MAYOR BALLARD, PACERS COACH JIM O’BRIEN SEEK VOLUNTEERS, DONATIONS FOR 2010 INDY HOMELESS CONNECT

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Pacers coach Jim O’Brien and representatives from the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) announced today the upcoming 2010 Indy Homeless Connect, which will serve hundreds of homeless individuals and families.

Mayor Ballard, Coach O’Brien and members from CHIP also asked the community to volunteer and donate money for this day-long event. Mayor Ballard and his wife Winnie, and Indiana Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien and his wife Sharon will serve as the honorary co-chairs for the second year.

“Indianapolis is full of compassionate people who come together to pick up their neighbors and help those who truly need it most,” said Mayor Ballard. “By volunteering and donating money through Indy Homeless Connect, we can empower and encourage our homeless neighbors to seek the services they need.”

Indy Homeless Connect is a one-day event that offers dozens of core services to homeless clients such as acute medical care, food, mental health counseling, legal advice, employment guidance, and housing assistance – all under one roof. Indy Homeless Connect also provides non-essential “extra care” services, like free phone calls, books, and haircuts.

“My wife Sharon and I believe it is unacceptable for individuals and families to live without homes,” said O’Brien. “Indy Homeless Connect is a place where lives can change and we are committed to making it a success for our community and homeless neighbors.”

The 2010 Indy Homeless Connect will take place Tuesday, March 23 at the Indiana Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

About Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention:

The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis (CHIP) is a focal point and a resource for service providers and the lead entity for implementing the Blueprint to End Homelessness. For a listing of local service providers, or to learn more about volunteering or donating money to Indy Homeless Connect, individuals can contact CHIP directly www.chipindy.org.

A note from the new Mayor's Neighborhood Liasion

Dear Neighborhood and Community leaders,

By now I’ve probably sent enough emails that you have figured out who I am. I apologize for not sending this email out 3 weeks ago to avoid any confusion.

My name is Lisa Laflin, and I am Mayor Ballard’s Liaison for your area. I have taken over this position from Dennis Papenmeier, whom I’m pretty sure you all know and love.

I am not new to the City or to communities and many of you know me from my previous roles in DPW and with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.

I am looking forward to meeting you all over the next few months, and to serving your area. I know that Dennis worked hard for you and I intend to uphold his standards of responsiveness and reliability.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or issues about your neighborhood.

Many of you did not have monthly meetings in February do to the snow, so I hope to see you all during the month of March.

Warmest Regards,

Lisa Laflin

Mayor's Neighborhood Liaison

South Center Township

Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services

2160 City-County Building

200 E. Washington Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

317-327-5595

llaflin@indy.gov

A note from Cliff Myers

As you have seen in the News, we have a new Chief of Police. Yesterday, Paul Ciesielski was named as our Chief. Chief Ciesielski has hit the ground running and is in the process of developing his staff and formulating our crime strategy. I am happy to say that the Chief has given me a vote of confidence and I will remain as your Southeast District commander. The Chief is impressed with what we have developed in our District. Thanks to our great working relationship with our community partners, we drove down crime 19% last year in the Southeast District, the largest decrease in the city. It is my privilege to work with you and I thank you all for your continued great work in your neighborhoods. I am confident that we will have many successes in the future.

Have a great weekend.

Cliff Myers

Southeast District, Commander

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

1150 S. Shelby Street

Indpls. IN 46203

317- 327-6300

FREE Cholesterol Screenings

FREE

Cholesterol Screenings

March 18^th

10 AM – Noon

2^nd Floor of Southeast Community Services Senior Center

901 Shelby Street

Sponsored by:

Today’s Options & the Indiana Heart Hospital

Sponsored by:

Today’s Options & the Indiana Heart Hospital

WINTER WEATHER REMINDER: CLEAR YOUR STORM INLETS

With cold weather in full effect, treacherous driving conditions are not the only concern in Indianapolis this winter season. Ice and snow that covers storm inlets can also contribute to drainage problems and slick conditions on residential streets. As a result, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) is asking residents and property owners to do their part and regularly check and clear storm inlets of snow, ice and other debris.

“We live in a city where the weather can fluctuate greatly and all the freezing and thawing of snow and ice can have a significant impact on our community,” DPW Director David Sherman said. “Clearing inlets when you shovel your driveway or sidewalk is one small way to improve your neighborhood this winter.”

Clogged or blocked storm inlets can lead to numerous problems. Snow and ice can block proper water flow into storm inlets resulting in drainage problems, flooded streets and dangerous conditions, such as black ice on streets and sidewalks. In addition, standing water on streets can work its way into the sanitary and combined sewers, taking up needed capacity and contributing to raw sewage overflows and backups at homes and businesses.

There are more than 10,000 miles of drainage facilities in Marion County. Approximately 6,000 of those miles are on private property and must be maintained by property owners, according to Sections 431-506 and 561-211 of the Revised Code of the City and County. For these property owners, drainage responsibilities include clearing storm inlets.

For further information, please call the Mayor’s Action Center at 327.4622 or visit www.indy.gov/dpw.

MAYOR WELCOMES HANGZHOU DELEGATION TO INDIANAPOLIS DELEGATION COMES FOLLOWING MAYOR'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MISSION IN 2008

Mayor Greg Ballard today met with a delegation of
government, cultural and business leaders from Hangzhou, China. Mayor
Ballard extended an invitation to the Hangzhou delegation following his
2008 economic development trip to the country.

"Positioning our city as a strong global competitor is key to ensuring
our success for decades to come," said Mayor Ballard. "Our strong
relationship with China is providing ample opportunity for economic and
cultural exchanges -- helping Indianapolis establish a stronger global
presence."

Last year, Ningbo manufacturer Goodtime Science & Technology Co. Ltd.
located their U.S. distribution center in Indianapolis. The company
manufactures and distributes environmentally-friendly and
energy-efficient rubber, plastic, and metal items and molds for major
auto makers including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda. The company
considered locations in Michigan, Kentucky and Missouri but ultimately
chose Indianapolis because of its superior market reach, ease of doing
business and quality of life.

"Establishing relationships with community and business leaders in
Hangzhou and our other sister cities is crucial to our international
economic development efforts, which is why we have taken the opportunity
to visit Hangzhou twice in the past year. We are pleased to now take our
turn in welcoming their delegation and are thrilled they will have the
opportunity to experience firsthand all that Indianapolis has to offer,"
said Scott Miller, CEO, Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. (IEDI).

While in Indianapolis, the Hangzhou delegation also met with executives
with IEDI as well as toured several local attractions including the
Indianapolis Museum of Art and Conseco Fieldhouse.

"Indianapolis has so much to offer and we are very excited to be able to
share with the Hangzhou delegation many of our most famed cultural
attractions," said Carolin Requiz Smith, Director of the Mayor's Office
of
International and Cultural Affairs. "Hangzhou has been an excellent
partner for Indianapolis, and we are happy to have this opportunity to
extend some Hoosier hospitality."

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is a Sister City to
Indianapolis and is known for its pharmaceutical sector and strong
manufacturing sector with a focus in automotive components, and it is a
popular tourist destination.

The Mayor's criteria for selecting a Sister City include having a
metropolitan population of more than one million, an international
airport, economic vitality in multiple industries and an education and
cultural infrastructure able to foster exchanges with Indianapolis
institutions.

MAYOR BALLARD NAMES PAUL CIESIELSKI NEW CHIEF OF IMPD; PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR STRAUB ANNOUNCES REORGANIZATION

Mayor Greg Ballard today named Paul Ciesielski as chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, while Public Safety Director, Dr. Frank Straub, announced other changes to IMPD’s command team.

“Paul brings the right mix of command experience, community credibility, and leadership skills to the position of chief of police,” stated Ballard. “He is committed to making Indianapolis a safer place to work, live and raise a family.”

Ciesielski was promoted to chief of IMPD from his current position as commander of the department’s Northwest district, where he had served since January 2007. He has over 23 years service on the force.

“It's an honor and privilege to serve as your chief of police,” said Ciesielski. “I am proud of the leadership team we have assembled and the service our officers provide to the community every day. I look forward to working with every officer to make our city a better place to live.”

Along with the appointment of a new police chief, Director Straub announced the following changes to the command staff:

• Daryl Pierce: Assistant Chief of Police

• Ronald Hicks: Deputy Chief of Operations

• Valerie Cunningham: Deputy Chief of Professional Standards

• Michael Spears: Captain, Planning and Research Division

• John Conley: Major, Homeland Security Division

• Michael Bates: Commander, Homeland Security Division

"The IMPD leadership changes announced today represent an important moment in the Department's rich history,” stated Straub. “This talented and diverse team represents the future of policing in the City of Indianapolis. A police department that is committed to driving down crime and violence, strengthening ties to the community it serves, and building a diverse workforce while developing the next generation of leaders."

Mayor Ballard also took time to praise the work of IMPD Chief Michael Spears.

“Chief Spears led IMPD during some of its most difficult and challenging times—but he did so with distinction, dedication, and honor. All Indianapolis citizens owe him a debt of gratitude for his service.”

MAYOR BALLARD ANNOUNCES NEW CHARTER SCHOOL

Mayor Greg Ballard today announced that the Indiana Math and Science Academy-North (IMSA-N) will receive a charter and plans to open this fall. The City-County Council ratified the Mayor's decision by a vote of 21-6.

"I congratulate the school's board of directors and founding group for putting forth a highly detailed plan to create a college preparatory K-12 school that focuses on science and mathematics," said Mayor Ballard. "At the same time, we will hold them accountable for the results they promise to achieve."

IMSA-N seeks to prepare its students for college by creating an effective learning environment of higher standards and expectations, and a curriculum that focuses on mathematics, science, and technology. The school will serve a maximum of 450 students in grades K-8 and 200 in grades 9-12 - and offer a personalized approach to instruction. IMSA-N also proposes to have an extended school day, week, and year in order to ensure that all students have enough time to acquire the academic skills and knowledge necessary to compete for entry into selective colleges. In its first year, IMSA-N plans to serve 400 students in grades K-7 and eventually grow to serve students in grades K-12. The school plans to locate at 7435 North Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis.

The school's board is led by Reverend Kent Millard - Senior Pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church on Indianapolis' north side. Operations of the school will be managed by Concept Schools, a not-for-profit charter management organization that operates 19 schools in four states. While serving a high minority and high poverty student population, 94 percent of schools managed by Concept Schools met federal academic requirements (i.e., made Adequate Yearly Progress) in 2009. Concept Schools' portfolio also includes the top non-selective public school in the City of Chicago and a federal Blue Ribbon award winning school in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Mayor's announcement follows a rigorous evaluation process by the Mayor's Indianapolis Charter School Board, led by former Lieutenant Governor John Mutz. The Board held multiple televised public meetings and thoroughly scrutinized the application over a six-month period with the assistance of charter school staff and external experts in curriculum, governance, and finance. The public meetings and school's application are all available on the City's website at www.indy.gov.

Charter schools are independent public schools that have control over their own curriculum, staffing, organization and budget. In exchange for this freedom, they must meet the highest academic standards. Eighteen Mayor-sponsored charter schools are currently in operation. For more information on Mayor-sponsored charter schools, visit www.indy.gov/mayor/charter.

$5.5 MILLION IN RECOVERED TAX ABATEMENTS WILL EXPAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

In January, Mayor Greg Ballard signaled a shift in economic development strategy for the city by announcing plans to reinvest $5.5 million from recovered tax abatements in efforts to seek new investment and create jobs in Marion County. Monday night, the City-County Council approved the measure, which will direct $3.5 million to Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. (IEDI) $1.5 million to the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA), and $500,000 to be divided among the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) and the Office of Education Innovation (OEI).

The funds will come from companies that received tax breaks but failed to meet obligations to create or retain jobs locally, and they will offer a significant boost to economic development efforts that are currently receiving about $500,000 a year.

Statement from Mayor Ballard:
"We have great organizations tasked with growing wealth and opportunity for our entire community, and they have demonstrated that they know how to achieve an astounding return on investment. It's time we invest at a level that is appropriate for a city this size, with this much to offer businesses looking for a place to locate or conventions looking for a new venue. We need IEDI and ICVA to be the economic drivers that act in concert with the city as development investment partners for critical deals to continue bringing jobs and capital to Indianapolis."

Statement from Scott Miller, CEO, IEDI:
"Mayor Ballard's commitment to job growth is evident through his support of the funding for IEDI. He understands additional resources are needed to make Indianapolis even more competitive as we aggressively pursue job and investment opportunities throughout the world. With this funding we will be able to create an economic development team modeled after some of the best teams in the country. Couple that with all of the advantages our city already offers and Indianapolis will be hard to beat."

Statement from Don Welsh, ICVA president and CEO:
"The ICVA is deeply grateful to Mayor Ballard, his staff and the members of the City-County Council for the faith they have placed in us. This appropriation, accompanied by a substantial gift from the White Family Foundation, comes at a critical time as we attempt to capitalize on the dramatic additions to our hospitality product. Through aggressive marketing and sales, our organization and our partners are focused on delivering significant return on this investment as we make Indianapolis one of the top convention, meetings and leisure travel destinations in the country."

MAYOR BALLARD DISCUSSES ADMINISTRATION’S EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN CITY’S URBAN CORE; ANNOUNCES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION GRANTS

Mayor Greg Ballard discussed his vision for the city’s urban core at a major speech at the Light of the World Christian Church this evening. He also used the occasion to announce his recommendations for the 2010 Community Crime Prevention Grants.

“My purpose in coming before you tonight is very simple—to make sure you know and all the people of Indianapolis know that there is no neighborhood and no community that is going to be left behind by my administration,” declared Ballard.

The mayor detailed the tremendous investment in Indianapolis neighborhoods since he took office.

“From reducing crime to creating jobs, from investing in our public pools to streamlining the way we handle discrimination claims, and from our drive to improve mass transit to the revitalization of the Mayor’s Action Center, we are working every day to create a city government worthy of its citizens,” continued Ballard.

Mayor Ballard also released his list of recommendations for $4 million in Community Crime Prevention Grants. The Mayor’s recommendations came after an exhaustive evaluation process that included input from the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee.

“Several factors were part of my decision making process, including the applicant’s past outcomes related to crime prevention, the population served by the applicant, the need for the program in the area proposed, and the goals and objectives of the program. What came out of this process and these criteria is a list of programs that affect a cross section of the community and address various specialties,” said Ballard.

Southeast Community Center is recommended by the Mayor for $22,750

Upcoming BCN Web Cast: Gardening on Brownfields Sites – Is it Safe?

Urban Farming / Gardening & Soil Safety - Webcast March 3, 2010 3PM EST

Local gardening and marketing initiatives and agricultural activities in urban areas are on the increase – especially recently, due to rising energy costs, demand for fresh, locally grown food, and society’s interest in sustainable practices. Vacant and abandoned lots, i.e.brownfields may be “re-used” for gardening activities including food production, and many local farms are or will be located on land that may be impacted by previous use.

Check this: http://www.nalgep.org/about/news.cfm?Page=1&NewsID=56428

Fuller Center for Housing of Central Indiana is looking for local families who want to own a home in the Fountain Square area of Indianapolis, Indiana

The Fuller Center for Housing of Central Indiana (FCH) is building houses the week of September 6^th through 10^th and people from all over the world will be coming to be a part of the 2^nd annual “Millard Fuller Legacy Build”. FCH is looking for families who meet the following criteria:

• Families or Individuals (U.S. Citizens)
• Must be able to meet income and credit requirements
• Able to contribute 250 hours of “Sweat Equity” (Volunteerism)
• Ability to repay the mortgage with a “Zero” (0%) interest rate
• Stable verifiable income
• Willingness to partner with a church or non-profit organization
• Currently reside in sub-standard housing

To learn more about this opportunity please contact Chuck Vogt of the Fuller Center for Housing of Central Indiana at (317) 846-1893, South East Neighborhood Development at (317) 634-5079 or the Shepherd Community Center at (317) 375-0203. Deadline for applications is March 15^th, 2010. More information is available online at www.FullerCenterofIndy.org.

INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORY COMMISSION TO HOLD THIRD PUBLIC MEETING

The Infrastructure Advisory Commission will hold a public
meeting on Wednesday, March 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in the Cathedral High
School cafeteria.

The meeting will include a brief presentation by members of the Ballard
Administration, a review of activities since the last public meeting
(August 11, 2009) and will seek public input and questions about the
city's infrastructure needs and strategies.

After the public meeting, residents will be able to view the
presentation and submit comments through the Commission's Web site,
www.indy.gov/Mayor/IAC.

*** SEWAGE OVERFLOW WARNING TODAY ***

Indianapolis' combined sewer system in the old city limits is more than 100 years old and was designed to carry both sewage and rainwater in the same pipe. As little as a quarter-inch of rain can overload the combined sewers, causing raw sewage to overflow into nearby streams. Today, weather conditions indicate a strong possibility that precipitation may cause raw sewage overflows to occur or that raw sewage overflows have occurred in the past 72 hours. If the precipitation occurs as snow, raw sewage overflows may occur days or weeks later, when temperatures near or exceed freezing. Please avoid all contact with water downstream of combined sewers. Swallowing or hand-to-mouth contact with sewage contaminated water could make you sick. Signs are posted along our waterways to identify more than 130 combined sewer outfalls and areas where contact with the water could be hazardous to your health. Even in dry weather, it is best to avoid contact with urban streams and teach children to stay away. The affected areas include: White River downstream from 56th Street, Fall Creek downstream from Keystone Avenue, Little Eagle Creek downstream from Michigan Street, Eagle Creek downstream from the confluence of Little Eagle Creek, Pogues Run downstream from 21st Street, Pleasant Run downstream from Kitley Avenue, State Ditch downstream from Southern Avenue and Bean Creek downstream from I-65. The City of Indianapolis encourages you to take the following protective actions: - Avoid contact with urban streams, especially during and three days after rain or snowmelts. - Alter recreational activities to ones that do not involve contact with urban waterways. For example, walk or bike along a stream rather than swimming, wading or water skiing. - Always wash your hands after contacting water in urban waterways, especially before eating, drinking, smoking or preparing food. - Use a waterless hand sanitizer at outings that occur near urban waterways. The City's Clean Streams-Healthy Neighborhoods program is working to improve our waterways and reduce and eliminate raw sewage overflows. The City is implementing a 20-year, long-term plan to capture raw sewage overflows during all but a few large storms each year. Sewer and wastewater treatment plant improvements have already reduced raw sewage overflows by hundreds of millions of gallons each year. When the plan is complete, more than 95 percent of raw sewage overflows will be captured and treated in a typical year instead of overflowing into local rivers and streams. Under an October 2006 agreement with the state and federal government, the City has agreed to invest: > $1.73 billion (in 2004 dollars) by December 2025 to significantly reduce raw sewage overflows from the combined sewer system; > $50.4 million (in 2004 dollars) by December 2015 to eliminate chronic overflows from seven locations in the separate, sanitary sewer system; and > $3.5 million (in 2004 dollars) by December 2010 on supplemental environmental projects to eliminate septic systems in two neighborhoods. For more information or to view a list of planned projects, visit www.indycleanstreams.org.

MAYOR'S OFFICE RELEASES 2009 ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT ON INDIANAPOLIS MAYOR-SPONSORED CHARTER SCHOOLS

Mayor Greg Ballard today announced the release the 2008-2009 Accountability Report - a comprehensive document that serves as a key component of the schools' rigorous and transparent accountability process.

The report - which is designed to provide the public and stakeholders with a picture of the schools' strengths, challenges, and overall achievement - includes data and performance measures for governance, financial reviews, expert site visits, confidential student and staff surveys and test score analysis.

"The release of this report is significant, because it underscores two of the main reasons charter schools are delivering academic success -- transparency and accountability," said Mayor Ballard. "The key for all Mayor-sponsored schools is continuous improvement. Even the best-performing schools have areas they need to improve upon, so while I am pleased with the overall performance, I will always challenge these schools to keep growing."

Scott Bess, CEO of Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, a Mayor-sponsored charter high school, emphasized the value of the Accountability Report to his school.

"The Mayor's system of oversight is very rigorous," said Bess. "I can attest from personal experience that the level of accountability charter schools face is much more comprehensive and rigorous than most traditional public schools. The Mayor and his team look at every facet of our school's performance -our Board of Directors, our financial position, and our academic achievement. And as a result of last year's assessment, we implemented a number of improvements that helped us operate more effectively. The Mayor's system really pushes us to keep improving, with the end result being a better education for the students we serve."

Performance measures included in the report indicate that students at Mayor-sponsored charter schools are making significant improvement on ISTEP+ each year - most notably in the secondary grades. In 2008-2009, the average improvement in ISTEP+ pass rates in Mayor-sponsored charter elementary schools was 6.9 percentage points, compared to 1.3 points statewide and 1.5 points in Marion County. For secondary schools, the improvement was 6.5 percentage points, compared to a 0.75 point decline statewide and 0.87 point decline in the county. Mayor-sponsored charter schools comprised six of the top 10 schools in Marion County with the most improvement on ISTEP+.

In addition, the Mayor's Office examined student proficiency on ISTEP+ based on the length of time students were enrolled in charter schools. The data indicates that the longer students have been enrolled in charter schools, the better they perform. In the Fall of 2008, 57 percent of students enrolled in a Mayor-sponsored charter school for less than a month passed the ISTEP+ in math. However, among students enrolled for four years, 81 percent passed. Results were similar in English, where 54 percent of students enrolled for less than a month passed, while 67 percent of students who were enrolled for four years passed.

According to the report, Mayor-sponsored charter schools served over 5,300 students in 2008-2009 - around 4% of the county's public school student population. During the 2008-09 school year, 76% of students at Mayor's charter schools were minorities and 73% qualified for free- or reduced- lunch. In comparison, 56% of students in the county and 25% in the state were minorities. 58% of students in the county and 42% of students in the state qualified for free- or reduced- lunch.

The full report, with detailed information regarding the performance of each of the 17 charter schools in operation during the 2008-2009 school year, is available online at www.indy.gov.

RESIDENTS RECYCLE RECORD AMOUNT AT POST-HOLIDAY RECYCLING EVENT

For the fourth year in a row, residents took advantage of the Post-Holiday Recycling Event on January 9 to recycle and properly dispose of holiday waste and unwanted electronics. This year's event brought in the largest amount of recyclable materials, including a thirty-five percent increase in electronics from last year.

"We had a fantastic turnout at this year's event and that just goes to show how much our citizens want to do their part to make Indianapolis a more sustainable city," said Mayor Ballard. "Recycling efforts like this really benefit our community and help improve our quality of life here in Indianapolis."

The Mayor's Office of Sustainability, in conjunction with Indy Parks, the Department of Public Works and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, hosted the event last month at four city park locations, including Broad Ripple, Ellenberger, Garfield and Krannert Parks. Recyclable materials including Christmas trees, cardboard, Styrofoam and electronics were accepted. This was the first year that residents could drop off Styrofoam for recycling.

During a four hour period, volunteers collected an event record of tonnage of recyclable materials including:

* 97.09 tons of electronics (compared to 71.63 tons in 2009)
* 7.3 tons of cardboard (compared to five tons in 2009)
* 510 pounds of Styrofoam

"The post holiday recycling event is a great way for our citizens to get involved," said Office of Sustainability Director, Kären Haley. "Our citizens want to do the right thing, and this event is an easy way for them to properly dispose of their unwanted electronics and recycle other waste associated with the holidays."

Mayor Ballard launched SustainIndy and created the Office of Sustainability in October of 2008. SustainIndy is a bold and innovative enterprise aimed at delivering long-term cost savings to the city, building the local economy, improving our quality of life and enhancing our environmental and public health. Its efforts are designed to aggressively move Indianapolis forward in making it one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest.

ANNOUNCING THE 2010 INDY HOMELESS CONNECT

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and his wife Winnie, and Indiana Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien and his wife Sharon will serve as honorary co-chairs for the fifth annual event.

Indianapolis – The City of Indianapolis and the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) announced today that the 2010 Indy Homeless Connect will be held on Tuesday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center.

What: Fifth Annual Indy Homeless Connect

When: Tuesday, March 23, 2010

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Indiana Convention Center, Hall D

100 South Capitol Avenue

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and his wife Winnie, and Indiana Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien and his wife Sharon will serve as the honorary co-chairs for the second year.

“Indianapolis is full of compassionate people who come together to pick up their neighbors and help those who need it most,” said Mayor Ballard. “Last year I saw first hand this event change lives and I am excited to be able to be a part of it again.”

This one-day event offers dozens of core services to homeless clients such as acute medical care, food, mental health counseling, legal advice, employment guidance, and housing assistance – all under one roof. Indy Homeless Connect also provides non-essential “extra care” services, like free phone calls, massages, books, and haircuts.

Last year, nearly 600 volunteers and 50 organizations served the needs of more than 960 homeless neighbors. Residents, businesses, service providers or charitable organizations interested in volunteering or making donations to Indy Homeless Connect should visit www.chipindy.org or call (317) 472-7640.

Indy Homeless Connect is made possible by the generosity of several sponsors. These sponsors include Castleton United Methodist Church, Duke Energy Foundation, Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, and WellPoint, Inc.

HELP WANTED:

HELP WANTED:

Census Takers Needed NOW!

Call: 1-866-861-2010 or Click Here!

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. These short-term jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work. Best of all, census takers work right in their own communities!

Census taker jobs are excellent for people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community.

Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Thousands of census takers are needed right here in Indianapolis to help locate households and conduct brief personal interviews with residents. Most positions require a valid driver's license and use of a vehicle. However, use of public transportation may be authorized in certain areas.

All census takers must be able to speak English, but people who have bilingual skills are needed in communities where a large number of residents primarily speak other languages. If you have the appropriate language skills and cultural knowledge to communicate well in your community, the U.S. Census Bureau encourages you to apply.

Call: 1-866-861-2010 or Click Here NOW!

New Fountain Dedication

Friends of Fountain Square,

Fifteen years of hard work and patience have come to fruition, and we now have a new Fountain Square centerpiece.

We’re planning a dedication ceremony to mark the completion of our first phase of construction, and to officially turn on the fountain. The event will be a combined celebration with the organizers of the Shamrock Run, which will bring more than 2,000 runners and walkers through Fountain Square the following morning.

Here are the details:

What: Fountain Square Fountain Dedication

When: Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Gather on the sidewalk in front of the Fountain Square Theatre Building, 1105 Shelby Street.

· Opening remarks from Mark Stewart, President, Southeast Neighborhood Development

· Remarks from Brian Paine, President, The Indianapolis Foundation, CICF and leader of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail effort

· Remarks from Reverend Glenn L. O'Connor, Irish Citizen of the Year, and Blessing of the Fountain

· Turning on of the fountain by Elaine Cates, Fountain Square native and President Emeritus of Friends & FACT

· Greening of the fountain by Michael McCrackin, Indianapolis Leprechaun

Please join us!

Paul Baumgarten

Indy Connect aims to gather public input on draft regional transportation plan

INDIANAPOLIS—Central Indiana’s transportation future took a major step forward today with the announcement of Indy Connect: Central Indiana’s Transportation Initiative, a regional effort to gather public input on a draft transportation plan for Central Indiana. The announcement was made today at Union Station and was highlighted by the official hand-off of a year-long regional transportation study conducted by the Central Indiana Transit Task Force, a group of business leaders dedicated to identifying transportation solutions for Central Indiana residents.

The private sector’s study recommendations have been folded into a larger regional transportation plan – an initial draft of which is being presented to Central Indiana residents for review and comment. Public feedback and suggestions will be incorporated into a revised plan in late 2010 that will be presented to the public for further consideration.

The draft plan includes recommendations for more bus service, commuter and light rail, expanded roadways, pedestrian walkways and bike paths, and outlines how these modes of transportation could work together to connect people and places in Central Indiana. Specifically, the draft plan includes:

• Expanded bus service that could decrease wait time between buses, increase cross-city service, require fewer transfers and provide more and quicker service both within and beyond Marion County. This bus service would connect with other modes of transportation, including rail and pedestrian walkways and bikeways.
• An in-street, light rail train on or near Washington Street to travel west toward the airport and east to Cumberland with frequent stops in between.
• Ground-level commuter rail transit that could run from Indianapolis north to Fishers and south to Greenwood, with multiple station stops in Indianapolis and more frequent light rail service within the urban core.
• Expanded roadways and bike and pedestrian pathways that would connect to other methods of transportation like bus or train stops for optimum connectivity.

“An enhanced transit system is long overdue for Central Indiana. Our current transportation system has put us at a competitive disadvantage for attracting jobs, investment and talent, and has failed to meet the economic and social needs of our citizens,” said Mark Miles, president & CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and one of the founders of the Central Indiana Transit Task Force. “The Central Indiana Transit Task Force developed a vision for the region through the lens of the business community, focusing on how a dynamic transit system could promote regional economic development and redevelopment, reduce transportation costs, improve the environment, and create a more connected, vibrant region.”

“We based our plan on thoughtful planning and a rigorous cost-benefit analysis - but we don’t think we have all the answers,” added Al Hubbard, Central Indiana Transit Task Force co-chair. “The best plan will come only after the residents of Central Indiana have had an opportunity to review the plan, provide suggestions and comments on what is most desirable for a connected region. That’s why we have handed the process of gathering public input over to Indy Connect.”

The Indy Connect initiative is a collaborative effort between three of the region’s public transportation and planning agencies – the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), IndyGo and Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA).

Indy Connect will facilitate community meetings throughout Central Indiana, at which time transportation experts will explain the draft regional plan and gather input and suggestions for improvement. Residents also will be able to learn more about the draft plan at www.indyconnect.org.

“Now is the time for our region to decide on its transportation future,” said Lori Miser, executive director of the Indianapolis MPO. “We want people to tell us what transportation options could change the way they live and get around Central Indiana – and the draft plan is a perfect launching point for this discussion.”

While the public is giving its input on routes, types of transportation, and other components of the initial draft plan, a public-private steering committee will be studying alternatives for how to best operate and fund a future system. Possible funding mechanisms and an operating structure will be merged with public input and incorporated into the revised draft plan.

For more information on Indy Connect, including a draft map outlining the various modes of transportation, their proposed routes and a list of upcoming public meetings, or to submit feedback on the draft plan, go to www.indyconnect.org.

Marion Public Meeting

Marion - Center - Near East

February 16th, 2010

7:00 PM
Inglewood Christian Church
57 N Rural, Indianapolis, IN

Southeast Neighborhood Congress

Thursday, April 22nd, 7 p.m.
At the Fountain Square Theatre


What is a neighborhood congress?

An opportunity to celebrate what we’ve accomplished, share concerns and problems, and seek solutions.



Who should attend?

Anyone who lives, works, or cares about Southeast Indianapolis.



What will happen?

We will decide together what needs to change in our neighborhoods. We’ll speak with one voice to our neighborhood institutions and to City Hall.



Who gets to speak?

You do. Everyone who attends has the right to speak and vote.


Child care for ages 4-10 will be provided.


For more information,

Call Jim Mulholland
503-5852

BE AN EARLY BIRD! SIGN UP FOR SUMMER FUN AT INDY PARKS DAY CAMPS

Register for a Traditional Summer Day Camp at Indy Parks now through March 31 and receive a $5 discount per each week of summer camp for each child you sign up. Save even more on traditional day camps with our sibling discount! The 2010 Summer Day Camps Guide is now available at www.indyparks.org. Get the summer’s camp schedules and offerings, and fill your summer with adventures at Indy Parks! To register, call (317) 327-PARK or call the specific park directly.

2010 Summer Day Camps are available at the following park locations: Broad Ripple, Christian, Eagle Creek, Ellenberger, Holliday, Krannert, Rhodius, Riverside, and Southeastway parks. Indy Parks offers a broad variety of camps for all interests including environmental education camps, creative arts camps, therapeutic recreation camps, and traditional day camps with fun weekly themes. Find a park near you or a camp that suits your interests, and get ready to have fun this summer with Indy Parks!



Traditional Summer Day Camps

These camps offer sports, arts and crafts, enrichment programs, field trips, swimming, and guest speakers! Indy Parks’ trained and professional staff provide a fun, quality experience for each camper. Offered at Broad Ripple, Christian, Ellenberger, Krannert and Riverside parks.



Theater Camp at Ellenberger Park

This engaging Theatre Mentorship is a one-week summer workshop that gives campers hand-on experience working with professional actors, directors and technicians. Through rehearsals and performance opportunities, students participate in stage activities, learn memorization techniques and dialogue, and develop confidence in stage presence.



Eco-Excursion at Holliday Park

Take part in a week of challenges ranging from a compass course to knot tying. Explore Eagle Creek’s forests, wetlands and prairies, and learn about the ecology of Indiana.



Nature Explorers at Southeastway Park

Explore our forest, prairie and pond through this active nature camp. Hiking, playing games, investigating different habitats every day, catching insects in our prairie, and exploring a creek bed are all included in this nature camp!


NOTE: Early bird and sibling discounts only apply to traditional summer day camps. Early bird discount valid through March 31. Sibling discount continues throughout Summer 2010.


Bike Indy. Swim Indy. Run Indy.

PLAY INDY!

INDY PARKS & RECREATION MAKES WAGER WITH NEW ORLEANS CITY PARK FOR SUPER BOWL XLIV

Indy Parks Director Stuart Lowry and New Orleans City Park Chief Executive Officer Bob Becker have made their wagers for Super Bowl XLIV.


Lowry has put together a package of Indy Parks favorites including maple syrup tapped from trees at Southeastway Park; bars of locally based Endangered Species Chocolate, which sponsors the cacao tree at Garfield Park’s Conservatory; a souvenir cacao pod containing cacao beans from the Conservatory’s cacao tree; an orchid grown at Garfield Park Conservatory; and shirts from Indy Parks’ “Sharing the Dream” partnership with Citizens Energy Group. Becker’s wager consists of City Park T-shirts, jambalaya, Mardi Gras beads, red beans, hot sauce, a voodoo doll and beignet mix that will come to Indianapolis if the Colts win.


“While the Saints are marching in with the NFC title, the Colts will be galloping out as Super Bowl world champions,” said Lowry. “I’m confident the Colts will be victorious when they take the field this Sunday, and ultimately we both win because we have great parks systems.”


“The Who Dat Nation and particularly the employees of New Orleans City Park look forward to a competitive and high-scoring game,” said Becker. “It’s a good thing Indianapolis has such a wonderful parks system, as their fans will no doubt be utilizing the facilities on Monday to work out all their frustrations.”


City of Indianapolis Mayor Ballard has declared February 1-7, 2010, “Blue Week” and is asking all citizens to support the team by dressing in blue, decorating their homes and businesses and showing their true team spirit as we wish the Colts good luck in Super Bowl XLIV.

CITY RELEASES REQUEST FOR INFORMATION TO EXPAND CURRENT RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES

The City of Indianapolis today announced the release of a Request for Information (RFI) to gather information about how the City can expand its current recycling program.

"As we make Indianapolis one of the most sustainable cities in the Midwest, it is important we give our citizens convenient opportunities to be good stewards of the environment by responsibly disposing of their recyclable materials," said Mayor Greg Ballard.

The RFI was released through the Department of Public Works (DPW) in an effort to learn, from experienced vendors, ways in which the city can expand its current recycling program. Additionally, the City is interested in information pertaining to the processing of these products as well as any other ideas leading to an expansion of the current recycling program. It is the intent of the City to further the objective of enhancing its current reduction, reuse, recycling and material recovery programs at the lowest net cost to the city.

"Curbside recycling is definitely the gold standard of residential recycling programs," said City's Office of Sustainability Director, Kären Haley. "Our current drop-off recycling program is a huge success, showing that our citizens are willing to recycle. In order to move to a comprehensive curbside program, we want to make sure it's something the citizens want and is economically feasible."

Under the City's current recycling program, there are twenty-eight (28) residential drop-off locations throughout Marion County that collect plastics #1 & 2, paper, paper board, aluminum and steel beverage containers and glass. Curbside recycling is available to all residents for a nominal fee on a voluntary subscription basis. The City also offers an eCycling service for residents to drop off recyclable electronics for proper disposal. To learn more about the current program visit http://www.sustainindy.org/recycling.cfm.

To learn more or to read/respond to the RFI in its entirety, visit http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/Controller/Purch/Bids/Pages/BiddingOpportunities.aspx#d.

ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL PARTNERS WITH HANDSON NETWORK TO BOOST VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

Indianapolis Animal Care and Control (IACC) is proud to announce a partnership with the HandsOn Network to promote local volunteer efforts at the city animal shelter.


The partnership with the HandsOn Network, which promotes community service and volunteer efforts nationwide, will provide the city with volunteers, which can be used to improve both kennel operations and community outreach efforts. The program will also provide incentives for the volunteer by providing individuals with an opportunity to receive a free ticket to a Disney theme park located in the United States.


Volunteers interested in participating in the program, must register at the HandsOn Network’s Web site to be eligible to receive a ticket, valued at approximately $75. Families are welcome to volunteer, but each member must volunteer to receive a ticket.


“This is another example of how a public-private partnership can improve services at a city owned and operated facility," said Teri Kendrick, Administrator at Indianapolis Animal Care and Control. “With increased volunteer participation from the community, we are able to enhance both the quality of life for the animals in our kennels as well as the residents who live in our community.”


As a result of the new program, IACC had over 80 volunteers register for a January 20 volunteer training session. Also that day, IACC staff sent 52 animals to rescue partners in and around Central Indiana, both single day records.


“We had a record 80 people come to the volunteer class,” said Adam Garrett, volunteer coordinator at IACC. “The response we’ve seen from the community has been so overwhelming that we had to schedule another volunteer training seminar.”


In 2009, IACC set a new record for volunteer hours donated at the city shelter with over 17,000 hours logged. This compares to approximately 11,000 hours donated in 2008.


Anyone interested in volunteering at IACC to receive credit for the HandsOn Network program must register at http://www.handsonnetwork.org/ in order to be eligible to receive their admission to a Disney theme park.



To learn more about this program or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please contact:



Adam Garrett

Volunteer Coordinator

Indianapolis Animal Care and Control

Office: 327-1384

E-Mail: G1256@indy.gov