One thing...

...leads to another, particularly when one considers governmental activity.

In this case, the "one thing" is the proposal from the city of Carmel to construct a roundabout at the intersection of 96^th Street and Keystone Avenue.  The stated purpose is, of course, to remove congestion and initiate a more efficient traffic flow.  Certainly a laudable goal.

It is our understanding that Hamilton County (and its municipal units?) are responsible for maintenance and operation of 96^th street as the boundary between Marion and Hamilton counties.  So far, the mayor of Carmel is the only public official we have seen with public statements about the project.  Highly in favor, naturally.

Assuming that the proposed changes would look something like others which have taken place along Keystone Ave. a little farther north, it would seem that a significant amount of property, currently occupied by active Indianapolis businesses, would be bulldozed into ramps and bridges.

Some differences of opinion have arisen, and we’re curious.  Has official approval been signaled by Indianapolis mayor Ballard?  Is Indianapolis already, secretly, in the mix?  Will the policy of eminent domain come into play?  Can the mayor of Carmel use that policy involving property in an adjacent city?

Will someone in the news media consider these questions worth asking?

The "another" to which we are led is the same old question we’ve raised several times ourselves. Additional taxes for suburban transit?

As we understand it, there are multi-million (billion?) dollar projects already under way, or for which there are definite plans, or which are being suggested/considered.  North Meridian St. (U.S. 31) is to be made limited access with accompanying interchanges, etc.; the 96^th/Keystone roundabout; a new Allisonville Road bridge over I-465; and a huge new interchange at I-69/82nd St./I-465.

Can anyone involved offer a sensible explanation why, upon completion of these endeavors, anyone living north or northeast of this city would find it worthwhile to abandon the individual automobile?  Will the individual who can park within a block or two of the actual destination really ride an express bus or light rail to a terminal 5 or 6, or more, blocks away?

We admit to not knowing how to factor in our mayor’s program for increased parking costs.  And a direct, rapid transit line from "Palladium to stadium" might still be a potential "loss-leader."

But is this really the time to trying to rouse popular support for an unspecified tax increase to fund a project which is already years - and billions of dollars - behind in any competition with modern, multi-lane concrete roadways?

Now it’s a different kettle of fish if these folks want to start the project piecemeal with complete renovation of the IndyGo system to be begun and finished first.  Preferably with funds not shoveled out to the Pacers, the Colts, the Super Bowl and miscellaneous real estate developers.  That we could support.

Comments

[Leslie Baker]

Dear Lord, PLEASE do not let them put one of those freaking roundabouts at 96th and Keystone. I now go as few times as I can to the places in Carmel where I can only purchase certain items because I cannot stand driving through the ones up there already. What is it with Brainard and these, anyway?

And for those who say, "there's nothing to it," explain to me how any given driver - particularly one not familiar with the area - is supposed to interpret a painted-in-the-lane sign consisting of three oddly curved arrows, all pointing different directions? But don't stop to try to figure it out, for heaven's sake! The whole point is to keep people moving, whether or not the op art arrows make any sense.

[Peggy Lang]

Here I was, going to make a comment about another 'roundabout' going in - and fairly close to where I live, at that - but "Leslie Baker" has already done a better job at it than I would have. I HATE roundabouts!!

[Indy Patriot]

Isn't roundabout the most appropriate desceiption of Carmel?

[Indy Patriot]

Isn't roundabout the most appropriate desceiption of Carmel?

[J. England]

Based on many articles, etc. it would appear highly likely that the "light rail line" would take up the vast bulk of capital and operating costs, which are most assuredly grossly underestimated. The actual bus lines, most of which exist in Marion County, will remain underfunded. (Of course, it is a different clientele demographically on the bus). They could be upgraded significantly and quickly for a small fraction of the transit cost. You can buy trolleys from Maerklin, Trix, and Bachmann, and run them on a sheet of plywood. There is no need for anyone else to pay for your hobby.