Making the Case for Indy Commuter Rail: Part 3e “25th Street”
Areiel View of the Area: Click to Enlarge
This shall be the last post on proposed station locations for the pilot line. This post brings us much closer to downtown in the area of 25th street in the Fall Creek Place/Martindale-Brightwood area of the near northeast side. This area of town perhaps, has the most to gain of any stop anywhere along the line in that it is home to many brownfields (old factory sites left abandoned and often resulting in damaged soil). The outflux of citizens and the influx of undesirable devlopment and activity makes this an area that people hope will come back. There is already one effort underway to develop a plan for the area. The Smart Growth Renewal District (click to visit their site), has worked over the past year with residents of the area to gain input paired with that of knowledgeable people on sustainability. To that end, the roughly prepared document they published on their website last October presented some impressive ideas along with, you guessed it, the integration of this possible commuter line (or light rail as it is becoming generically called). You will notice in the map inset that I have highlighted the rail in red, the possible stations in blue, and an abandoned line through the area in green. I have highlighted this area as it could provide possible future expansion to the east side, at least in my opinion. Abandoned tracks make for the easiest purchase.
Looking south from 25th Street
As my wife and I stopped in this area to photograph, we picked 25th street. 25th street offers a good location to start fresh. There are large open areas north and south of 25th street here. The only logistical issue, is that the monon trail is between the rails, and the open fields. Im sure some sort of compromise can be designed in to give users of the trail, and users of a station here, both equal and unobstructive paths of travel. Perhaps a jog in the trail or a pass over for trail users could be constructed to allow them to pass without obstructing rail riders...
Looking north from 25th street, Nikon D90 w/ Tokina 12-24 f4
Thanks for following along the station review. It became much larger than I feel one post could cover so I broke it down into dedicated sections for better detail.
The next post, we will wrap up this series. The post will include the vision for 2035 concerning this line, possible bus circulator routes, and a bit of an exciting announcement concerning another initiative going on right now in the city concerning transit. Also, a list of helpful city authoritys and some recognition of those who have helped to educate me over the past 3 months as I made phone calls, and emailed people who likely got tired of hearing from me.
Double tracks cross here, perfect right of way for a siding
Part 4.) Future expectations
January 15th, 2010 - 10:25
This is a fantastic series. Thanks for all the hard work that has obviously went into this.