Six Neighborhoods - City of Indianapolis and Marion County

ContentsAcknowledgements, 1Executive Summary, 3Background Information, 7Assets & Opportunities, 18Our Vision, 23Work Plan, 28

AcknowledgementsPlan ParticipantsJocelyn Tande Adande, Imhotep Adisa, Menelik Adisa,Gina Allen, Susan Allen, Travis Allen, Yvonne Allu,Daniele Anderson, Ellen Annala, Carlene Archie,Theodosia Armour, Fidencio Arriaga, T. Attebury,David Baird, Martha Baker Blue, Cindy Ball, RubyBallard-Harris, James Ballow, Jassy Banwait, JaidonBarnes, Alicia Barnett, Chris Barnett, Cynthia Bates,Eric Bates, Dr. Ramon Batts, Brad Beaubien, DarleneBeaven, Deja Bebley, Bradley Beck, Brian Bergen, AndyBernlohr, Rev. Brigette Black, Kathleen Blackham,Sarah Blandina, Darrick Blue, Keshia Boddie, AngelaBollen, Halo Bouquett, Josh Bowling, Mike Bowman, JimBoyd, John Brandon, Marilyn Braxton, Katerra Brays,Derrick Braziel, Doressa Breitfield, Anthony Bridgeman,Charle Bridgeman, Lewana Britt, Curtis Broadnax, BobBronson, Susan Brooks, Cindy Brown, Justin Brown,Mable Brown, Mae Brown, Mondriana Brown, TereseBrown, Thaddeaus Brown, Roscoe Brown, Lisa Bryant,Tony Buford, Byron Buhner, Anthony Burke Sr., ChuckCagann, Neil Cain, Sarah Calvin, Jim Capraro, JohnCarmer, Jason Carroll, Liz Carroll, Samuel Carson,Carleen Carter, Debra Ann Carter Miller, MarleneCassady, Tyrone Chandler, Jennifer Chrispell, Dr. PercyClark, Lisa Cole, Dominic Coleman, Terri Coleman,Toni Collins, David Conrad, Kimberly Corrello, MarkCosand, Brandon Cosby, Shelley Covington, DrakeCrossley, Torre Crossley, Annette Darrow, FrancineDash, Sandra Davenport, Stephany Davis, Doug Day,Wili de la Rosa, Teresa Deal, Ed Delaney, Sheila Devlin,Marty Dezelan, Brandy Dickerson, Jan Diggins, DasiaDimon, Jennifer Dixon, Tyson Domer, Teana Dotson,Grace Dowe, Beatrice Driver, Patrice Duckett, AnnaDuquaine, Dirk Edwards, Wendi Edwards, Hick EdlerRufus, Katie Ellis, Joan Emmert, Murvin Enders, AlEnsley, Leigh Evans, Rob Evans, Shane Evans, WilliamEvans, Paulette Fair, Turner Fair, Dena Farling, Jo-AnnFeltman, Sara Fields, George Finger, Bryan Fitzgerald,Brad Fleury, Mary Floyd, Lisa Kay Forbes, David Forsell,Linda Fowler, Jeramie Frazier, Diane Freeman, MonteFreese, Jerrilyn Gainer, Marvin Gainer, Pat Gamble-Moore, Sharon Gamble, Peggy Gamlin, Connie Garcia,Terri Garcia, Shannon Garrity, Dale Garvin, SondraGentry, Joe Gibson, Regina Gibson, Ron Gibson, RubieGibson, Ron Gilbert, Becky Gillum, Aisha Goens, AlidaGoffinski, Tammi Golden, Mary Goliday, CristinaGomez, Courtney Goodwyn, Tatjana Gordon, TeddGrain, Dusty Grant, Cora Grant-Collins, Jennifer Green,Spt. Matt Grimes, Dollie Hall, Edna Hall, Nichole Hall-Permell, Benjamin Hampton, Theresa Hampton, JeromeHardin, Lydia Harris, Mathew Haughey, Julius Hawkins,Colleen Heeter, Angela Hermann, Carlene Hiner, ElliotHoagland, Bob Hoffman, Tracie Holland, JeanetteHolloway, Scott Horvath, Shanda Huggins, LamontHulse, Priscilla Hum, Michael Hurst, Nan Huynh, SumHyatt, Michael Hyatte, Dean Illingworth, Alwaiz Jackson,Andris Jackson, Angela Jackson, China Jackson, DerrickJackson, Portia Jackson, Nicki Jagow, Philip James,Lulabell Jarvis, Joseph Jarzen, Malina Jeffers, StephenJeffers, Betty Jiles, Joseph Johnson, Michael Johnson,Joyce Jones, Tarren Jones, Tardy Kameron, Lori Kaplan,Morgan Kegler, Melina Kennedy, Melanie Kerr, JohnKerwin, Sarah Ketterer, Ashley Kimmel, Gladys King,Rev. Karen King, Joe King, David Kingen, Heather Kistler,Lisbeth Klosterman, Charles Tony Knight, Christy Krieg,Tom Kryder-Reid, Isaiah Kuperstein, Joshua Kupke,Jesse Kurth, Noel Kurth, Maria Langston, Jess LaNon,Libby Laux, Izola Lawrence, Jerome Lawrence, OthaLawrence, Sara Laycock, Kathy Lee, James Leonard,Ramona Leopard, Dawn Lewis, Diane Lewis, TawannaLewis, Cordelia Lewis-Burks, Nate Lichti, Kaliah Ligon,Bonita Lindsey, Marsha Lindsey, Edward Lockhart,John Harris Loflin, Wyse Logic, Brian Lucas, DickLuchtman, Hattie Luchtman, Margie Luchtman, CharlieMaiers, Greg Majewski, Love Majors, Wil Marquez, JohnMarron, Walter Marschner, Lacey Martin, Marg Mast,Tory Masters, Renee Maxwell, Kristin Mays, TressaMazhandu, Marc McAleavey, Laura McCarthy, JamesMcClellen, Albert McFarland, Rosa McFarland, OliviaMcGee Lockhart, Lauren McGraw, Rachel McIntosh, BobMcIntyre, Mary Mckee, Al McKeller, Wallace Mclaughlin,Isriel McNeil, Lukayus McNeil, Elizabeth McWhirter,Denzel Means, Janet Means, Cassie Mehlman-Rhys,David Metger, Corrie Meyer, Susie Mikels, Karen MillerLightbourne, Kelli Mirgeaux, Karen Mitchell, KarenMitseff, Suzett Moffit, Lenita Monroe Dudley, DianneMontgomery, Tonya Montgomery, Nikki Moore, PhillipMid-North Quality of Life Plan1

Moore, Norm Morford, Della Morris, Georgia Morris,Larry Morris, William Morris, John Muhammad,Stephanie Murray, Khaula Murtadha, Khail Mwaafrika,Chinyalu Mwaafrika, Bud Myers, Georgia Myles, JimNaremore, Jim Naus, Thelma Neal, Tim Neal, BobNicholas, Brian Nickolaus, Abby Nicol, Ben Nicol, SarahNielson, Sarah Noel, Jackie Nytes, Sam Odle, DavidOfficer, George Okantey, Joel O’Neil, Antonio Ortiz-Saez, Michael Osborne, Vop Osili, Michael Ottman,Beleta Page, Ayatala Palmer, Rasul Palmer, DennisPapenmeier, Jeff Patchen, Anna Patton, Brian Payne,Steve Perkins, Carlos Permell, Melanie Perry, DarrieuxPeterson, Genaiya Peterson, Jowanna Peterson, LaurenPeterson, Marc Pfleging, Nann Phillips, Todd Phillips,Keisha Pierce, Cathy Pilarski, Al Polin, Gregory Porter,Tammy Porter, Julia Pratt, Rob Proctor, Maria Quintana,Deborah Rasdell Heyer, Dana Reed Wise, Aaron Reel, BretRent, Rosa Rice, Alice Richard, Jean Richcreek, LamarRichcreek, Annie Rickets, Jeanne Rieger, Deborah Riley,Steven Roberts, Vicky Roberts, James Robinson, JohnRobinson, Mike Rogers, Telly Rogers, Carol Ross, AmyRubin, Tierra Ruffin, Herb Rumler, Diana Ruschhaupt,Chris Rush, Nate Rush, Terry Rush, Delores Ryan, CallieSanders, Eric Sarver, Kym Saunders, Katie Schlafer,Wayne Schmidt, Nicole Schoville, Cennie Scott, DeannScott, Christina Schantz, Tara Seeley, Terri Sheppard,Kathy Shorter, Emma Showse, Regina Shurlock, AnitaSilverman, Malina Simone, Joe Simpson, Kate Singleton,Linda Skipper, Gyuan Sleet-Woodson, Cari Small Grant,Annie Smith, Charlie Smith, Dewight Smith, ErikaSmith, Lovie Smith, Nathanael Smith, Rochelle Smith,Rod Smith, Ron Smith, Thulani Smith, Betty Smith-Beecher, Dino Snead, Sally Spiers, Sammy Springfield,Sheila Springfield, Sonya Springfield, SpiritSpringfield, Sydney Sprinfield, Carole Stevenson, NancyStimson, Deborah Stoll, Anita Sullivan, Brian Sullivan,Steve Sullivan, Scott Swails, Steven Swanson, PatriciaSwenson, John Tanner, Diane Taylor, Kevin Teasley,Nichole Tellis, Tyrone Terry, Jason Thomas, ShirleyThomas, Aaron Thompson, Linda Thompson, TiffaniThompson, Stephen Towns, Ora Triplet, Molly Trueblood,Brenda Truedell-Bell, Marjorie Tucker, AmberTurientine, William Turientine, Anna Tyszkeiwicz,Pambana Uishi, Matthew Upchurch, Jay van Santen,2Sara van Slambrook, Diana Vanarsdall, Lorraine Vavul,Shelley Wagner, Sandra Walker, Leanna Walsh, MikeWalsh, Nathan Walsh, Sam Walsh, Clara Warner, MarciaWarrington, Kenny Washington, Keri Washington,Mavis Washington, Ivan Watkins, Williams Watts,Jimmy Webb, Maureen Weber, Dennis Weeden, DervinWhite, Gwen White, Sharlett White, Thelma White,James Whitfield, Daphne Whitmire, Denise Whittaker,Robert Whittaker, Sarah Wiehe, Angela Wilkins, JosephWilliams, Karon Williams, Llean Williams, ShawnWilliams, Joe Wills, Mitzi Wilson, Marshawn Wolley,Joe Wood, Cathi Woodard, Lacy Wooden, Leon Wooden,David Woodrup, Robyn Woods, Gyjuan Woodson, SandraWright, Teresa Yates, Doris York, Claudette YoungParticipating Organizations911, Annie’s Place, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church,Broadway Area Neighbors Group, Ball State UniversityCollege of Architecture and Planning IndianapolisCenter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana,Briarwood Health and Rehabilitation Center, BroadwayUnited Methodist Church, Cassidy Turley Real Estate,Center for Leadership Development, Child Care Answers,Citizen’s Energy Group, The Children’s Museum ofIndianapolis, The City of Indianapolis, CommunityAction of Greater Indianapolis, Crown Hill NeighborhoodAssociation, Day Nursery Lilly Center, Double 8 FoodStore, Dreamapolis, Fall Creek Academy, Flanner House,Head Start, Health and Hospital Corporation, HighlandVicinity Neighborhood Association, Historic MeridianPark Neighborhood Association, Indiana Black Expo,Indianapolis Department of Public Works, IndianapolisHousing Agency, Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment, Indianapolis Neighborhood ResourceCenter, Indianapolis Public Schools, IndianapolisTen Point Coalition, IndyGo, Indy Learning Center,Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization,Indianapolis Parks Department, Indiana UniversityHealth, Ivy Tech Community College, J2 Systems andSupply LLC, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, KeyBank,KI EcoCenter, Language Culture International, LocalInitiatives Support Corporation, Making Connections,Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation,Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association,Marion County Commission on Youth, Marion CountyProsecutor’s Office, Marion County Health Department,Martin Luther King Community Center, MBA PropertyManagement, Meridian Highland NeighborhoodAssociation, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board ofRealtors, Mid-North Church Council, Mid-NorthFood Pantry, Midtown Indianapolis, Inc., MidwestManagement, Mobile Doctors, North Start Capoiera,Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Near North CommunityDevelopment Center, Onward with Character, OsellYouth Group, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, ProjectHome Indy, Public Advocates in Community Re-entry,Purdue Extension, Raphael Health Center, Ruth LillyHealth Education Center, Shortridge Magnet HighSchool, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Teacher’sCredit Union, Trinity Episcopal Church, Watson-McCordNeighborhood Association, Willow Marketing, WoodenAssociation Youth, Urban League, Urban Mission YMCAVision renderings by Lohren Deeg, Ball State University.Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Crown Hill | Highland Vicinity | Historic Meridian Park | Mapleton-Fall Creek | Meridian Highland | Watson-McCordSix NeighborhoodsOne VisionMID-NORTH QUALITY OF LIFE PLAN | INDIANAPOLIS | EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis is the first time that all of our neighborhoodshave been involved together in a planning efforton this scale. We see this plan as a key moment inthe forward progress of our community.Neighborhood+OpportunityDreams will power the growth and rebirth of theneighborhoods, and the community will providethe comprehensive resources necessary to be aneighborhood of opportunity for all.+ New housing options for all ages and backgrounds+ Improved transportation connectivity+ Trails, art, parks, gardens, and wellness options+ Commitment to youth, education, and family learning.+ Promoting business and entrepreneurshipCommunicate+ConnectThrough the synergies of sharing information,celebrating assets, and building a shared identity basedon neighborhood values, the neighborhoods of Mid-North will continue to achieve success and be recognizedas a special place to live, work, learn, and visit.+ Inventory, promote, and celebrate assets+ Continue momentum with cross-neighborhood collaboration andinitiatives+ Building a shared identity based on neighborhood valuesDestination+Fall CreekCapitalize on the historic Fall Creek corridor to weavetogether diverse neighborhoods, encourage civic,ecological, and entrepreneurial ethics, and help reestablishthe Mid-North area on the regional map as aunique and progressive place to call home.+ Clean, restore, and celebrate Fall Creek+ Recreational, entrepreneurial, and educational opportunities+ New housing and businesses+ Public art and streetscapes that reflect the neighborhood spiritMid-North Quality of Life Plan3

ByTHENUMBERS6Diverse7Action492Neighborhood79Organizations118Action1Vision4neighborhoodsworking together toward acommon future.teams that workedacross traditional divisions todevelop this plan.stakeholdersengaged in the development ofthis quality of life plan.engaged in thedevelopment of this quality oflife plan.steps we’ve identifiedand have taken responsibilityfor implementing.of a brigther tomorrow.Our Plan1. The Mid-North area will have an appearance thatreflects the spirit, history, and culture of thecommunity, and will provide access to art, nature,beauty and recreation for everyone, every day.• Develop a brand identity for the Mid-North area which can be applied in areasof marketing and communications, aesthetics and business development.• Improve conditions of infrastructure elements of the Mid-North area.• Increase access to greenspace and recreation, including community gardens,parks and raingardens.• Improve aesthetics of neighborhood through nature, beauty and art.• Advocate for improved connections to current and future transit.2. The Mid-North area’s business environment willcontribute to an improved economic situationof local residents, local businesses, and growingneighborhood serving commercial centers.• Focus on incubating entrepreneurship within the Mid-North area.• Create an environment that supports and grows Mid-North area businesses.• Identify and grow specific neighborhood-serving commercial centers.3. The Mid-North area will be a safer community withimproved communication and cross-neighborhoodcoordination.• Create communication between all Neighborhood Associations, theirneighbors, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.• Strengthen the relationships between the Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment and the Mid-North community.• Educate Mid-North area residents about safety procedures.• Create a Mid-North area assets directory.4. Mid-North area residents and educationalorganizations are partners in educational excellence,family learning, and a resurgence of progressiveinnovation that improves learning and life outcomes,cultivates productive citizens, and creates worldclasseducational facilities and resources.• Create a “Cradle to Career” family learning-initiative.• Engage residents, educational organizations, and education advocates in aMid-North area educational round table.• Educate, empower, and involve parents and guardians in early childhoodeducation as well as educational opportunities and learning activities.• Encourage excellence and success in early education programs.• Pursue business as learning.• Increase resident awareness, access and connectivity to educational facilities.5. Mid-North area residents will embrace holisticwellness and live healthier lifestyles.• Improve access to health and wellness education facilities and resources.• Improve wellness education outreach.6. The Mid-North area will address substandardhousing and housing-related quality of life issuesfor homeowners and renters in the six Mid-North neighborhoods by using a creative andinformed mix of renovation, repurposing, and newdevelopment.• Develop, establish and facilitate a neighbor-powered volunteer group whowill advocate for changes in policy and practice that affect the quality of theMid-North area’s housing.• Create new and innovative uses for vacant and abandoned properties.• Continue to promote and support homeownership in the Mid-North area.Implement targeted housing revitalization efforts.• Utilize housing planning and redevelopment as an economic developmentopportunity.7. Seniors are empowered to age and engage in theneighborhoods of Mid-North.• Establish networks and centers of services that help keep seniors engagedwith each other and their communities.• Provide a continuum of housing and housing services that allow seniors toage in place in the neighborhood.• Create a N-NORC (Neighborhood- Naturally Occurring Retirement Community).• Arrange networks of services that help ensure seniors’ safety at home and intheir community.8. Seniors will enjoy a high quality of life by embracinga holistic approach to wellness that addresses theirphysical, intellectual, and spiritual needs.• Promote health by informing seniors about, and coordinating providersof: medical, insurance, prevention measures, health and alternative healthoptions, fitness, and nutrition.• Promote activities that strengthen the mental, intellectual, and spiritualhealth of seniors.9. Youth are aware of and have access to communityresources to empower and improve their ownquality of life.• Gather and disseminate information about youth in the neighborhood.• Develop and leverage more accessibility and engagement to youthprograms.• Improve mobility of neighborhood youth by increasing transportation options.• Develop youth-led, project-based community learning programs.Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

38th StreetCapitol AvenueIllinois Street6Meridian StreetCentral AvenueCollege Avenue8Indiana State FairgroundsCrown Hill Cemetery9211120234th StreetDr. Martin Luther King Jr. StreetA Selection of OurplannedInitiatives6530th Street29th StreetMid-North Quality of Life Plan721st Street1541214103Pennsylvania Street161Delaware Street22nd Street181917Fall Creek25th Street135Fall Creek Parkway North DriveAesthetics1. Integrate complete streets2. Extend & improve connectivity to Fall Creek Trail3. Promote gateways & public artBusiness Development4. Entrepreneurship mentoring programs5. Create a business incubation facility6. Focus development in commercial centersCrime & Safety7. Establish new block clubs8. Leadership development programs for leaders9. Improve relationship with IMPDEducation10. Create a “Cradle to Career” learning initiative11. Improve access to early childhood education12. Improve wellness education outreachHousing13. Address vacant and abandoned homes14. Engagement in planning of new housing projects15. Continue targeted revitalization efforts underwaySenior Advocacy16. Engage senior volunteers in community activities17. Develop new senior housing18. Promote the health of seniorsYouth Engagement19. Promote project-based learning activities20. Increase transportation options for youth21. Establish a Youth Council5

The NeighborhoodCovering three square miles in the heart of Indianapolis,the Mid-North area is home to more than 10,000 residentsof all backgrounds living in six distinct neighborhoods:Crown Hill, Highland Vicinity, Historic Meridian Park,Mapleton-Fall Creek, Meridian Highland, and Watson-McCord. An unparalleled array of institutional partnersincluding major destinations like Ivy Tech CommunityCollege and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as wellas dozens of places of worship, non-profit organizations,and private enterprises also call the neighborhood home.Developed in the early part of the 20th century whenbridges and streetcars first crossed historic Fall Creek,the neighborhood has a storied history of embracinginnovation, integration, and education, the legacy onwhich this plan is built.Quality of Life PlanningQuality of life planning emphasizes the philosophy ofasset-based community development that reminds usto: see assets, not liabilities; develop the strengths ofour neighborhoods, and not focus on the weaknesses;and, learn from one another, so that we can collectivelyimplement positive change in our neighborhoods.Our plan was developed by the community stakeholderswho will be most impacted by the plan: the residents,institutions, schools, businesses, places of worship,associations, and organizations that call theneighborhood home. Our plan is also comprehensive innature. Housing, economic development, transportation,safety, education, land use, ecology, culture, and otheraspects of neighborhoods are all intimately intertwinedand must be incorporated in a comprehensive vision.Staying InvolvedThe hundreds of stakeholders and organizations whodeveloped this plan are invested in seeing it succeed. Notonly did we invest thousands of hours in its development,we have committed to carrying out each and every actionitem. We’re not expecting anyone to do this work for us.This is our plan, and we’re going to make it happen.Our plan is just the beginning, and with the continuedinvestment of time and resources by neighborhoodstakeholders, and the support of partners, we will builda quality of life and a community that is sustainable inevery definition.Join us, and follow our success online at:midnorthplan.org6The historic St. Vincent’s Hospital Building, recently renovated as the Ivy Tech Fall Creek Center.Photo from Bass Photo Six Collection, Neighborhoods. Indiana Historical One Vision. Society.

BackgroundInformationSix Neighborhoods. One Vision.This quality of life plan was developed by and for the residents and stakeholders of the neighborhoods of Mid-North:Crown Hill, Highland Vicinity, Historic Meridian Park, Mapleton-Fall Creek, Meridian Highland, and Watson-McCord.How to use the planThis quality-of-life plan is the compilation of many greatideas and countless hours of hard work. It is meant tocapture the energy that this neighborhood has for makingthis a better place to live, work and play. In this documentwe present a vision of all the things our neighborhoodseeks to accomplish in the coming years, and we specifywho, what, when, and where these accomplishmentswill take place. The planning process—from communitybuilding through visioning and action teams—is alsocaptured in this document so that others may replicateour successes. Most importantly this plan is a livingguide for neighborhood progress. It will not sit on a shelf,but instead regularly inform the strategic decisions ofneighborhood leaders. Thus, elements of this plan shouldbe incorporated into the strategic plans of neighborhoodgroups and institutions as appropriate. Similarly, we alsoexpect that this plan will serve as a roadmap to guideinvestors and other potential partners interested inhelping us accomplish our neighborhood goals. This planwill be revisited annually, if not more frequently, so thatit consistently reflects the priorities and opportunities inour neighborhood.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan7

and Youth Engagement. Meetings were held at Fall CreekAcademy charter school and upwards to 100 communitystakeholders attended each of the nine meetings.Working off of a results based accountability model,participants started with the results and then workedtheir way backwards to the specific action steps to createthe plan. The meetings also included ongoing outreachto organizational partners in the community that wouldbe accountable for taking the lead in making the differentaction steps happen. In addition to the Action Teammeetings, $15,000 was made available from the LocalInitiatives Support Corporation to promote “Early Action”community projects that would be completed while theplanning process was still underway. The grants had tomeet criteria such as:which boasts many graduates in the Mid-North area, isalso registered as a national landmark. On the day of theSummit, more than 300 residents and other stakeholderskicked off activities in the Caleb Mills auditorium at theschool. Attendees were entertained by local dancers, givensome background on the quality of life plan effort and thenmoved to the school cafeteria to begin their work. Using theoriginal interviews completed by area stakeholders as thebackdrop, participants were able to brainstorm in smallgroups to come up with several priority areas upon whichthe community should focus. The morning activities werefollowed by lunch as members of the collaboration teambelieved “breaking bread” with neighbors was one ofthe best ways to bring people to the table. All the food wasdonated in-kind and contact information was collectedto further engage residents in the process. Just like theinterviews, the Summit was the kick start to the next leg ofthe planning process.The Action TeamsThe ideas from the Summit were transformed into ActionTeams. These Action Teams, comprised of stakeholders inthe community, met over the summer of 2011 to come upwith their part of the plan. The Action Teams were formedaround six areas: Aesthetics, Business Development,Crime and Safety, Education, Housing, Senior Advocacy,• Show visible results within three to six months;• Benefit residents of all six neighborhoods;• Promote stakeholder engagement;• Complement the purposes of the Mid-North Qualityof Life Plan;Out of more than 20 grant proposals submitted, projectswere ultimately funded that completed a Mid-NorthInfrastructure Survey, allowed local entrepreneurs tostart up businesses, trained area youth in neighborhoodcanvassing and started an oral history project.The Next PhaseIn September of 2011, members of the Action Teams cametogether again to tie all the pieces of the plan together.Members also used group exercises to come up withthemes that represented their visions. These themes wouldultimately be used in the plan document. The later partof 2011 was used to solidify partners and a sustainabilitygroup was also created to work on the implementationphase of the plan. The Mid-North residents and otherstakeholders completed their plan in December 2011and celebrated with a Community Unveiling event at theChildren’s Museum of Indianapolis in January of 2012.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan9

NeighborhoodBeginningsIt wasn’t too long ago – only a little more than a century anda half – that the area now home to the six neighborhoodsof the Mid-North area was completely undeveloped. It waspristine land completely distinct from the town that hassince come to be known as Indianapolis. There’s even alegend that the hill on Watson Road was once known as the“High Ridge” of a stream running through to Fall Creekfrom the “Short Ridge” where the high school now stands.Legends aside, there’s documented history indicating that,toward the middle of the 19th Century, much of the areahad become farmland with a few small areas beginning tobe thought of as stopping places between Indianapolis andsomewhere else.One of these stopping places was at a very small communitylocated near what is now Illinois and 38th Streets.Although it has since become known as part of CrownHill neighborhood, it was then known as Maple Town orSugar Grove (for the many sugar maple trees that grewhere). Horse-drawn carriages would stop there on theirway to vacation in outlying Broad Ripple. Eventually thisstopping place became Mapleton, and a post office wasestablished in the 1850s.During the next decades, a street railway system ran alongIllinois Street to Crown Hill Cemetery, and its turnaroundwas to the west. Once part of the Indianapolis and WestfieldGravel Road, Illinois Street is probably the oldest street inthe neighborhood. In 1891, the railway system extendedeast along Maple Road when the Indiana State Fairgroundswas built.Meanwhile, more farms and single-family homeswere built and small residential areas were developedthroughout the area, first west of Meridian Street, theneast, some along Maple Road, some closer to what we nowknow as 30th Street. Fall Creek Parkway was designedby prominent landscape architect George Kessler as ascenic boulevard and part of a city-wide network of parksconnected by beautiful parkways. The bridges that stillstand today, along with pedestrian promenades along thecreek made the area very attractive to visitors.By the first decade of the 1900s, when the advent ofautomobiles made the area more accessible, more familyvacation homes were built and developers subdividedparcels of land to create small communities here andthere. Particularly in the neighborhoods now known asCrown Hill, Highland Vicinity, and Meridian Highland,the homes were laid out according to a gridiron subdivisionconcept which attracted homeowners who did not haveto depend on public transportation. The area becamehome to many of the city’s most prosperous, especiallyalong the Meridian Street corridor between Fall Creekand Maple Road. Charles W. Fairbanks, Vice President ofthe United States, built his mansion at 30th and Meridianin 1913. Plumbing and sewage lines were extended tothe neighborhood in 1914. The next year, the Governor’sresidence, in the prevalent Tudor Revival style, was builtat 101 W. 27th Street.By the end of the 20s, several large churches includingThird Christian Scientist, Tabernacle Presbyterian,Church of the Advent (Episcopal), Our RedeemerLutheran, and Parish Church of the Advent (later TrinityLooking north across the Meridian Street bridge over Fall Creek toward the Mid-North areain 1920. Six years later the Marrott Hotel was built where the “Kelly Tires” billboard stands.Photo from Bass Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society.10Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Episcopal) had been built. Shortridge High School movedinto its location at 34th and Meridian Street and School #76(also known as the Paul C. Stetson School) opened.During the 30s, all areas of the Mid-North neighborhoodswere built up as small clusters of similar housingstock. Schools provided classes in music and art as amatter of normal curricula. Trackless trolleys (electricbuses) replaced interurban trains, and the automobile,proliferating by this time, became the vehicle of choice forthose who could afford one.With the advent of World War II, schools and otherneighborhood institutions created war-servicecommittees to build “victory gardens”, conduct bondand war stamp sales, and engage the community in avariety of war-relief efforts. Beginning in the 1940s,affluent residents began moving out to the townshipsand suburbs. The Governor’s residence moved north outof the neighborhood and the Children’s Museum, todaythe largest in the world, moved into a mansion at 30thand Meridian Streets where its current building stands.Tabernacle Presbyterian Church’s recreation program wasrated one of the five best of its kind in the United States.The 50s and 60s were a time of great change. It was thetime when the baby-boom children of the post-war yearsreached school age, and neighborhood schools becameovercrowded. Following national trends made possible byinterstate highways and federally guaranteed mortgages,many families began migrating out of the neighborhood,and homes that had once held stable single familiesbecame rental properties or sites for many new businessesappearing on the scene. During the mid-fifties, Time andNewsweek ranked Shortridge as one of the best schools inAmerica, with its progressive hands-on learning approach,illustrated by the launch during this time of student radiostation WIAN (which eventually grew into WFYI publicradio today). During this time, several other institutionsalso got their start in the neighborhood. IUPUI beganwhen Purdue University opened an Extension programoffice across 38th Street from the State Fairgrounds, aMemorial Clinic (the precursor to the former WinonaMemorial Hospital) at 32nd and Meridian Streets openedas the first private, for-profit hospital in the city, andThe Indiana Herald, housed at 2170 N. Illinois Street,established itself in 1958 as “the African-American andmulti-ethnic newspaper serving Indiana and nationally.”Students and faculty at Shortridge High School, thefirst integrated school in the State, stood in support ofcontinued integration in the face of attempts to diminishminority representation at the school.It was during this era that Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association was founded, eventually tobecome one of the most visible neighborhood groups inthe city. The Children’s Museum held its first HauntedHouse with more than 26,000 attending. Two clinics –one medical, the other legal – opened at Broadway UnitedMethodist Church to serve area residents. Mt. Zion BaptistChurch moved to its current home across Boulevard Placefrom Crown Hill Cemetery. A plan to bring infrastructureand housing in Mapleton-Fall Creek up to buildingand health codes, the first of its kind in the city, wasimplemented in 1967 and a city-based neighborhoodthree-year pilot improvement plan was begun in 1969.Through the 1970s the neighborhoods continued toevolve. The Mid-North Church Council, a coalition ofchurches in and around Mapleton-Fall Creek, formedto strengthen the outreach of its member churches bystaying in the community. The Mid-North Food Pantrybegan as a combined ministry of the Council. NearNorth Development Corporation was formed in 1977 asa partnership among businesses, neighborhoods, andinstitutions. Job-training programs began and manyother initiatives focused on renewing the vitality of thearea got underway during this time.The place where the original Maple Town/Mapleton onceserved as way station for travelers from the city to thesuburbs underwent a significant change in the 80s. AMcDonald’s restaurant at the corner of 38th and Illinoisbrought the trend toward replacing small, locally-ownedshops with national franchises into the neighborhoods ina way that had not been seen before.Shortridge High School in 1929, shortly after it relocatedfrom downtown to 34th and Meridian Street. Notethe streetcar tracks and wires along 34th Street.Photo from Bass Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society.The first Indiana Governor’s Residence at 101 West 27th Street,shown in this 1922 photo, was built in the neighborhood in 1915.Photo from Bass Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society.The 34th Street gates to Crown Hill Cemetary in 1906.Photo from Bass Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan11

Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center, formerlyButler-Tarkington Community Center, relocated to 38thand Meridian Streets and expanded its service area toinclude all six of the Mid-North neighborhoods andsome farther north. School bussing began, bringingabout the end of neighborhood schools. Ivy Tech, thenIndiana Vocational and Technical School, moved towhat had been the old American United Life building atthe corner of Fall Creek Parkway and Meridian Street.The first annual North Meridian Street Fair was held.Community stakeholder groups, in collaboration withfaith and neighborhood groups such as the neighborhoodassociations and development corporations, initiatedvarious housing, health and recreational programs.Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation grew outof collaboration between Mid-North Church Counciland the Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association,inaugurating its first five year plan in 1986. MarionCounty Health Department opened a clinic on west 38thStreet for adolescents. Meridian Park Historic District(now Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood) was listedon the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.The 80s saw much creativity and improvement.Affordable housing and rehabilitation projects,infrastructure improvements, home repair/maintenance/weatherization programs, job training,adopt-a-block programs, and many creative social serviceinitiatives to improve the quality of life were in full swingand continue to this day. With all this positive, proactiveactivity on the part of institutions large and small inthe neighborhoods, residents and stakeholders beganto take a much more active role in their neighborhoodassociations.Meanwhile, Allison Christian Community Centeropened, Phillips Temple CME moved into the formersite of Third Christian Scientist Church, IndianaBlack Expo moved its headquarters to the 3100 block ofMeridian Street, a Walgreens drugstore opened at 38thand College, Reclamation I project of Mapleton-FallCreek Development Corporation began helping rentersbecome neighborhood homeowners. IUPUI moved itslast program from the 38th Street campus and Shortridgebecame a middle school. A legal aid and medical clinic wasestablished at the Allison Center. Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, then encompassing HistoricMeridian Park and Watson-McCord neighborhoods,held weekly marches on suspected crack houses andestablished a “Good Neighbor Fair” on summer Saturdayson an empty lot at 30th and Central.Just the same, serious crime rose sharply during thisperiod throughout the entire city as well as the rest of thenation. The Mid-North neighborhoods were not spared,and the number of homicides, emerging gang problems,escalating gun use and other violent crimes spiked.In response a multi-agency crime control/preventionprogram called Weed and Seed was brought in andseveral sites were chosen to be the first to participate. ItTwo players from the Shortridge High School basketball teamreceive the second place trophy after falling to Gary RooseveltHigh School in the 1968 Indiana High School Championship.Photo from Bass Photo Collection, Indiana Historical Society.was under this Weed and Seed initiative in the late 90sthat the six Mid-North Neighborhoods first began towork together, and the first time the “mid-north” termwas applied to this community configuration.During the decade following the turn of the centurythe Historic Meridian Park and Watson-McCordneighborhood associations were born, and all sixneighborhood associations were fully functioning.Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation shapeda targeted comprehensive community developmentstrategy to combat housing deterioration and reducecriminal activity by building community, increasinghomeownership, and improving neighborhoodappearance. The InfoZone, a branch of the IndianapolisMarion County Public Library, opened inside theChildren’s Museum. Near North DevelopmentCorporation worked to entice new retail ventures to thearea as part of a program. Fire Station 14 at Kenwoodand 30th Streets was rebuilt, stimulating considerableinterest in redeveloping a 29th/30th Street CorridorImprovement Plan and the Children’s Museum DistrictPlan, which combined housing, environmentalremediation, beautification, public safety, and businessexpansion and retention. Three abandoned gas stationsat the 29th and Capitol intersection were cleared asa result, and a Neighborhood Development WorkingGroup, an early pre-cursor to the Mid-North Qualityof Life planning process, was formed to help guideincreasing neighborhood revitalization investments bythe Children’s Museum. Fall Creek Academy, a charterschool with a rigorous academic program, opened atthe intersection of 25th and Capital Streets. Shortridgere-opened as a college preparatory Magnet High Schoolfor Law and Public Policy. Ivy Tech Community Collegecontinues to expand through renovations to its existingsite and the old St. Vincent’s Hospital building, renamedthe Illinois Fall Creek Center. And the Children’sMuseum is working in consultation with neighborhoodstakeholders to redevelop the former Winona MemorialHospital into a mix of community-serving uses in theheart of the neighborhood.But that’s just the beginning!12Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

38th StreetIndiana State FairgroundsCapitol AvenueIllinois StreetMeridian StreetCentral AvenueCollege AvenueWATSONMcCORDDr. Martin Luther King Jr. StreetCrown Hill Cemetery65CROWNHILLHISTORICMERIDIANPARKMAPLETONFALL CREEKFall Creek Parkway North Drive34th Street30th Street29th StreetHIGHLANDVICINITYFall Creek4656965MERIDIANHIGHLANDPennsylvania StreetDelaware Street25th Street7470747022nd Street6521st StreetMid-North Quality of Life Plan13

Building onmomentumOur plan builds on the momentum of many largerphysical projects already under development or plannedinitiatives in the pipeline, a sampling of which areincluded here.14Mapleton-Fall Creek 20/21 Vision PlanMapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporationis implementing a comprehensive neighborhoodrevitalization strategy that will rehab 21 singlefamilyhomes and 54 rental units, develop threeneighborhood parks, boast economic growth throughmixed use development and create transportationenhancements, including the reversion of CentralAvenue back to a neighborhood-friendly 2-way street.Mapleton-Fall Creek LEED-NDMapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation hasregistered a 27-acre portion of their 20/21 Target Areafor the LEED-ND ® (Leadership in EnvironmentalDesign in Neighborhood Development) programand continues to work closely with a project team tohelp devise a plan to achieve certification, with theintention of preserving the neighborhood fabricwhile making targeted improvements to walkability,equity, green infrastructure, and neighborhoodamenities.Near North 30/33Near North Development Corporation isimplementing a Neighborhood StabilizationProgram project focused on housing revitalizationthrough new infill construction, rehabilitation ofabandoned or foreclosed homes, and supportingexisting homeowners with repair assistance.Illinois Fall Creek Center at Ivy TechIvy Tech is rehabilitating the historic St. VincentHospital, constructed in 1909 along Fall CreekParkway, to provide 200,000 square feet ofadditional instructional, community, and meetingspace, including a new café. A newly-built additionto the building, as well as a skywalk across IllinoisStreet, will also be added.RebuildIndy InfrastructureSeveral streets will see resurfacing and/or curb andsidewalk reconstruction.Bike LanesBicycle Lanes have been added to Capitol Avenue andIllinois Street through the neighborhood with plansto add them to Washington Boulevard/DelawareStreet and Central Avenue as well.Fall Creek TrailIndyParks continues to work on plans to extendthe Fall Creek Trail from its current terminus atthe Monon Trail south through the neighborhood,providing additional recreation and transportationoptions while tying the neighborhood into the region.Meridian Street Bridge RehabilitationThe historic Meridian Street bridge over Fall Creekwill be rehabilitated and restored through the City ofIndianapolis’ RebuildIndy program. The iconic archbridge was built in 1917 and was the last of the fiveKessler bridges across Fall Creek.Winona Hospital RedevelopmentThe former Winona Memorial Hospital has beenrazed and environmental contamination remediated,opening a significant redevelopment opportunityin the heart of the neighborhood. The Children’sMuseum is working with the City of Indianapolis onredevelopment plans that will include some affordablehousing and neighborhood greenspace.Trinity Church-St. Richard’s School CampusThe Trinity Church-St. Richard’s School proposedcampus master plan includes expansion to the northfor Trinity education, fellowship, and office spaces,an expansion to the south for St. Richard’s with moreclassrooms, a cafeteria, and a performing arts center,and a conversion of 33rd Street to a pedestrian area.Fall Creek GardensThis developing urban farm teaches organic andsustainable methods of growing food, encouragescommunity garden space, and provides accessto tools, supplies and information. A rain waterharvesting system will soon collect stormwater fromthe roof of the adjacent Unleavened Bread Cafe.Double 8 Foods Rain GardenThe proposed rain garden at the Double 8 grocerystore calls for the design and installation of acomprehensive on-site stormwater managementsystem. The garden seeks to address a communityneed for more greenspace while also having adirect and beneficial environmental impact on thearea. The rain garden will be an opportunity toprovide educational resources to students and localresidents, and have a direct and indirect aestheticbenefit for the surrounding neighborhood.Coppin Chapel Pocket ParkCoppin Chapel AME Church and Near NorthDevelopment Corporation are proposing thebuilding of a pocket park next to the church at 3201North Capitol. The initial plan would see the parkbuilt over two or three church owned lots, andwould be designed with an eye towards communityaccessibility and gathering space, kid-friendlyelements, and environmental impact.Fall Creek Storage TunnelAs part of the federally-mandated plan to reduceraw sewage overflows into Indianapolis waterways,including Fall Creek, a 7 to 10 mile tunnel systemwill be built to store sewage during rainfalls so thatit can later be treated, rather than overflowing intowaterways as it does today. A tunnel 200 feet belowFall Creek will begin near the State Fairgrounds andconnect to other tunnels at White River.IndyConnectThe IndyConnect Initiative seeks to dramaticallyimprove the mobility of residents in Central Indianaand position the region competitively throughsignificant investments in roads, public transit,and bike and pedestrian connections. If approved,bus rapid transit lines would run on Meridian and38th Streets, and the first leg of a regional railsystem connecting the northeastern suburbs withdowntown would run near the neighborhood. Itis vital the neighborhood connect to this regionalvision so it is a place transit connects, not simplypasses through.Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

38th StreetDr. Martin Luther King Jr. StreetCapitol AvenueIllinois StreetMeridian StreetCentral AvenueCollege AvenueIndiana State FairgroundsCrown Hill Cemetery34th Street65Fall Creek Parkway North Drive30th Street29th StreetFall CreekPennsylvania StreetDelaware Street25th Street22nd Street21st StreetMid-North Quality of Life Plan15

NeighborhoodDemographicsThe history of the neighborhood can be summed upby looking at the historical data offered by the U.S.Census. Today the neighborhood is home to just over10,000 people, just 40% of its peak population in 1950.As the population declined, so did the housing stock.Today there are just under 7,000 housing units in theneighborhood, but of that nearly a third sit vacant.With a declining population comes less demand forhomes, resulting in falling property values as well asvacant homes potentially leading to abandonment anddemolition. Businesses, faced with a declining customerbase, have also been forced to leave the neighborhood.Mid-NorthMarion County20% 40% 60% 80%Youth Under 18 Workers 18-40 Workers 40-65 Seniors Over 65White Black OtherHispanicNon-HispanicStatistical AlmanacAgeThere are fewer youths by percentage and more workingageresidents in the neighborhood, both a factor of thelarger number of single-person households. 2010 Census.RaceThe neighborhood has a far greater minority populationthan the county. 2010 Census.EthnicityThe neighborhood has fewer residents of hispanic origin.2010 Census.Note: Data from the U.S. Census for the Mid-North area is for CensusTracts 3503, 3504, 3509, 3510, and 3515. The geography of these tractsdoes not exactly line up with the Mid-North area boundaries, but onlytract-level data for the 2010 Census was available at time of production.Neighborhood Changes, 1930-201025,00020,000BlackWhiteOtherOwner Renter VacantSingle Roomate or Partner Related FamilyHousing OccupancyThe neighborhood has far fewer homeowners and far morevacant homes, suggesting an opportunity for investmentin housing rehabilitation and homeownership programs.2010 Census.Household TypeThe neighborhood has more single households andfewer families, possibly a factor of the large number ofapartments in the neighborhood. 2010 Census.15,00010,000BLACK FLIGHTSingle Mom Single Dad MarriedFamilies with ChildrenNearly tw0-thirds of neighborhood kids live with asingle mother, highlighting a potential opportunity forparenting, youth, and family development programs.2010 Census.HOMESHOUSEHOLDS5,0000POPULATION1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010DEMOLITIONVACANCYOCCUPIEDHOMESBelow PovertyAbove PovertyPovertyResidents living in poverty was more than doublethe county rate in 2000, highlighting an opportunityfor workforce, entrepreneurship, and economicdevelopment as well as the need for a continuum of socialservices. 2000 Census.16Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Tracking ImpactStatistical data is by no means the only way to evaluatethe health of a neighborhood. But like a blood test at thedoctor’s office, it does provide an overall assessment ofindicators of neighborhood health. While each actionstep identified in the workplan has detailed performancemeasures by which they can individually be measured,these Mid-Northoverall 20% baseline indicators 40% can 60% be tracked 80% to gaugethe Marion overall County impact of the plan.Vacant andAbandonedHousingProperties that, accordingto the United States PostalService, were vacant homes orbuildings in December 2011.38th StreetDr. Martin Luther King Jr. StreetCrown Hill Cemetery65Capitol AvenueIllinois StreetMeridian StreetCentral AvenueCollege AvenueFall Creek Parkway North Drive34th StreetIndiana State FairgroundsEducational AttainmentWhile the share of residents with a high school diploma isabout No High the School same, Diploma the neighborhood High School Diploma has more College drop-outs Graduate andfewer college graduates, presenting a tremendous opportunityfor educational programs serving residents. 2000 Census.Mid-NorthMarion County20% 40% 60% 80%30th Street29th StreetPennsylvania StreetDelaware StreetFall Creek25th Street22nd StreetNo High School Diploma High School Diploma College Graduate21st StreetCrimeViolent crime, especially robbery and aggravated assault, ismore prevalent in the neighborhood, but property crime islower. 2008, IMPD.Mid-North 20% 40% 60% 80%IMPD Service AreaHomicideRapeRobberyAggravated AssaultSimple AssaultBurglaryLarcenyVehicle TheftAccess to GreenSpaceAreas of the neighborhoodwithin a five-minute walk (aquarter-mile) of a municipalpark (dark green) or othergreenspace.38th StreetDr. Martin Luther King Jr. StreetCrown Hill Cemetery6530th StreetCapitol AvenueIllinois StreetMeridian StreetCentral AvenueCollege AvenueParkwayNorth DriveCreek PIndiana State Fairgrounds34th StreetMid-North 20% 40% 60% 80%Business IMPD Service Area GrowthReference USA lists 196 businesses located in the Mid-Northarea, excluding medical offices, schools, and daycare facilities.29th StreetCreekFallHomicideRapeRobberyAggravated AssaultSimple AssaultBurglaryLarcenyVehicle TheftPennsylvania StreetDelaware Street25th Street22nd Street21st StreetMid-North Quality of Life Plan17

Assets& OpportunitiesThe assets of the neighborhoods of Mid-North are thefoundation on which this quality of life plan buildsand are the keys to opening up the opportunities thecommunity has identified in this plan.Residents and AssociationsThe six neighborhoods that make up the Mid-Northarea are home to active and committed residents of allbackgrounds. Residents have a proven record of comingtogether to address common concerns and promotequality of life for everyone.InstitutionsFrom engaged places of worship that provide communityprograms, childcare, financial services, recreationprograms, and emergency help to world-class facilitieslike Ivy Tech, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis,and the Indiana State Fair that are regional destinationsfor health, education, and entertainment, the collection ofdiverse institutions in the neighborhood is unparalleled.HistoryThe Mid-North area has a rich history. The homesrange from craftsman bungalows to elegant mansionsto beautiful apartment buildings. Fall Creek, and thehistoric bridges that cross it, is part of the historicKessler Parks and Boulevards System. Shortridge HighSchool and the progressive education values it adopted,and the civil rights issues it attracted, reflect the socialvalues that have evolved over time. And Crown HillCemetery serves as the final resting place of who’s who ofthe community.LocationThe Mid-North area is close to a vibrant downtown,world-class hospitals, the Indiana State Fairgrounds,and countless other major destinations. It also has greataccess with Interstate 65, major streets, an emergingbicycle route network, and a solid network of bus service.18Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

AssetsNeighborhood Associations• Crown Hill• Highland Vicinity• Historic Meridian Park• Mapleton-Fall Creek• Meridian Highland• Watson-McCorddevelopment corporations• Mapleton-Fall Creek DevelopmentCorporation• Near North DevelopmentCorporationPublic Safety1 Indianapolis Fire Department2 Indianapolis Peace And Justice Center3 Salvation Army City And StateHeadquartersChild Care4 Angelic Child Care Center5 Childcare Answers6 Day Nursery - IU Health7 Day Nursery - Lilly Center8 Ever Rise Enrichment9 Excellence In Flight ChildDevelopment Ministry10 God’s Angel’s Child Care11 God’s Little Wonders Childcare12 Grandma Margaret’s Daycare13 Head Start14 Jewel’s Infant Care15 Kathy’s Loving Care16 Kozy’s Kidz Day Care17 Linda’s Home Child Care18 Mt. Zion Day Care Center19 Nana’s Kids Child Care20 New Westside Infant And Toddler21 Precious Gifts Visionaries Childcare22 Seasons Caring Daycare23 The Development Center24 Tonia Bears Child Care25 Young’s Home Day CareYouth26 Big Brothers Big Sisters27 Free Wheelin’ Bikes28 KI EcoCenter29 Reach for Youth30 Son Seekers Daycamp & Jump Start31 Tab Sports ProgramsSocial Services32 African Community International33 Coalition For HomelessnessIntervention And Prevention34 Community Action Of GreaterIndianapolis35 Dayspring Center Wellspring Cottage36 Down Syndrome Indiana37 Families In Touch38 Family Development Services39 Fathers And Families Center40 Indiana Black Expo41 Indiana Healthy Marriage & Family42 Indiana NORML43 Indianapolis Branch Of NA ACP44 Indianapolis Neighborhood HousingPartnership45 Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition46 John P. Crane House47 Latino Coalition Against Domesticand Sexual Violence48 Lilly Endowment49 Martin Center Food Pantry50 Mid-North Shepherd’s Center51 Neighborhood Christian Legal Center52 Pathways to Recovery53 Project Home Indy54 The Open Door, Tab Ministries55 Vocational Rehabilitation ServicesHealth56 A.C.T.I.O.N. Center57 Bethlehem House58 Briarwood Health and Rehab Center59 Dialysis Institute Of Indiana60 Downtown Pregnancy Center61 Family Works62 Hamilton Center63 Highland Manor Healthcare64 Indiana Blood Center65 Martin Center66 Mental Health America Of GreaterIndianapolis67 Meridian Chiropractic68 Meridian Dental69 Midtown Community Mental HealthCenter70 Planned Parenthood71 Raphael Health Center72 Rehabilitation Institute73 Spain’s HouseEducation74 African University FoundationEducation75 Building Blocks Academy76 Capitol City SDA Church School77 Fall Creek Academy78 Indianapolis-Marion County PublicLibrary79 Indy Reads80 Ivy Tech81 Louis B. Russell School 4882 Shortridge High School83 St. Richard’s Episcopal School84 The Children’s Museum ofIndianapolis85 United Negro College Fund86 William A. Bell School 60Mid-North Quality of Life Plan19

A sampling of Neighborhood Businesses87 All Nations B&B88 Big City Grill & Lemonade89 BP Amoco90 BP Connect91 Burger King92 C & D Variety93 Chase Bank94 China King II95 Circle K96 CMC Media97 College Marathon98 Crown Hill Cemetary99 CVS Pharmacy100 Dock Brothers Jewelry & Loan101 Domino’s Pizza102 Double 8 Foods103 Family Dollar Store104 Fifth Third Bank105 Gary Bryant Financial Services106 Grant & Grant107 Hoot Liquor108 I.N. Supplier Diversity Council109 Indianapolis Downtown Real Estate110 Indianapolis Power & Light111 International Medical Group112 Jackson Hewitt113 Keybank114 KFC/Taco Bell115 Martin Petroleum Inc.116 McDonalds117 Mercedes Benz118 Meridian Modern119 Midtown Arts & Coffee120 Nate’s Variety121 Pierres Barber122 Promotus Advertising123 Shell Station124 Side Street Deli125 Southwest Funding126 Speedway Liquor127 Stallard & Company128 State Auto Insurance129 State Insurance/Unicity130 Stuart Mortuary131 Subway132 Subway133 Tax Masters134 Teacher’s Credit Union135 Unleavened Bread Café136 Variety General Store137 Vickies Liquor138 Walgreens139 Wendy’s140 Zheng’s GardenReligion and Faith141 Antioch Missionary Baptist Church142 Broadway United Methodist Church143 Church Of The Living God144 Coppin Chapel AME145 Fall Creek Parkway Church Of Christ146 Greater Guiding Light MissionaryBaptist Church147 Indianapolis Zen Center148 International Life Christian Church149 Mid-North Church Council150 Mt. Zion Baptist Church151 New Liberty Missionary Baptist152 New Life Worship Center153 North United Methodist Church154 Open Hand International155 Original Church Of God156 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church157 Our Savior Lutheran Church158 Pathway Missionary Baptist Church159 Phillips Temple CME Church160 Presbyterian Foundation161 Shiloh AOH Church Of God162 Tabernacle Presbyterian Church163 Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist164 Trinity Episcopal Church165 Triumph Church & Kingdom Of GodIn Christ #220Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

38th StreetDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street!!!!!!!!Public SafetyChildcareYouthSocial ServicesHealthEducationBusinessesReligion and FaithCrown Hill Cemetery¬986530th Street29th StreetMid-North Quality of Life PlanIndiana State Fairgrounds¬ ¬99 ¬89 ¬ ¬ 115 ¬ 103 131 94 ¬104 ¬ ¬101 ¬119 ¬138¬140¬91 ¬116 ¬50¬8866 ¬90¬ 163 ¬70¬41 ¬55 ¬147Watson Road¬33 ¬35 ¬61Bird Preserve¬58¬25¬¬ ¬38¬1813McCord¬42Park¬45 ¬ ¬49¬4465 ¬10¬106¬¬ ¬7¬150¬755¬165¬ 64 ¬29¬81¬ 161¬102¬152 ¬52¬121¬120 ¬159 ¬71 ¬162¬54¬37 ¬22¬ 19¬82¬160 ¬15634th Street¬136 ¬14816¬149¬¬ ¬51¬ ¬86 ¬31¬14321¬34 ¬83¬ 164 ¬ 60¬17¬144 ¬53 ¬154¬¬9 ¬141¬69¬40¬3¬158¬ 14 ¬15¬73 ¬¬137 ¬12392¬146¬ ¬84 ¬57¬97¬135¬4 ¬1 ¬11163 ¬128¬ 151¬8¬ ¬¬26¬1120¬2 ¬142¬56Al Polin¬39¬ 93 Park¬28 ¬48¬43 ¬47¬36 ¬109¬80¬23 ¬24¬77¬157¬5925th Street¬113 ¬133¬79 ¬100¬127¬96¬114Barton¬145 Park ¬117 ¬134¬68 ¬129¬12¬139¬130¬118¬132¬12622nd Street¬87 ¬62 ¬107¬67¬6 ¬¬155112¬76 ¬108¬95 ¬110 ¬122¬12521st Street¬124 ¬105Capitol AvenueIllinois StreetMeridian StreetPennsylvania StreetDelaware StreetCentral AvenueFall CreekCollege AvenueFall Creek Parkway North DriveMonon TrailFall Creek Trail21

OpportunitiesInfrastructureCrumbling sidewalks, neighborhood streets turnedinto highways for commuters, and a beautiful creek toocontaminated to touch have left the neighborhood avery poor infrastructure framework on which to grow.Addressing these and similar public realm issues ina manner that reflects the spirit of the neighborhood,promotes community building, and inspires residentsand visitors with beauty and creativity is essential to therebirth of the Mid-North area.BusinessAs the population has declined, so have the customersneeded to support neighborhood businesses. Byencouraging businesses to work together and supportingthe entrepreneurial spirit of residents, the Mid-Northarea can once again be home to a growing and engagedbusiness community.CrimeCrime and safety concerns permeate many discussions inthe neighborhood. Located in the heart of American’s 13thlargest city, the presence of crime is inevitable. Combinedwith vacant buildings, poverty, and an unacceptablyhigh drop-out rate, crime is a very real symptom of thedecay that has threatened the neighborhood. Neighborscan continue working together through block clubsand associations, in partnership with the churches andorganizations working to strengthen individuals andfamilies and with the police and criminal justice systemworking to combat crime.HousingSince the peak population in the 1950s, the neighborhoodhas lost nearly 3,000 homes, and countless more sitvacant or abandoned. While these vacant homes andlots breed crime, disinvestment, and demoralizeneighborhoods, they present an opportunity for renewaland reinvestment. Merging historic preservation withinnovative, green practices, the neighborhood can onceagain be a vibrant and growing place to call home.Youth and SeniorsWith all of the existing assets and resources in the area, it isnot surprising that many families call the neighborhoodsof Mid-North home. Working to provide support for themost vulnerable—the youth and senior citizens of theneighborhoods—is important in maintaining the qualityof life for all. Enriching the lives of young people andhelping them become engaged citizens while creating aneighborhood where seniors are able to age in place andcontinue being engaged role models can build on thestrength of committed and engaged residents workingfor change.EducationThe presence of world-class educational institutions inneighborhoods where nearly a third of all adults do noteven have a high school diploma is perhaps the greatestparadox in the Mid-North area. From the mix of public,private, and charter schools to The Children’s Museumof Indianapolis and Ivy Tech, these resources present atremendous opportunity to develop the neighborhood asan educational corridor that dramatically improves thelife outcomes of all residents.22Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

OurVisionIN OUR OWN WORDS | My neighborhood is family friendly with housing for all ages. Singles, families with children, and seniors interacting in an attractive,friendly, viable place to live, work, volunteer, and play sports, with places to go for good food and entertainment, and with programs bridging seniors and youth togrow healthy gardens, local business, and share life stories. A day in our future will be clean with vibrant neighborhoods, homes, and businessesrenovated with new sidewalks and greenery. Businesses reinvest in the community and partner with others to help provide fresh and healthy food inour neighborhoods. We feel safe with more police visible in our community. What happened to the days when we knew our officers by name? All peoplefeel connected to, and are supported by, all others in the community. There is a mutual, shared respect. Residents wake up to a green and cleanenvironment. Families are able to live, work, learn, and play in this neighborhood safely. Our connective, culturally diverse community attractsnew businesses and happy, healthy families. Living in a safe and affordable, family friendly community where there is the option to live, work, and/orplay. Where there is an infrastructure that includes local businesses such as dry cleaners, pharmacies, grocery stores, restaurants, and parks within a reasonabledistance. A thriving neighborhood with exceptional social and family friendly coffeeshops and meeting places, mixed-use neighborhoods with good schools,recreational facilities and well-equipped health clubs. Our neighborhood is an inviting and safe place where people can ride their bikes, walk, and childrenare playing in the parks. Neighbors of all ages are out and about and know one another by name. The streets and sidewalks are clean and well-lit, almost like 24/7daylight! Public transport is abundant and easily accessible. Public art and streetscapes reflect creativity and the cultural diversity of theMid-North communities. Lifelong learning is a priority, small to medium-sized businesses thrive, our health and well-being is nurtured, and resourcesare accessible to all. P.S. No Drugs! I look out of my window at the pocket park seeing neighbors enjoying themselves. Right next door is the nationallyacclaimed, award-winning school. Living for the weekend there is so much to do. I love to go shopping…gotta get to the meat market—oh, oh—there’s alecture at Ivy Tech I don’t want to miss! Can’t miss Monday’s Mid-North Council meeting for the sit-on-the-porch beauty initiative as well as planning for our annualcelebration event. I can walk my dog at night with no fear. How beautiful it is here! It’s Sunday—wow we are on the national news! Mid-North community ofIndianapolis, a place to visit, a place to live. I think of how lucky I am to live in the mid-north community. Safe neighborhoods with thriving businesses, walkablesidewalks and bikeable pathways, beautifully-maintained yards, respectfully rehabbed homes, where youth and seniors can co-exist and the community isactively engaged in crime prevention programs. Welcome to the cultural, family-friendly, community-focused, intergenerational, business anddevelopment driven neighborhood with bikeable, walkable pathways; safe meeting places; lively activities; and youth and adult educational achievement so youcan live to the fullest. All neighbors, seniors and youth included, will stroll along well cared for streets lined with occupied houses, play in neighborhoodparks, and advocate for sustainable communities with the ability to influence policy, attract public and private investment, and enjoy the company of others.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan23

Overall StoriesThe seven action teams developed a workplan organizedaround nine result statements, 35 strategies, and 118action steps.Neighborhood + OpportunityDreams will power the growth and rebirth of theneighborhoods, and the community will provide thecomprehensive resources necessary to be a neighborhoodof opportunity for all.• New housing options for all ages and backgrounds• Improved transportation connectivity• Trails, art, parks, gardens, and wellness options• Commitment to youth, education, and familylearning• Promoting business and entrepreneurshipThe essence of this cumulative work can be summed upin three overarching stories:Communicate + ConnectThrough the synergies of sharing information,celebrating assets, and building a shared identity basedon neighborhood values, the neighborhoods of Mid-Northwill continue to achieve success and be recognized as aspecial place to live, work, learn, and visit.• Inventory, promote, and celebrate assets• Continue momentum with cross-neighborhoodcollaboration and initiatives• Building a shared identity based on neighborhoodvaluesDestination + Fall CreekCapitalize on the historic Fall Creek corridor to weavetogether diverse neighborhoods, encourage civic,ecological, and entrepreneurial ethics, and help reestablishthe Mid-North area on the regional map as aunique and progressive place to call home.• Clean, restore, and celebrate Fall Creek• Recreational, entrepreneurial, and educationalopportunities• New housing and businesses• Public art and streetscapes that reflect theneighborhood spirit24Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Neighborhood+OpportunityFrom its humble beginnings, the neighborhoods of Mid-North have always been neighborhoods of opportunity.In the early days, new bridges crossing Fall Creekpresented new opportunities for citizens of a growingcity to build homes, farms, families, and businesses inthe area. Streetcar lines--along Illinois Street to theCrown Hill neighborhood and along College Avenue--further expanded opportunities for residents to getto and from the area and solidified the community asa prominent piece of the Indianapolis landscape. Asthe neighborhoods grew, a variety of housing, fromlarge mansions to working class duplexes and grandapartments were built, providing opportunities tolive in the area for a wide array of people. ShortridgeHigh School, founded downtown as the first freepublic high school in the state before moving to theneighborhood, has always been an integrated school,providing opportunity for neighborhood residents ofall backgrounds for more than eighty years. The schoolhas a history of progressive education inspired by JohnDewey, transforming education from simple mastery ofknowledge through books to “learning by doing.” Thefirst student newspaper in the nation and a student radiostation that evolved into today's WFYI exemplify theseprogressive education principles. Ivy Tech planted rootsin the heart of the neighborhood in the early 1980s,and the campus today is the second largest communitycollege in the entire nation, providing higher educationopportunities for thousands.As the Mid-North area has grown, so too have theinstitutions that support and enrich the lives of itsresidents. A host of places of worship and socialservice organizations provide critical holistic supportto children, families, and seniors working to liveproductive and engaged lives. An emphasis on educationcontinues with a full range of public, private, and charterschools that continue the evolution of progressiveeducation techniques and position the neighborhood asa unique educational corridor. Community developmentcorporations work to provide a range of housingservices for residents, including making the dream ofhomeownership possible for many.The neighborhoods of Mid-North will continue to be aplace of opportunity for residents of all backgrounds. Newhousing options will be added to the area, transformingvacant lots and properties into homeownership andrental opportunities for new and existing residents.Transportation options will promote neighborhoodconnectivity and enhanced connections to the region,providing greater mobility for residents of all ages. Newtrails, parks, gardens, and wellness opportunities willinspire residents to live healthy, engaged, and sociallives. A continued focus on youth, education, and familylearning will truly embody the notion of an educationalcorridor, as residents engage in a range of cradle to careereducation programming, leveraging the community’sassets of early childhood development, projectbased, informal and family learning, and workforcedevelopment. These resources enable the neighborhoodto step beyond the traditional notion of "school" to focuson a broader definition of education, with world-classeducational facilities, strong families, neighborhoodorganizations, and community programming workinghand in hand to cultivate enriched, productive citizensand youth that are leaders, not followers. The area will bea place of opportunity for entrepreneurs, with programs,networks, and facilities that help turn great ideas intorealized dreams. From cradle to career, the Mid-Northarea will empower all residents to achieve their dreams.And the small businesses that are the backbone of oureconomy will thrive, supported by a strong businessassociation, a growing residential, student, and visitorpopulation, and through connections into the largercommunity.Dreams will power the growth andrebirth of the neighborhoods, andthe community will provide thecomprehensive resources necessary tobe a neighborhood of opportunity forall.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan25

step in this communication and coordination process.The action teams assembled resident and institutionalrepresentatives from the six neighborhoods aroundthemes that bridged geographies and agendas. Thecontinuation of this process is critical not only tothe implementation of this plan but to the continuedgrowth and positioning of the neighborhoods as viableplaces to live, work, learn, enjoy, and invest. A businessassociation will work to promote entrepreneurship,strengthen neighborhood-based businesses, andpromote a vibrant and engaged business community. AnThe Mid-North area is home to a diverse array of keyplayers: six neighborhood associations; two communitydevelopment corporations; a host of places of worship,social service organizations, non-profit organizations; arange of businesses from entrepreneurial enterprises tomajor corporations; public, private, and charter schools;and large institutions like Ivy Tech and The Children'sMuseum to name a few. With so many players workingso closely together, it's not surprising that a lot of thingsare happening! It's also not surprising that it becomesvery hard for these players and the residents of theneighborhoods to be aware of everything that is going on.We all shake our heads when a newly repaved street is tornup by a utility company or when we are forced to make achoice between two big neighborhood events that fall onthe same evening. It can even be difficult to share andcoordinate our daily lives with our own family members,and communication, and the resulting coordinationit achieves, is a challenge facing every neighborhood,community, organization, government, and corporation.While challenging, communication and coordinationmaximize the impact of the time, money, and missionof each and every stakeholder brings to the table. Thegood news is the neighborhoods have a track record inreaching across traditional boundaries. The Mid-NorthWeed and Seed Initiative, for example, has broughttogether neighborhoods to combat crime and blight. Thedevelopment of this quality of life plan is a significantEducation Roundtable will bring education stakeholderstogether to continue the traditional of educationalinnovation and opportunity for all residents. A housingcollective will forge partnerships to address vacant andabandoned properties, housing affordability, and othercritical housing issues. A neighborhood task force willpromote improved public safety for all residents bysharing information and coordinating activities acrossneighborhood boundaries. The youth of the area willbe empowered through a Youth Council, while seniorswill implement a Neighborhood Naturally OccurringRetirement Community program.Another significant first step is to identify and bringattention to the assets, resources, skills, and networksthat already exist in the neighborhood. Whetherindividual resident talent and experience, organizationalprograms and offerings, or products and services fromneighborhood businesses, identifying what the Mid-North area has is a necessary prerequisite to sharing andcoordinating activities.The quality of life planning process has encouragedthe neighborhoods to see the assets, challenges, andopportunities that they have in common while alsohighlighting those things that make them unique.This healthy tension between shared values and uniquequalities is the basis for a desire to undertake a brandingprocess and continue asking and answering the question"who are we?" Branding may manifest itself in traditionalmarketing ways, such as a logo and message or tag line. Atits core, branding is about communicating who and whatwe are and what is important to us--our values. Valuesprovide a core understanding that ties groups--whetherthey be a few friends, a neighborhood, an interest group, anation, or a society--together. They permeate all aspectsof this plan and will guide its implementation. Whetherwe value tradition or innovation (or both), for example,could translate into how the neighborhoods look and feel,the types of people and businesses that move in or out, andthe types of programs and networks that evolve. In short,branding is a key component of communication. It notonly positions the area in the eyes of outsiders, it helps usto understand what is important to the "insiders."Through the synergies of sharinginformation, celebrating assets,and building a shared identitybased on neighborhood values, theneighborhoods of Mid-North willcontinue to achieve success and berecognized as a special place to live,work, learn, and visit.26Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Fall Creek has been a defining landmark for theneighborhood ever since the first bridges connected thegrowing city north to what was then pristine farmlanddotted with small settlements. Today that farmlandhas long been plowed under; those settlements areremembered only as namesakes for neighborhoods. ButFall Creek remains as a weaving thread of natural beautythanks to the foresight of prominent American landscapearchitect George Kessler, who in 1909 laid out a system ofparks and boulevards along six waterways throughout thecity. Characterized by landmark, beautifully-ornamentedbridges, pedestrian promenades, and extensive nativelandscaping, the Kessler System today is one of the largestlistings on the National Register of Historic Places, at over3,400 acres.While beautiful, Fall Creek faces many challenges today.Fall Creek Parkway, once a quaint, scenic drive, has growninto a five-lane commuter corridor that cuts off the Creekfrom the neighborhood. The last remnants of parkwaydesign can be found in the large homes with magnificentstreet trees planted in wide tree lawns. However, widepavement, a reversible traffic lane, highway signage, steelguardrails, and auto-oriented lighting now dominate thecharacter of the street. The creek itself is contaminatedwith combined sewer overflows that pollute the water withraw sewage during many rainfalls. The native landscapingthat was once carefully designed has been displaced byinvasive honeysuckle that now chokes off most views of thecreek. And many of the landmark bridges are crumbling.Mid-North Quality of Life PlanBut there is hope. Work to address the combined seweroverflow problem is underway and by 2025 the problemwill be nearly eliminated. The historic Central Avenuebridge has been restored, and the Meridian Street bridgeis scheduled for restoration in 2012. IndyParks continuesto pursue extension of the Fall Creek Trail through theneighborhood. And the signature historic St. Vincent'sHospital building along Fall Creek Parkway has beenrenovated by Ivy Tech.It is this momentum that the neighborhoods willpush forward in order to re-establish Fall Creek as adestination, not simply the sidebar to a commute. Withwater that is once again safe to touch, kayaking andcanoeing can be encouraged with a public boat launch.Streambanks can be restored through neighborhoodcleanups, invasive honeysuckle removal, and the reintroductionof native landscaping that restores beautifulvistas of the creek from adjacent streets, homes, andparks. The Fall Creek Trail can be completed from itscurrent termination at the Monon Trail south throughthe neighborhood, including more than a mile withouta street crossing, and helping connect neighborhoodresidents and institutions like Ivy Tech and TheChildren's Museum into the regional network. Improvedpedestrian connections to and across the creek helpweave the corridor into adjacent neighborhoods. FallCreek Parkway can be restored to a parkway conditionwith a streetscape befitting a parkway that reflects thespirit and character of the neighborhood, and a designpolicy that promotes neighborhood businesses and saferpedestrian crossings. Historic bridges can be restoredto once again serve as landmark gateways that, togetherwith new gateway enhancements and public art, helpreflect the history and civic pride of residents. Parks seenew investment in a variety of equipment and amenitiesto provide for a range of passive and active recreation,from places that offer a relaxing respite from city lifeto bustling playfields that support active lifestyles.Educational opportunities abound with venues, kiosks,and signage that communicate the history and ecology ofthe area. New infill apartments and condominiums takeadvantage of this destination, providing for a wide rangeof housing types and markets while adding tax base,buying power, and eyes on the street. And new space thatpromotes the entrepreneurial spirit of the neighborhoodis created that provides both temporary homes forlemonade stands and neighborhood-grown produce aswell as buildings for new restaurants and retail shopsthat serve both neighborhood residents and visitors tothe creek.Together these actions weave togetherdiverse neighborhoods, encouragecivic, ecological, and entrepreneurialethics, and help re-establish the Mid-North area on the regional map as aunique and progressive place to callhome.27

WorkPlanOur vision will be realized when nine results are achieved, and the strategies and action steps outlined in our workplandetail how we will accomplish those results.1. The Mid-North area will have an appearance thatreflects the spirit, history, and culture of thecommunity, and will provide access to art, nature,beauty and recreation for everyone, every day.2. The Mid-North area’s business environment willcontribute to an improved economic situationof local residents, local businesses, and growingneighborhood serving commercial centers.3. The Mid-North area will be a safer community withimproved communication and cross-neighborhoodcoordination.4. Mid-North area residents and educationalorganizations are partners in educational excellence,family learning, and a resurgence of progressiveinnovation that improves learning and life outcomes,cultivates productive citizens, and creates world-classeducational facilities and resources.5. Mid-North area residents will embrace holisticwellness and live healthier lifestyles.6. The Mid-North area will address substandardhousing and housing-related quality of life issuesfor homeowners and renters in the six Mid-Northneighborhoods by using a creative and informedmix of renovation, remolding, repurposing, and newdevelopment.7. Seniors are empowered to age and engage in theneighborhoods of Mid-North.8. Seniors will enjoy a high quality of life by embracinga holistic approach to wellness that addresses theirphysical, intellectual, and spiritual needs.9. Youth are aware of and have access to communityresources to empower and improve their own qualityof life.28Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Aesthetics1. The Mid-North area will have an appearance that reflects the spirit, history, and culture of the community, andwill provide access to art, nature, beauty and recreation for everyone, every day.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year1.1 Develop a brand identity for the Mid-North area which can be applied in areas of marketing and communications, aesthetics and business development.1.1.1 Conduct branding exploration, including an audit of currentmarketing efforts in the neighborhood. Coordinate communityconversations towards the development, launch and implementationof a comprehensive branding strategy.1.2 Improve conditions of infrastructure elements of the Mid-North area.1.2.1 Improve conditions of infrastructure elements by conductingand producing an infrastructure analysis survey, conducting acommunity project prioritization process based on the resultsof the infrastructure survey, and advocating for infrastructureimprovements.1.2.2 Advocate for improved parking lot aesthetics, improving trafficflow and safety, and integrating principles of complete streets andaccessibility into infrastructure repair work in order to enhance thesafety, identity and experience of neighborhood streets.Create a Branding Taskforce; Establish aprocess for branding; Produce a reportdocumenting results of branding.Document presence and condition ofpavement, sidewalks, public street lighting,and street trees.Produce report documenting presence andcondition of pavement, sidewalks, and streettrees.Streetscape enhancements of one primarycorridor by 2015.1.3 Increase access to greenspace and recreation, including community gardens, parks and raingardens.1.3.1 Increase access and provide development support to current andplanned greenspaces and recreation areas, including, targetedpocket parks, Fall Creek Gardens, the site of the former WinonaMemorial Hospital, other established community gardens andplayground spaces across the Mid-North area.1.3.2 Advocate for improvements and increased connectivity along FallCreek Trail.1.3.3 Provide support in the planning and development of neighborhoodand residential rain gardens in the Mid-North area, including currentrain gardens located at Double 8 on Fairfield Avenue, Fall CreekGardens and other Mid-North planned projects.Create or enhance three additional pocketparks in an underserved areas of theneighborhood by 2015Increase the number of residents accessing aneighborhood greenspace or garden by 10%Provide connectivity trails between all Mid-North greenspaces by 2015.Completion of the Fall-Creek Trail through theMid-North areaCreation of a Destination Fall Creek Taskforceto advocate for progress along Fall CreekTrail.Further develop online resources availablefor all Mid-North residentsMake printed copies available in addition toweb-based information.Citizens Energy Group, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland VicinityNeighborhood Association, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association,Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, NearNorth Development Corporation, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationAARP, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of MetropolitanDevelopment, Department of Public Works, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Indianapolis Power and Light, IndyGo, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful,Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, Mapleton-Fall Creek NeighborhoodAssociation, Mayor’s Office, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, TheChildren’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of Metropolitan Development,Department of Public Works, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, IndyGo,Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation,Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Mayor’s Office, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationBroadway Community Garden, Broadway United Methodist Church, CentralIndiana Community Foundation,Citizens Energy Group, Coppin Chapel, Crown HillNeighborhood Association, Fall Creek Gardens, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Indy Tilth, KeepIndianapolis Beautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, Near North Development Corporation, Peoplefor Urban Progress, Rundell Ernstberger and Associates, Schmidt Associates,SustainIndy, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCord NeighborhoodAssociationCentral Indiana Community Foundation, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association,Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Indy Parks, Ivy Tech, Keep IndianapolisBeautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Mayor’s Office, MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, SustainIndy, Watson-McCord NeighborhoodAssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of Public Works, Fall CreekGardens, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Historic Meridian ParkNeighborhood Association, Indy Parks, Ivy Tech, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful,Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland NeighborhoodAssociation, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment CorporationNear North DevelopmentCorporationNear North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment CorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationNear North DevelopmentCorporation12 1312 1313 14 1512 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 16Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan29

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year1.4 Improve aesthetics of neighborhood through nature, beauty and art.1.4.1 Utilize data and implement a street tree planting program that Plant 50 trees annually.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodNear North Development 12 13 14 15 16prioritizes plantings in areas that demonstrate the most need andalso incorporates a long-term maintenance plan.Association, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Indy Parks,Ivy Tech, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek DevelopmentCorporation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCorporation1.4.2 Install trash receptacles at key locations throughout the Mid-Northarea.Gateways and public spaces will beequipped with trash receptacles by 2015.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of Public Works,Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Ivy Tech, Keep IndianapolisBeautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Near North Development Corporation, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation12 13 14 15 161.4.3 Identify and develop new and current gateways into the Mid-Northarea.1.4.4 Continue to build out information, resources, guidelines andworkshops regarding “good neighbor” exterior maintenance andissues such as illegal dumping.1.4.5 Improve Mid-North conditions through neighborhood cleanupswhile building community and raising awareness amongresidents.Enhance current gateway with plantings,signage and public art by 2015Develop one new gateway with plantings,signage and public art by 2015.Further develop online resources availablefor all Mid-North residentsMake printed copies available in addition toweb-based information.Organize one Fall Creek cleanup event andsupport one cleanup in each neighborhoodannually.1.4.6 Increase Adopt a block programs across the Mid-North area. Each neighborhood Association will haveincreased Adopt a Block participation by100%.1.4.7 Encourage and support the production, placement and creation ofart in public spaces, including landscape, painting, and sculpture.1.5 Advocate for improved connections to current and future transit.1.5.1 Provide Mid-North representation at city-wide transit meetings;Host a Mid-North resident and stakeholder meeting about transitoptions.Neighborhood will add public art annually.Host at least one city transit meetingannually.Arts Council of Indianapolis, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Departmentof Public Works, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Historic MeridianPark Neighborhood Association, Ivy Tech, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland NeighborhoodAssociation, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationCity of Indianapolis, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Fall Creek Gardens,Health and Hospital Corporation, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association,Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Indianapolis NeighborhoodHousing Partnership, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, NearNorth Development Corporation, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of Public Works, HighlandVicinity Neighborhood Association, Historic Meridian Park NeighborhoodAssociation, Indy Parks, Ivy Tech, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Mapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, NearNorth Development Corporation, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Keep IndianapolisBeautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Near North Development Corporation, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCity of Indianapolis, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Health and HospitalCorporation, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Historic Meridian ParkNeighborhood Association, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mapleton-FallCreek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, IndyGo, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Near North Development Corporation, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment CorporationMapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood AssociationMapleton Fall-CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation12 13 14 15 1613 14 1512 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1630Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Business Development2. The Mid-North area’s business environment will contribute to an improved economic situation of local residents,local businesses, and growing neighborhood serving commercial centers.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year2.1 Focus on incubating entrepreneurship within the Mid-North area.2.1.1 Establish an entrepreneur training program for the Mid-North area. Enrollment: Enroll 10 participants in theprogram by 2013.Businesses Started: Five new businessesstarted by Mid-North residents or in theMid-North area by 2013.Graduation Rate: Graduate 75% of enrolledparticipants.2.1.2 Maintain and promote an online catalog of entrepreneur services,including training and technical services.2.1.3 Establish a peer-to-peer mentoring program for Mid-Northentrepreneurs by soliciting mentors and connecting them withentrepreneurs.2.1.4 Attract investment and micro-loans for startups and microenterprisesin the Mid-North area through a joint venture ofneighborhood community development corporations.2.1.5 Identify and create physical, low-cost incubation opportunities inthe Mid-North area by conducting an inventory of current sharedspace opportunities and an incubator feasibility study and needsassessment.2.2 Create an environment that supports and grows Mid-North area businesses.2.2.1 Create a business association to advocate for local businessinterests, improve patronage by residents, promote business-tobusinessnetworking, and connect businesses with neighborhoodschools in the Mid-North area.2.2.2 Market the Mid-North area as a “great place to do business” byengaging in a neighborhood branding strategy, creating andimplementing a strategic communication plan, and by publishing aneighborhood business directory.2.2.3 Create a business information clearinghouse for the Mid-Northarea that includes: current businesses, financial resources andincentives, available retail and commercial space, and trainingopportunities and technical support.Website completed and launched.10 businesses are assisted annually.Create 10 new Mentor/Mentee Partnerships.Secure $25,000 in investment forbusinesses, support five businesses a yearthough micro-lending.Support three façade improvement grantsa year.Five new businesses Matched with Rental/Lease Opportunities.25 members by the end of 2014 through abusiness model that provides for at leastpart time paid staff or consultants.Launch of online and print businessdirectory.Expansion of online business directory tobecome a business portal.Business Ownership Initiative, DevelopIndy, Generation Next Project, IvyTech, KI EcoCenter, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, Near NorthDevelopment CorporationBusiness Ownership Initiative, DevelopIndy, Indiana Small Business Association,KI EcoCenter, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation, Near North Development CorporationDevelopIndy, KI EcoCenter, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, NearNorth Development CorporationBusiness Ownership Initiative, DevelopIndy, Dreamapolis, Local InitiativesSupport Corporation, Mt. Zion Credit UnionBroadway United Methodist Church, DevelopIndy, Dreamapolis, KI EcoCenterDevelopIndy, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Maple RoadDevelopment Association, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation,Midtown Indianapolis Inc., Near North Development CorporationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, DevelopIndy, Highland VicinityNeighborhood Association, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association,Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Midtown Indianapolis Inc., Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationBusiness Ownership Initiative, DevelopIndy, Indiana Small Business DevelopmentCenter, Ivy Tech, Local Initiatives Support CorporationDreamapolis 12Dreamapolis 12 13 14 15 16Dreamapolis 13Mapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationDouble 8 12 13 14Mapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporation1213 14 15 161314Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan31

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year2.3 Identify and grow specific neighborhood-serving commercial centers.2.3.1 Identify target commercial centers by completing an identificationexercise that inventories all existing retail/commercial centers inthe Mid-North area.2.3.2 Complete a needs assessment by inventorying all businessesoperating in the Mid-North area.2.3.3 Prioritize commercial centers for focused development activitiesthat have the greatest ability to: increase population density,including mixed-use opportunities; capitalize on student,employee, visitor populations; encourage transformation ofinfrastructure and street patterns from those that prioritizecommuter traffic to those that promote neighborhood connectivityand walkability, and; utilize multi-modal transportation options.Initially identified targets include: 34th and Illinois Streets, 38thand Illinois Streets, the former Winona Hospital site, 30th Streetand College Avenue, around the Indiana State Fairgrounds, alongCentral Avenue, around the Indianapolis Museum of Art, andaround the IU Health Methodist Hospital campus.2.3.4 Create commercial center-specific development plans usingcommunity input, existing planning efforts, and informationgarnered in the node identification and assessment process witha focus on advocacy for multi-modal transportation access andneighborhood-serving infrastructure improvements.2.3.5 Put in place economic development tools for project developmentand business attraction with the following possible components:Economic Improvement District designation, tax abatement, Stategrants, and loan programs.Map and inventory report of existingcommercial centers.Report outlining needs of currentbusinesses.Report evaluating and prioritizing identifiednodes. Increase in resident access toneighborhood goods and services.Reduction in vacancy rates, increasein investment, and infrastructureimprovements in at least 3 Mid-North areacommercial centers by 2015.Add 10 new businesses to the Mid-Northarea.Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning Indianapolis Center,Department of Metropolitan Development, Local Initiatives Support Corporation,The Children’s Museum of IndianapolisBall State University College of Architecture and Planning IndianapolisCenter, Department of Metropolitan Development, The Children’s Museum ofIndianapolis,Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning IndianapolisCenter, Department of Metropolitan Development, The Children’s Museum ofIndianapolisDepartment of Metropolitan Development, Department of Public Works, IndianaSmall Business Development Center, IndyConnect, IndyGo, SustainIndy, TheChildren’s Museum of IndianapolisDevelopIndy, Department of Metropolitan Development, Indiana Small BusinessDevelopment Center, Local Initiatives Support CorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporation12 1312 1312 1314142.3.6 Create a toolkit for marketing commercial centers includingmaterials and resources to promote the centers and connectbusinesses with neighbors.Toolkit created and used in at least oneformal campaign by 2014.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporation1432Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Crime & Safety3. The Mid-North area will be a safer community with improved communication and cross-neighborhoodcoordination.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year3.1 Create communication between all Neighborhood Associations, their neighbors, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.3.1.1 Create strong leadership within the neighborhoods by encouragingneighborhood association leaders and emerging leaders toparticipate in leadership development programs.3.1.2 Ensure that each neighborhood association is represented atmonthly Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department communitymeetings.50% of neighborhood association boards/residents participate in a leadershipprogram.Neighborhood associations attend 75%of Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment monthly meetings.3.1.3 Identify existing neighborhood crime watch captains and leaders. List identifying neighborhood crime watchleaders created.3.1.4 Establish a crime watch program in the neighborhoods where onedoes not exist.3.1.5 Create a crime task force comprised of all neighborhood crimewatch captains to share information and to coordinate activitiesand advocacy.Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Ivy Tech, Lacy LeadershipAssociation, Making Connections IndianapolisCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Department, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association,Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Meridian Highland Neighborhood AssociationBirchwood Neighbors, Broadway Area Neighborhood Group, HighlandVicinity Neighborhood Association, Historic Meridian Park NeighborhoodAssociation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Watson-McCord Neighborhood Association25% increase of new crime watches formed. Crown Hill Neighborhood Association , Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationTask Force established.3.1.6 Establish block clubs where none exist. 25 new block clubs established spreadacross the Mid-North area.Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Historic Meridian Park NeighborhoodAssociation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Mapleton-FallCreek Neighborhood Association, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, Mid-North Weed and Seed, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationWatson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationWatson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationCrown Hill NeighborhoodAssociationHistoric Meridian ParkNeighborhood AssociationCrown Hill NeighborhoodAssociationHistoric Meridian ParkNeighborhood Association12121313 14 15 161312 13 14 15 16Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan33

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year3.2 Strengthen the relationships between the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Mid-North community.3.2.1 Improve relationship with the Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment’s Community Liaison to enhance communication,information sharing, and awareness.3.2.2 Communicate the neighborhood’s appreciation of IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Department officers and Marion CountyProsecutor staff by sending holiday cards signed by thecommunity, participating in the Court Watch program, offeringneighborhood impact statements to support prosecution, and toinvite representatives to community and neighborhood events.3.2.3 Promote the reporting of crime and safety incidents in theneighborhood.3.3 Educate Mid-North area residents about safety procedures.3.3.1 Hold a Crime Summit that includes Crime Prevention throughEnvironmental Design (CPTED) principles, presentations fromIndianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the MarionCounty Prosecutor, and updates on new laws and initiatives.3.3.2 Create and distribute a Public Safety Handbook that includessafety advice, meeting, and contact information from IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Department as well as neighborhoodassociation meeting and contact information.3.4 Create a Mid-North area assets directory.3.4.1 Create and distribute a Mid-North assets directory that inventoriesthe talents, skills, and side businesses of neighborhood residents,identifies neighborhood organizations and programs, and includesrelevant information from the Public Safety Handbook.25% increase of residents receiveIndianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment Community Liaison periodicnewsletter.Increase appreciation to IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Department/Prosecutor’s Office by 25%; Increaseresident participation in Court Watch/Impact Statements; Increase invitations toattend community events to IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Department/Prosecutor’s Office by 50%.Increase completed and returned hot spotcards to Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment by 25%.Crime Summit implemented with 100attendees.Handbook created and distributed.Asset Directory created and distributed.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Department, Mapleton-Fall Creek DevelopmentCorporation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Near North Development Corporation, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, IndianapolisMetropolitan Police Department , Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation,Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, Near North DevelopmentCorporation, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationHighland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Marion CountyProsecutor’s Office, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Historic Meridian Park NeighborhoodAssociation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, KI EcoCenter, LocalInitiatives Support Corporation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association,Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Mid-North Weed and Seed, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Marion CountyHealth Department, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Mayor’s Office,MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationBroadway United Methodist Church, Dreamapolis, Mapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation, Near North Development Corporation, TabernaclePresbyterian ChurchHistoric Meridian ParkNeighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood AssociationCrown Hill NeighborhoodAssociationHighland VicinityNeighborhood AssociationHighland VicinityNeighborhood Association,Historic Meridian ParkNeighborhood Association12KI EcoCenter 12131312 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1634Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Education4. Mid-North area residents and educational organizations are partners in educational excellence, family learning,and a resurgence of progressive innovation that improves learning and life outcomes, cultivates productivecitizens, and creates world-class educational facilities and resources.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year4.1 Create a "Cradle to Career" family-learning initiative.4.1.1 Develop and promote an initiative to provide cradle to careereducational programs for Mid-North area families featuringfree memberships to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis;scholarships for neighborhood children to attend the museum’spre-school; development or expansion of after-school and outof school programs, including Museum Apprentice Program andStarpoint Summer Academy; family learning programs basedon museum exhibits and arts, culture, and sciences; and higherlearning and work force development tuition assistance or grantsfor area youth and adults.Program established and neighborhoodfamilies utilizing the program.4.2 Engage residents, educational organizations, and education advocates in a Mid-North area educational round table.4.2.1 Assemble a cross-section of community members, education Educational alliance group is established.advocates, school teachers, and educational organizations toparticipate in education round table focused on the Mid-Northarea.4.2.2 Develop or support existing innovative and collaborativeprogramming initiatives that help meet school based academicstandards while also helping children and adults to improveoutcomes for career, life opportunities, and family learning.Increased participation in newly developedor existing initiatives.4.3 Educate, empower, and involve parents and guardians in early childhood education as well as educational opportunities and learning activities.4.3.1 Create and maintain an ongoing list of educational opportunitiesfor parents and early education trainers.4.3.2 Communicate and distribute information about education andtraining options to residents by mail and/or using street teams.4.3.3 Encourage one on one, group family learning, and early childhoodeducation mentoring resources.4.4 Encourage excellence and success in early education programs.4.4.1 Establish professional school readiness facilitator visits for homebaseddaycares that expand educational offerings, including fieldtrips, for children.Create and update document as easilyaccessible resource.Increased participation in parent trainingworkshops.Program developed with at least 10participants.Establishment of school readinessfacilitator.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Horizons Summer Camp, Ivy Tech, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, MountZion Academy, Precious Gifts Childcare, School 48, School 60, Shortridge HighSchool, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis,Family Development Services, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association,Indiana Black Expo, Ivy Tech, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association,Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, School 48, School 60, ShortridgeHigh School, Stand for Children, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis,Family Development Services, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association,Indiana Black Expo, Ivy Tech, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association,Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, School 48, School 60, ShortridgeHigh School, Stand for Children, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationChild Care Answers, Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis, The Children’sMuseum of IndianapolisGoodwill Industries, Indianapolis Healthy Start, IU Health, The Children’s Museumof IndianapolisChild Care Answers, Ivy TechThe Children’s Museum ofIndianapolisThe Children’s Museum ofIndianapolisThe Children’s Museum ofIndianapolisDay Nursery Association ofIndianapolisDay Nursery Association ofIndianapolisDay Nursery Association ofIndianapolisDay Nursery Association ofIndianapolis13 14 15 1613 14 15 1613 14 15 1612 13 14 15 16121214Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan35

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year4.5 Pursue business as learning.4.5.1 Neighborhood youth identify, develop and use by agreementa vacant lot to manage an urban garden that integrates food,nutrition, gardening as an integrated effort.4.5.2 Encourage and track paid or educational credit work studyopportunities, shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships forneighborhood youth and adults.4.6 Increase resident awareness, access and connectivity to educational facilities.4.6.1 Promote Ivy Tech programs and resources to area households viabi-annual open houses and newsletters.4.6.2 Promote InfoZone library usage and digital literacy programmingfor area residents and early childhood education organizations.Program created and a vacant or useablelot used for summer urban garden.Paid/credit opportunities available to 20residents by 2014 and 50 residents by 2016.At least two open-houses held forneighborhood residents each year.Increase in number of residents and earlychildhood programs using InfoZone.Blue Earth, Ivy Tech, Mid-North Pantry, Purdue Extension, School 60, TheChildren’s Museum of IndianapolisMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment CorporationProvidence Christo Rey High School, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Ivy Tech 13Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationThe Children’s Museum of Indianapolis4.6.3 Establish a Mid-North Center for Working Families location. Center for Working Families established. Central Indiana Community Foundation, Local Initiatives Support Corporation,Making Connections Indianapolis4.6.4 Develop plan for a centrally-located large community center. Stakeholder planning council established bythe end of 2012 and plan with sponsors andcommitments developed by 2015.Indy Parks, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, Near NorthDevelopment Corporation, Pacers Entertainment, Purdue Extension, StarfishInitiativeIvy Tech 12 13 14 15 16Indianapolis-Marion 12County Public LibraryIvy Tech 12KI EcoCenter 12 13 14 151336Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Education5. Mid-North area residents will embrace holistic wellness and live healthier lifestyles.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year5.1 Improve access to health and wellness education facilities and resources.5.1.1 Promote access to health care facilities. Increase in percentage of residents usinghealth care facilities.5.1.2 Establish a new health and wellness facility for area families andindividuals, employees, and students.5.2 Improve wellness education outreach.5.2.1 Encourage usage of mobile health outreach mechanisms by arearesidents, individuals, and employees .Establishment of health and wellnessfacility in the neighborhood.Mobile education and outreach mechanismestablished.Health and Hospital Corporation, Marion County Health Department, MartinLuther King Community Center, Mid-North Shepherd’s Center, Raphael HealthCenterIU Health 12 13 14 15 16IU Health, Raphael Health Center, Ruth Lilly Health Education Center, YMCA Ivy Tech 13Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Garden on the Go, Highland VicinityNeighborhood Association, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association,Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, Watson-McCord NeighborhoodAssociationIU Health 12 13 14 15 165.2.2 Conduct Community Health Needs Assessment Survey. Survey conducted and data analyzed. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis IU Health 125.2.3 Create a neighborhood health and/or wellness index based ondata gleaned from Community Needs Assessment.5.2.4 Promote healthy nutrition and lifestyle workshops, seminars, andresources to area families, individuals, and employees.Index created. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis IU Health 13Workshops or programs accessible toneighborhood residents and employees.American Chef Federation, Mid-North Food Pantry, Ruth Lilly Health EducationCenter, Sodexo, The Children’s Museum of IndianapolisIvy Tech 12Mid-North Quality of Life Plan37

Housing6. The Mid-North area will address substandard housing and housing-related quality of life issues for homeownersand renters in the six Mid-North neighborhoods by using a creative and informed mix of renovation,repurposing, and new development.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year6.1 Develop, establish and facilitate a neighbor-powered volunteer group who will advocate for changes in policy and practice that affect the quality of the Mid-North area’s housing.6.1.1 Bring together stakeholders from each neighborhood to help formthe group.6.1.2 Determine a vision, create a plan of action, and develop progressgoals for the work of the group.6.1.3 Create a broad-based neighborhood housing plan to prioritizehousing intervention strategies and lead entities responsible forimplementation.6.1.4 Collect existing and develop new resources to support the work ofthe group, including but not limited to the creation of a lot-by-lotassessment tool and property data collection toolkit.6.1.5 Document best practices from inside and outside the area andprovide strategic guidance as to how these can best be used tofurther the housing goals of the Mid-North neighborhoods.Volunteer group established and meetingquarterly.Vision drafted; action plan created withprogress benchmarks established.Housing plan created.Database of new and existing resourcesestablished.Best practices collected and plan of actionfor implementation established.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Mapleton-FallCreek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Watson-McCord NeighborhoodAssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Mapleton-FallCreek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationBall State University College of Architecture and Planning Indianapolis Center,Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of Code Enforcement,Department of Metropolitan Development, Health and Hospital Corporation,Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Indianapolis Metropolitan PoliceDepartment, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Ivy Tech, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland NeighborhoodAssociation, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of Code Enforcement,Department of Metropolitan Development, Health and Hospital Corporation,Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Indianapolis Coalition forNeighborhood Development, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership,Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Local Initiatives SupportCorporation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporation1212 1313 1415 1615 16Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.38Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year6.2 Create new and innovative uses for vacant and abandoned properties.6.2.1 Facilitate the implementation of appropriate and applicablebest-practice and innovative demonstration pilot projects to reusevacant and abandoned residential housing throughout the MidNorth area.6.2.2 Facilitate the implementation of appropriate and applicable bestpracticeand innovative demonstration pilot projects to repurposevacant and abandoned properties throughout the Mid-North area.6.3 Continue to promote and support homeownership in the Mid-North area.6.3.1 Promote pre-ownership training for individuals wishing to investand live in the Mid-North area.6.3.2 Identify vacant properties that would make stronghomeownership options and market those to investors or potentialhome buyers.6.3.3 Improve living conditions by making repairs to owner occupiedhouses.10 vacant and abandoned propertiesreturned to residential use.Five vacant or abandoned propertiesrepurposed by neighborhood-basedorganizations.80 homebuyers purchase homes aftercompleting homebuyer trainings, 50residents access education regardingpersonal finance or homebuying, and 5homeownership fairs.List of vacant properties completed andupdated annually; marketing strategydeveloped$1 million in health, safety, and/or structuralimprovements to 125 substandard owneroccupiedhouses will be documented in thenext 5 years.6.3.4 Establish an employer-assisted home ownership program. Pilot program established in 2012 with atleast 30 assisted purchases by participatingemployees by 2016.6.3.5 Create a Homeownership Care Program to educate currenthomeowners on home improvements.6.3.6 Continue and expand the Near North Development CorporationLease-Purchase program.At least one community supported eventannually.At least 20 completed purchases byparticipating households by 2016.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of Metropolitan Development,Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Indy Land Bank, Mapleton-FallCreek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Department of MetropolitanDevelopment, Department of Public Works, Growing Places Indy, HighlandVicinity Neighborhood Association, Indy Land Bank, Indy Tilth, IU Health, KeepIndianapolis Beautiful, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, Purdue Extension, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Fall Creek Academy, Highland VicinityNeighborhood Association, Indianapolis Housing Agency, IndianapolisNeighborhood Housing Partnership, Mapleton-Fall Creek NeighborhoodAssociation, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, MetropolitanIndianapolis Board of Realtors, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCitizens Energy Group, Habitat for Humanity, Indiana Community ActionAssociation, Indianapolis Power and LightCitizens Energy Group, Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, Habitat forHumanity, Indiana Community Action Association, Indianapolis Power and LightCommunity Action of Greater Indianapolis, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association,Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association, Indianapolis NeighborhoodHousing Partnership, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCommunity Action of Greater Indianapolis, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association,Health and Hospital Corporation, Highland Vicinity Neighborhood Association,Home Depot, Indianapolis Coalition for Neighborhood Development, IndianapolisNeighborhood Housing Partnership, Lowes, Mapleton-Fall Creek NeighborhoodAssociation, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association6.3.7 Support foreclosure prevention services for current homeowners. At least 25 homeowners served annually. Apprisen Financial Advocates, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership,Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation, Near North DevelopmentCorporation, Neighborhood Christian Legal CenterMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationNear North DevelopmentCorporationCommunity Action ofGreater Indianapolis12 13 1412 13 1412 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1615 1612 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 16Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan39

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year6.4 Implement targeted housing revitalization efforts.6.4.1 Continue the targeted redevelopment effort in Mapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation’s “20/21” target area of Mapleton-FallCreek that emphasizes green development and affordable singlefamily and duplex houses.6.4.2 Build a mixed-use housing development at the 2900 block ofCentral Avenue that provides independent housing options forseniors in the community.6.4.3 Design and implement a process to steward abandoned propertiesowned by the Indy Land Bank by marketing the properties andconnecting them with neighbors and investors for redevelopment.6.4.4 Complete Near North Development Corporation’s “CK 30/33”housing revitalization initiative with the goals of increasingproperty values, re-establishing a functioning for-sale market, andproviding increased homeownership opportunities for a diversesocio-economic mix of households.6.4.5 Facilitate the transfer of tax or mortgage foreclosed properties toprivate or non-profit investors to increase the supply of quality,affordable owner-occupied or rental housing.6.4.6 Create and launch a targeted, comprehensive housingrevitalization initiative incorporating best practices from NearNorth Development Corporation’s “CK 30/33” initiative as well aspilot projects identified by the Mid-North housing group.6.4.7 Engage community stakeholders around the planning anddevelopment of the Winona re-development.6.5 Utilize housing planning and redevelopment as an economic development opportunity.6.5.1 Research Mid-North area housing-related capacities includingemployment, training, and rehabilitation projects.6.5.2 Create a plan to support neighborhood-based workforce/workforce training to do homeowner repairs, rehabilitations, anddeconstructions and to reuse, recycle and market deconstructedmaterials.Vacant structures will be reduced to fewerthan 50 in the 20/21 target area by 2016.Senior housing will be constructed.Habitat for Humanity, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation Housingand Steering CommitteesMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment CorporationMapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation Housing and Steering Committees Mapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation75 properties stewarded. Habitat for Humanity, Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation Housingand Steering Committees, Near North Development Corporation24 severely blighted structures demolished,40 single-family homes developed andsold, and repairs made to 18 substandardowner-occupied homes in the target area.Community Action of Greater Indianapolis, Habitat for Humanity, IndianapolisNeighborhood Housing Partnership, Health and Hospital Corporation45 properties transferred. Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Fannie Mae, Highland VicinityNeighborhood Association, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership,Indy Land Bank, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, National Community Stabilization Trust,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationPlan developed in 2012 with resourcesidentified in 2013 and implementation in2014.Two public community input sessionsconvened annually.Report published and accessible toneighborhood residents.Plan developed.Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Meridian Highland Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Meridian HighlandNeighborhood Association, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Ivy Tech Green Building Technology Program, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationCrown Hill Neighborhood Association, EmployIndy, Highland VicinityNeighborhood Association, Ivy Tech, Local Initiatives Support Corporation,Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Martin Luther King CommunityCenter, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment CorporationNear North DevelopmentCorporationNear North DevelopmentCorporationNear North DevelopmentCorporationThe Children’s Museum ofIndianapolisMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporationMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment Corporation,Near North DevelopmentCorporation12 13 14 15 1612 13 1412 13 1412 1312 13 1412 13 1412 13 141314 1540Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Senior Advocacy7. Seniors are empowered to age and engage in the neighborhoods of Mid-North.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year7.1 Establish networks and centers of services that help keep seniors engaged with each other and their communities.7.1.1 Identify existing centers of senior activity. Report identifying existing centerscompleted and delivered to Mid-NorthN-NORC Advisory Board.7.1.2 Explore and advocate for establishment of additional neededsenior centers (either stand-alone or as extension of existingcenter). Develop mechanisms to support, promote and connectexisting centers with each other and seniors.7.1.3 Mobilize seniors to network with one another and coordinatecommunication through the establishment of a Mid-North SeniorsSteering Committee. Engage neighborhood associations andestablish cross-neighborhood linkages, coordinate involvement atthe block level, and train callers to develop the network.7.1.4 Create, publish, and widely distribute a master list of all services inall aspects of life available to seniors.7.1.5 Activate, strengthen and support intergenerational activities andnetworks through churches, community centers, historic placesand museums, and other hubs including those at which seniorsmay volunteer.Documentation of identified need andmechanisms that connect, promote andsupport existing centers sent to Mid-NorthN-NORC Advisory Board.Six neighborhood associations sign MOULead Caller and callers in each of at least3 blocks per neighborhood are identifiedand trained.A network of 10 seniors in eachneighborhood is established.List of services completed, printed,published and distributed throughoutMid-North area.At least four planned intergenerationalactivities in the Mid-North area each yearafter 2012.CICOA, Martin Luther King Community Center, Senior 1000 CoalitionCICOA, Martin Luther King Community Center, Phillips Temple, Senior 1000Coalition, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, University of IndianapolisAARP, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Mapleton-Fall CreekNeighborhood Association, Martin Luther King Community Center, MeridianHighland Neighborhood Association, University of Indianapolis, Watson-McCordNeighborhood AssociationCICOA, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Marion County Prosecutor’sOffice, Mid-North Shepherd’s Center, Senior 1000 CoalitionIvy Tech, Martin Luther King Community Center, Mid-North Shepherd’s Center,OASIS, Purdue Extension, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, University ofIndianapolisMid-North Shepherd’sCenterMid-North Shepherd’sCenterMid-North Shepherd’sCenterMartin Luther KingCommunity Center121212 13 14 15 16KI EcoCenter 12 13 14 15 1612Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan41

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year7.3.5 Implement the Mid-North N-NORC Plan to provide an opportunityfor seniors to age in place in their neighborhood.7.4 Arrange networks of services that help ensure seniors’ safety at home and in their community.7.4.1 Assess the physical safety of seniors’ living conditions and connectseniors with assistance to address identified safety concerns.7.4.2 Utilize a calling tree as the core of a “buddy system” in whichsomeone regularly checks on the well-being of all seniors.7.4.3 Provide quick and easy access to emergency and supportiveservices such as medical necklaces, wristbands and talking callerIDs with medical history and recordable voice announcement atlow cost or free. Ensure that all Mid-North area seniors have accessto assistive technology services.All Collaborating partners are activelyengaged in implementation.Safety audit program developed and atleast 10 seniors each year participate.Increase in number of homes providedwith carbon monoxide detectors, smoke/fire alarms, fire extinguishers and alarmsystems as appropriate.At least 100 “buddy” teams of seniors areconnected.Emergency and supportive devices andassistive technology services are availableto seniors who need and request them atlow or no cost.AARP, AccessAbility, Briarwood Health and Rehabilitation, CICOA, Crown HillNeighborhood Association, Highland Manor Healthcare, Highland VicinityNeighborhood Association, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association,Indianapolis Retirement Home Inc., IU Health, Mapleton-Fall Creek DevelopmentCorporation, Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association, Marion CountyHealth Department, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association, Mid-North Shepherd’s Center, Mobile Doctors, Senior 1000 Coalition, University ofIndianapolis, Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationAccessAbility, CICOA, Citizens Energy Group, Department of Code Enforcement,Health and Hospital Corporation, Indiana Family and Social ServicesAdministration Adult Protective Services, Indianapolis Fire Department,Indianapolis Metropolitan Police DepartmentCICOA, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, Highland Vicinity NeighborhoodAssociation, Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, Mapleton-FallCreek Neighborhood Association, Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association,Watson-McCord Neighborhood AssociationAccessAbility, Health and Hospital Corporation, IU Health, Marion County HealthDepartment, Mid-North Shepherd’s CenterMartin Luther KingCommunity CenterMapleton-Fall CreekDevelopment CorporationMid-North Shepherd’sCenterMartin Luther KingCommunity Center1213 14 15 1613 14 15 1613 14 15 16Mid-North Quality of Life Plan43

Senior Advocacy8. Seniors will enjoy a high quality of life by embracing a holistic approach to wellness that addresses theirphysical, intellectual, and spiritual needs.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year8.1 Promote health by informing seniors about, and coordinating providers of: medical, insurance, prevention measures, health and alternative health options, fitness, and nutrition.8.1.1 Coordinate service provider spokespersons to present to seniorgroups on a regular basis. Promote all such presentations sothat senior group participants and those in senior housingarrangements are informed about these presentations.8.1.2 Establish and maintain informational displays on health andwellness, medical and insurance services, prevention measures,nutrition, fitness and related topics at locations frequented byseniors.8.1.3 Engage entities to inform and advocate with health providers tomake aids to personal comfort known and available to seniors atlow or no cost.8.2 Promote activities that strengthen the mental, intellectual, and spiritual health of seniors.8.2.1 Engage all places of worship in the Mid-North area to ensure thatthe spiritual needs of seniors are met through access to places ofspiritual wellness.8.2.2 Advocate for peaceful and uplifting environments in all placesfrequented by seniors, including apartment buildings, assistiveliving arrangements, and senior centers.8.2.3 Arrange transportation for seniors to and from parks, art galleriesand museums, historic and cultural sites, and other upliftingenvironments.8.2.4 Coordinate existing extension programs, historic places andcultural sites, museums, and programs at community andsenior centers to ensure that seniors have access to education,entertainment, personal growth, spiritual wellness, and volunteeropportunities.At least four presentations are made tosenior groups each year.An informational display is set up andmaintained at each senior living facility,senior center, and at least six churches.At least two presentations to senior healthproviders concerning these aids and at leasttwo presentations to senior groups aremade each year.Increase in the number of churchesproviding transportation to and from placesof worship and spiritual wellness.Increase in the number of new peacefuland uplifting environments created.Increase in number of seniors using freeand low cost transportation options to visitparks, art galleries and museums, historicand cultural sites, and other upliftingenvironments.Increase in number of seniors takingadvantage of education, entertainment,personal growth, spiritual wellness, andvolunteer opportunities.AARP, CICOA, Health and Hospital Corporation, IU Health, Martin Luther KingCommunity Center, OASIS, Raphael Health Center, University of IndianapolisBriarwood Health and Rehabilitation, IU Health, Marion County HealthDepartment, Senior 1000 CoalitionAARP, CICOA, IU Health, Marion County Health Department, Purdue ExtensionMid-North Church Council, OASIS, Tabernacle Presbyterian ChurchMid-North Church Council, Mid-North Shepherd’s Center, University ofIndianapolisAccessAbility, CICOA, IndyConnect, IndyGo, Mid-North Shepherd’s Center,University of IndianapolisIndianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, IUPUI Community LearningNetwork, Ivy Tech, OASIS, Purdue Extension, The Children’s Museum ofIndianapolisMid-North Shepherd’sCenterMartin Luther KingCommunity CenterMid-North Shepherd’sCenterMid-North Shepherd’sCenterMartin Luther KingCommunity CenterMartin Luther KingCommunity CenterMartin Luther KingCommunity Center12 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1612 13 14 15 1612 131312 1312 13 14 15 1644Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

Youth Engagement9. Youth are aware of and have access to community resources to empower and improve their own quality of life.Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year9.1 Gather and disseminate information about youth in the neighborhood.9.1.1 Develop a survey created through youth focus groups thatevaluates issues facing neighborhood youth, identifies existingservice and project-based learning programs, and youth access tocommunity resources.9.1.2 Hold a Youth Summit, organized through neighborhood youth,that addresses issues identified through the youth survey andincorporates concepts of youth rights; a youth-based definition of“education;” and potential projects to serve multiple age groupsand community needs.9.1.3 Involve youth through the formation of a Youth Council thatdevelops its own goals while exploring concepts identified throughthe youth summit.9.1.4 Create a media network to maintain and sustain youth awarenessby identifying sponsors and partners to support and participate inthe network.Survey created.Youth Summit attended by at least 250residents.Youth group formed with participation/attendance by at least 20 students.Network established with informationregularly included in church and schoolnewsletters and posted to newly-createdFacebook and Twitter accounts.Boys and Girls Club, Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Ivy Tech,Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Purdue Extension, The Children’s Museum ofIndianapolis, Urban Mission YMCA, Youth as Resources, Youth in High DefIndianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Ivy Tech, Shortridge High School,Stand for Children, Urban Mission YMCA, Youth as ResourcesKI EcoCenter 12KI EcoCenter 12 13Stand for Healthy Parents KI EcoCenter 12 13 14 15 16Indiana Black Expo, WFYI, Youth Media Network KI EcoCenter 129.2 Develop and leverage more accessibility and engagement to youth programs.9.2.1 Identify community based programs that focus on or include Inventory collection completed. Indiana 211 Partnership, Marion County Commission on Youth KI EcoCenter 12components that address youth.9.2.2 Develop a community based youth resource directory that Resource directory created. Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, Ivy Tech KI EcoCenter 12identifies arts and recreation programming for youth thatincludes music, dance, drama, poetry, reading, debate, arts andcrafts, culinary, urban gardening, sports and fitness, and foreignlanguage.9.2.3 Identify or develop peer mentoring programming that increase Peer mentoring programs identified. 100 Black Men, Marion County Commission on Youth KI EcoCenter 13 14youth cognitive skills.9.3 Improve mobility of neighborhood youth by increasing transportation options.9.3.1 Identify various transportation options, including those providedby churches, taxis, corporate shuttles, IndyGo, schools, andthrough carpooling. Investigate enhancements such as pass keyboarding, pass key bike systems, and free or reduced-cost buspasses.Transportation options for youth identified. Indianapolis Public Schools, IndyGo, Marion County Commission on Youth,Mayor’s OfficeKI EcoCenter 13 149.3.2 Obtain commitment from partners to coordinate transportationoptions for youth in programming.Commitments secured to providetransportation and/or training ontransportation options for youth.Fall Creek Academy, Free Wheelin Bikes, IndyGo KI EcoCenter 12Action steps for this result are continued on the next page.Mid-North Quality of Life Plan45

Action Steps Performance Measures Collaborating Partners Lead Partner Year9.4 Develop youth-led, project-based community learning programs.9.4.1 Partner to develop a project-based youth development programtailored to urban neighborhoods that includes elements such asurban farming, nutrition education, urban arts, cultural, civic, andmedia literacies, civic engagement and children’s rights, criticalthinking skills, and character and leadership development.Program developed with at least 20neighborhood youth participating.4-H, FFA, People for Urban Progress, Purdue Extension, Stand for Children, UrbanLeagueKI EcoCenter 13 14 15 1646Six Neighborhoods. One Vision.

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