Chili Lunch for New Jersey Street

New Jersey Street Esplanade Association Chili Lunch

Saturday, February 21st, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Maria's Pizza.
Free chili lunch with a donation.

Jim Mulholland

On February 21st The South New Jersey street Esplanade Association is giving a Chili Cookoff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maria's Pizza at 1106 Prospect Avenue (a few doors east of the Fountain Square Library.) The Chili is free with the hope of a donation to the Association to help maintain the eplanade that was redone last year.

This is why all south east residents should come and eat chili.

The New Jersey street project has received so much positive attention from all over the city for neighborhood volunteerism that it has become a magnet for redevelopment funds and homeowner grants for the entire south east area. Already a housing trust has also earmarked an additional $300,000 in grant money for renovation aid to homeowners on streets surrounding New Jersey street. The New Jersey Street Esplanade joins The Simon Cancer Center, and the White River State Park in receiving the coveted Monumental Award. This project has broken down the old thinking that development is only really positive on the North side of Indianapolis. This spring it needs to look better than ever because everyone is driving down it to see the huge transformation. Come check it out.

So why should you care?

Because you stand to benefit. Money is tighter than ever. South New Jersey Street, Bates-Hendricks, SEND, KIBI, and Fountain Square have shown Indianapolis that this side of town has a great deal to offer. We have to fight for our share of the stimulous money. Projects like the New Jersey street Esplanade need to look sharp this spring. It takes money for mulch and grass seed and fertilizer.

Another reason you should also care is because there is a lot more to do in this area and money to go around. The money will go to the neighborhoods that get our of their recliners and get out on the street taking on positive projects that improve the area. Show your spirit. Sweep your street. Pick up some trash and then come eat some chili.

Here is how it works.

Maria's is donating its space. Several of the best cooks in the Bates-Hendricks area are duking it out over bragging rights to the best chili on the southeast side. You will be the judge. We will let you taste each one, vote, and then sit down and have a bowl of chili and some homemade dessert for lunch. Hopefully you will make a donation.

The New Jersey street project showed Indianapolis that our residents are proud, motivated, and have something to offer. We finally have some prositive momentum for change and money coming in and the southeast. Come eat chili, vote, donate, and show Indianapolis that the Southeast is a force to be reconed with.

Please forward this to everyone you know to invite them.

Greg Allen