My neighborhood, Meridian Kessler, has been doing some behind-the-scenes maneuvering to promote the implementation of Form-Based zoning codes in the neighborhood. Form-based codes are the logical antidote to the current use-based zoning that is in place in much of the United States. Urban Indy will be highly supportive of the Meridian Kessler Neighborhood Association’s push for this important and much-needed change. The first public meeting will be held at Developer Town at 53rd Street and Winthrop Avenue on Thursday, December 1st, at 7:30 pm. More information can be found on this link on the MKNA’s webpage.
I encourage all fans of this blog to attend this meeting in support of this process. This is a great opportunity to push for better development within the neighborhood, and not only that, it could serve as a catalyst to encourage other neighborhoods to follow suit.
Good luck. This sounds like a great step forward………even though communists are the only ones who hate Euclidean Zoning!
Things really do happen for a reason. History develops and unfolds, and “Euclidean Zoning” is no exception.
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In 1920, industry in Indianapolis was dirty, noisy, and sometimes hazardous. It was viewed as progressive, and “the right thing to do”, to separate housing from factories and heavy commercial uses by a wide margin. Given the findings of the 1980’s and 90’s regarding Citizens Gas’ Indianapolis Coke plant, it’s a good thing there weren’t houses right up against it, since the plant produced elevated levels of airborne benzene (a potent carcinogen) in its immediate vicinity.
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I do realize times have changed, and the zoning code does need to get away from “tape-measure” prescriptions. But such rules did serve a purpose.
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We also live in a schizophrenic society: people, even some urbanists, want to enjoy “everyday low prices” but don’t want the busy truck access or the 20 acres of parking that come with those Walmart stores. Some of these same folks criticize small neighborhood stores for high prices, difficulty of access and parking, etc. Can’t have it both ways, and if pressed, I’d want the big boxes available, but next door to someone else. 🙂
The big boxes are what 86th street and such are for now. 😉
I live a fair distance from big-box anything. Probably 4-5 miles east or south.
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And that’s just about the right separation. 🙂