Greenway Trail System

One of the great things about living in a small town is the close sense of community. The Greenway Project will bring Beech Grove people even closer together. An off-street trail connecting popular areas of our city will not only enhance and beautify our city, it will also promote exercise and healthy outdoor activities.

When can we expect to see a more detailed proposal of the greenway trail system's exact path? According to the basic scetch on main site it will run right across my backyard on s.4th ave which leaves me wondering which side of the creek it will follow. It will definately be a great project that I know I will enjoy as an alternative to my regular walks through the neighborhood but it leaves me wondering about security issues to my property from the rear or any loss of privacy.
I have only lived here since 2003 and this is the first house I have bought. I am excited to live here during this project and am excited about seeing all of the work come together. It looks great so far.

Dan - watching the Greenway Project develop is very exciting. What a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to our community to exercise, socialize and commute. The Redevelopment Commission is working closely with the Greenway's planner to create a trail system that is best suited for our City. I invite you to attend the next Beech Grove Redevelopment Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center, and I can discuss the project with you. If you are unable to attend, let me know. As We will begin scheduling meetings with neighborhoods whose property is adjacent to the trail, you may be able to attend one of these neighborhood meetings. Thank you for your input.

Cindy-Thank you for your informative response. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the September 20th meeting as I will be in Mexico in the middle of my honeymoon. I would enjoy participating in future meetings as the project comes nearer. I hope my previous question was not too negative or inquisitave. I really am just curious, as a homeowner, about what I can do to provide positive input or just have a better understanding of how it will affect my home. Thank you again.
Dan Oler

This is an abolutely wonderful idea! As an avid bicyclist and someone that commutes quite a bit by bike, I'm very excited!

I especially think this is a wonderful idea since the government of Indianapolis continually forgets about the southeast corner of Indianapolis when it comes to bike routes and greenway projects. Take a look at the most recent greenway and bike route map for Indianapolis and you'll understand what I mean. I'm thankful that the government of Beech Grove cares enough about this community to create something as useful and a greenway trail. Now, if we can just get some of the Beech Grove residents to take a little pride in their neighborhood and pick up all the trash that seems to be blowing around, we'll be all set. :-)

I'll definitely be at the meeting this month.

My husband Warren and I attended the Greenway meeting last night and were very pleased with all the detailed information given to us. Our home backs up to the creek south of the park in the Park Meadow development. With a timeline extending through 2008 before the trail is actually useable, there is time for a naming contest. This would involve the citizens more and advertise the trail to the point of a "can't wait" attitude. I want to be the first to submit "Beech Grove Trail" or soon to be called just the Trail by the residents. There was concern about litter and debris on the Trail. A suggestion would be to sign up local organizations to be in charge of a portion of the Trail for fulfilling their community obligation. Signage to promote them could be done along the sections. Benches located along the Trail would be great for a quick rest and also to promote local businesses that would pay for the benches. If there is anything we can do to promote the Trail, please don't hesitate to ask. Susan Whittaker.

I'm extremely concerned about the rise in crime as a result of the Greenway project. Is this thing really going to happen? Why is this the first time I've heard anything about it? Shouldn't there have been a vote? My wife is so upset about the thought of a public trail going through our beautiful neighborhood that she informs me that we will be moving if it truly happens. I must admit that the thought of it starts to anger me and concerns me of our daughter's safety. Why would a homeowner want to increase traffic to, through, or past their neighborhood?

I'm all for making things greener. However, I don't find beauty in sidewalks or paved trails.

I wouldn't be too concerned. The same was thought to happen when the Monon was put in place. The biggest thing that happened was that propery values went up. Have you looked at the price of a home on or very near the Monon? My wife and I have looked and they're pricey.

There have been community meetings regarding the trail system for the neighborhoods that the trail will run through.

It's a good thing you think the property values will rise, because we've already decided to sell. The main reason we bought where we did was because of the untouched wooded area along the creek. We like the wildlife that it supports and the lack of traffic. We like that our neighborhood doesn't look like the stereotypical "public playground" housing addition. I talked to a neighbor last night who has attended the community meetings that you speak of. He says that there was never a vote and it's very clear that the people from our neighborhood are not supportive of the plan.

There's no way I'll let my daughter walk one of these trails to the park. There's a better chance that I'd let her now with our current sidewalk system. This isn't the 1950's. Haven't you heard the news about what has happened on the Monon?

It's frustrating to hear that there won't be an increase in any taxes, when it's obvious that the trail will need to be maintained. With the addition of another park, the same applies. If anyone doesn't think these projects will increase taxes, they haven't thought this through. If there's suddenly so much money that needs to be spent, give it to the school system.

I apologize if I upset you with my comments. That's not what was intended. When you live in a city like Indy, with a population of over a million people, there's bound to be crime. I'm not that naive. What I was trying to say is that when the Monon went in, the crime didn't rise like originally thought it would. Actually, after the Monon went in, there was an increased police presence. Trust me, I've lived in Philly, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Boston. The crime in Indy is nothing in comparison to those cities. I've ridden one of my bikes through some of the roughest neighborhoods in Indy and have not experienced a serious issue. Actually, no matter how safe the area, I wouldn't let my daughter walk the trail alone, either. It wouldn't matter where we lived.

I've attended every community meeting for the greenway trail system here in Beech Grove and the response was very positive. Obviously, there will be people that disagree and don't want the trail and that's okay. It's their right to not want something like this. Instead of looking at just the bad side of a trail system, look at the good, as well. Personally, I think there are a lot of good things.

I'm sure there are a lot of good things that people see in the Greenway trail. However, it won't be going through their back yards, either. If it did, they would be upset, too. It's a little comical that the Beech Grove community seems to be trying to copy so many others.

I have family that live along the Monon. From what I gather, an overwhelming majority that use the Monon do not even live there.

I also agree that there will be an increased police presence. But, don't be so naive in the idea that "this won't affect taxes". With all that the mayor plans to do, more law enforcement and public service employees will be needed. The citizens of Beech Grove will ultimately pay in the end no matter how the committee is trying to "sell" it to the public now. I also think it's ironic that Wal-Mart and Lowe's is supposedly generating the funds to help redo main street and promote business growth; when Wal-Mart and Lowe's are directly responsible for putting and keeping so many people out of business.

On a more detailed note, can anyone tell me how they expect to have the trail cross S. 9th Ave.? I would guess that one heck of a bridge or tunnel would need to be built.

Ryan and Dave, thanks so much for taking the time to post and give us your input. While we understand that not everyone agrees on this project, the Beech Grove community overwhelmingly wants a greenway. This project has been in discussion for many years. However, the Redevelopment Commission understands your apprehensions. We will work to make the greenway as safe and user friendly as possible. Additionally, the City will see to its safety and maintenance. Dave, the path will pass under the 9th Avenue bridge thereby allowing pedestrians to avoid traffic. At this point, our planners feel there is plenty of room to build the path under the bridge.

Again, thank you for your opinion. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Cindy Kirchhofer
Beech Grove Redevelopment Commission

My property extends to the other side of the creek where this greenway project is suppose to go. I just recieved a letter in the mail telling me about it. I think we should have been notified before now. I already have teenagers coming out of the woods cutting throught my yard making my dogs bark all hours of the day and NIGHT. I have to watch my daughter and her friends at ALL times because I'm afraid somebody may grab them. We just bought this house December 2005 because of the beautiful back yard and the woods behind us. The wild life is amazing. Hawks, Squirrels,beavers and a big varity of birds.
I believe the money for this GREENWAY thing should be used to rebuild the drainage overflow from Arlington and Emerson Avenue that runs through the residential area of Grovewood Drive. The water is destroying property owned by home owners. I believe the city of Beech Grove should have to repair the damages. NOT HAPPY

I 100% agree with Ryan. This is only going to increase traffic into our neighborhood. How could this lower our taxes? You can't compare the price of a house on the monon trail and compare that to our safe neighborhood. Beech Grove should put the money into our schools. We have children shruggling to get through school and get held back because of the new "no child left behind law" so they get flunked. We can't even offer them summer school? And this project is about Beech Grove being BRIGHTER? How bright is that? NOT HAPPY!

The Monon trail is quite different than what is being proposed. They replaced a rail system so of course the property value will increase. In our situation we are putting blacktop on wooded land. I live in the Carrington addition on the BG side and I have already been vandalized by eggs and my car along with my neighbors have been broken into repeatedly. I dont even file reports anymore because I know those reflect resale value. I do like that our city is trying to break the mold and move forward but not at my expense. I hope I'm wrong about the greenway.

Is there a Bark Park being constructed/completed in Sarah Bolton park? Would this be part of the Greenway project?

Yes, there is a Dog Park/Bark Park going in at Sarah Bolton Park. The fence is already in place, near the Hilltop Shelter. It is a city parks project and not part of the Greenway.

I've not heard anything further about the Greenway project and I've not seen any obvious work in progress. Is this project still happening? If so, what is the timeline? Also, has there been any thought of adding bicycle lanes to our existing streets?

Derek - the RDC prepared a grant application and submitted it to the State for consideration. If successful, Beech Grove will receive $1 million to help fund the Greenway. We expect to learn of grant recipients in August or September. If we do receive the grant, we will begin construction of the greenway. If we do not receive the grant, as the Greenway Stakeholder, I propose that we begin construction without the additional funds. However, this action requires an approval vote of the 5 RDC members. Thanks for your interest and let us know if you have any other questions.

Sad. The residents that are going to be directly affected by more paving of nature get practically no say in what will be foot traffic in their back yard. The current administration has no interest in answering questions and helping its citizens.

Look no responses or action here since JULY of 2007!