3/7/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Jo Lynn Garing, [317] 327-3690 |
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State of the City focuses on improving neighborhoods
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson announced a renewed commitment to improving neighborhoods during his seventh State of the City address today at the Garfield Park Arts Center.
"If we are to be candid and honest with ourselves, we have to admit there is much we can do to strengthen most of our neighborhoods - to repair damaged social fabric, to upgrade physical infrastructure, to add beauty and character, to convince residents that they really can shape the destiny of their neighborhood," Peterson said.
Great Indy Neighborhoods is a citywide effort that promotes building thriving, safe and healthy communities and encourages residents to get involved in their neighborhoods. It has involved the work of neighborhood associations, not-for-profits and other community organizations. During his speech, Mayor Peterson announced the city’s contribution to Great Indy Neighborhoods.
"This initiative, announced last fall, is the product of many months of planning and study by those in our city with a passion for community development," he said. "It embraces the idea that neighborhoods are not houses, stores, streets, places of worship, or parks alone. Neighborhoods are people. People living together, working together and growing together to build places that each is proud to call home.
"Today, I am announcing a new covenant between our city government and the neighborhoods of Indianapolis: If neighbors, businesses and other community members are willing to work together to create a comprehensive quality of life plan, the city will do all within its power to make the neighborhood’s vision a reality," he said.
This new program will be aided by a finance plan that first proved successful in Fall Creek Place. The cost of sidewalk repair, street repaving, street lights, drainage, new building facades, boosting commercial development, rehabilitation of decaying homes, and other improvements will come from the increased tax revenues generated by redevelopment. Over the next three years, the city will target six to ten neighborhoods for this program.
Mayor Peterson also previewed a partnership with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) to plant at least 10,000 trees every year for the next 10 years. A more detailed announcement will take place with KIB on Arbor Day.
He also encouraged residents to do what they can, no matter how big or small, to improve their neighborhood.
"We don’t need to wait for investments from Great Indy Neighborhoods or trees from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to make our neighborhoods better and safer places to live," he said. "I want to challenge each and every one of us to commit to making our own homes, our own streets and our own neighborhoods look better.
"You don’t have to spend money," he continued. "Pick up litter, even if it’s on public property. Fix the broken screen door. Plant flowers. Mow the grass before June, for heaven’s sake. You’ll be amazed at how contagious beautification is!"
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