Public Meetings Set On 38th Street Purple Line Study

Residents who live and/or work near 38th Street will want to pay particular attention to the Aug. 20 and 21 public meetings and an Aug. 21 webinar where Indy Connect planners will discuss the latest findings on the Purple Line rapid transit study.

The Purple Line will serve mid-north neighborhoods and connect to local bus routes to improve access to jobs, education, healthcare and more. At the upcoming meetings, the study team will share information about people who live in the areas, roadway capacity, and the potential for new development along the study corridors (30th and 38th Streets).

“We really want to hear from the public,” said Anna Gremling, executive director of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization. “We’ve done research and technical analysis for the project, and now we need to make sure that we’re on the right track, in the opinions of the people who live in, work in, and visit the areas. Gathering and responding to public opinion is a critical part of the study process.”

The study corridor generally follows 38th Street and the Purple Line could serve key destinations like Eagle Highlands, Lafayette Square / International Marketplace, Healthplex, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana State Fairgrounds, the Meadows, and the City of Lawrence.

At the meetings and webinar, there will be a short, interactive presentation and time to talk with planners about the Purple Line.

The sessions will be:

• Wednesday, Aug. 20, 5-6:30 p.m., Forest Manor Multi-Service Center, 5603 E. 38th St.
• Thursday, Aug. 21, noon-1 p.m., register for the webinar at www.indyconnect.org
• Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:30-8 p.m., Gambold Preparatory High School, 3725 N. Kiel St.

“Planning the Purple Line is the next step in working toward an improved and expanded transit system,” said Gremling.

When fully implemented, the Indy Connect plan will add five rapid transit lines (Red, Blue, Green, Purple and Orange), double the current local bus service and add express bus routes and community circulators. It would connect to IndyGo’s Downtown Transit Center, which opens in 2015 and will serve as a central downtown hub for destinations, boardings and transfers.

To take an IndyGo bus to the public meeting, visit www.Indygo.net to plan your trip or call (317) 635-3344. Bilingual support and sign language interpretation is available upon request by calling (317) 327-5136.

For more information on the Indy Connect plan, visit www.indyconnect.org