Mixed Use Is Recommended For LSAThe Lafayette Square Area Coalition Land Use Committee unveiled its proposed land use map, hoping it will restore economic vitality by reducing the concentrated retail space in the Lafayette Square Area. The retail climate has grown soft in the area because surrounding counties are sprouting their retail activities to retain dollars from drifting out of their economic bed. “There is too much retail space in the LSA,” LSAC member Clint Fultz said. The committee selected the national trend of applying a mixed use of residential, office, walking paths, mass transit, recreational and light industrial to the area. Fultz gave a brief presentation at the Feb 27 meeting,stating the mixed-use development is gaining momentum across the nation, and the Lafayette Square Area would benefit from this type of land use. Fultz explained that five to ten years ago a plan such as this would not have been considered doable because lending institutions would have refused to lend money if land used had more than one category. It is a long-range plan that would need approval from the City of Indianapolis to be able to be implemented. “We are not talking about buying property tomorrow,” Fultz said. The coalition is inviting comments that could be incorporated in the proposal. Lafayette Square Manager Jerry Munson said by 2008 some proposed plans from this land use map should be happening. He said it is part of the Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CRED) goals to install sidewalks in the area to get people moving. The sidewalks will increase a sense of community because people will become more visible and start talking with each other. In addition, the land use map proposes pedestrian and bike paths along Little Eagle Creek that runs behind the Lafayette Square. This would also provide access to the abandoned cinemas, just north of 38th Street, for the proposed summer-use only water park. Other features including adding a mass transit station along with a nearby hotel. Fultz noted an error was made on the map. “Light industrial was not meant to replace existing residential as shown on the map. The goal is to encourage more residential growth in the area,” he said Thomas Ho, Ph.D., Chairman and Professor of IUPUI Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, recommended the area be staged for wireless networking. In other matters, LSAC President Mary Clark is starting a letter writing campaign to lure Lowe’s into the area. Clark thinks a “little shove” with the letters of welcome will encourage the corporation to select a site in the area. LSAC initiated a letter writing campaign to lure Wal-Mart to the area Fultz thinks the area can support a home improvement center. The Kessler Boulevard area has about 1,000 home that are the right age for home improvements. In other business, the LSAC is starting a business spotlight to allow members to promote their business in a two-minute speech. Mark Killgo, owner of Computer Overdrive, explained that he gives away about 25 to 50 computers a year to low income families to assist school age kids with technology. “It is difficult to make it through school without a computer,” he said. His goal is to be able to provide affordable computers to lower income families. “It is important to have technology at your finger tips.” Killgo offers computer service that includes web design and computers at affordable prices. Killgo’s business is unique in the industry because of its free diagnostic service for computer repairs. Killgo started his business six years ago at the Peddler’s Mall at 38th and High School, but as his business grew he relocated to his current site at 3851 Georgetown Road. He encouraged people, whom are interested in starting a business, to check out the Peddler’s Mall for space. . |
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