Development Corporation
Partner Organizatons IMPD
Action Step Status Description Comments 2011 Year End Update 2012 Year End Update
4.4.4 Develop and implement plan that encourages anti-crime activities & safer neighborhoods WIDC public ally researching crime trends in WI, attending task force meeting, and increasing visibility with IMPD. Communicating with neighbors. Mary Rigg obtained city crime prevention grant for ages 18-26 Vacant, Abandoned Housing & CPTED Forum held in May.  Neighbors agreed CPTED is the model to use. Looking for 10 neighbors who would like to participate in pilot program
 4.4.5   Use Safe-Growth as a model for safer neighborhoods.  CPTED Pilot Program under development

Performance Measures:

 

4.5 Plan for long-term development opportunities resulting from downtown activity, industry vacancies, and other projects

Lead Organization West Indianapolis Development Corporation
Partner Organizatons
Action Step Status Description Comments 2011Year End Update 2012Year End Update
4.5.3 Engage community with City on reuse planning for the GM plant site ULI completed recommendation on June 24. Plan is calling for a section of the high bay to remain.  If this portion is to be left, reuse feasibility need to be determined immediately. Discussions continue with City of Indianapolis, IPL & Lilly

Performance Measures:

  • Completion of plans