Hundreds of road projects underway in Indianapolis, downtown locations given priority 8.3.11

FOX 59

Indianapolis – Nearly 300 road construction projects are underway across Indianapolis, 24 of them are downtown. The projects are part of the RebuildIndy initiative that is apparently growing thanks to a sale made by the city.

"We get calls daily from residents and emails saying, it's filled with potholes, I don't have a sidewalk in my neighborhood or the sidewalk I do have is crumbling," said Sarah Holsapple, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.

The city has already invested $140 million on countless roadways and sidewalks.
 
"This next batch of money will come from the sale of the water and waste water utilities to citizens energy and thats roughly $266 million," said Holsapple.

"You've got to keep the sidewalks in good shape. We're on them all the time," said Natalie Killeen, a homeowner who frequently walks in her neighborhood with her children.

While the downtown projects only make up a small percentage of the total, many of them are currently underway as they have been given priority. The 2012 Super Bowl is fast approaching.
 
Three blocks of Georgia Street are getting a major facelift as they will become a central spot for football fans during the Super Bowl.
 
"We anticipate this being an entertainment hub for years to come. We're hoping it will be our own Bourbon Street," said Holsapple.

Natali Canull, the owner of Mass Ave Toys on Massachusetts Avenue downtown, said she is already seeing a change in business.

"They're putting in new gutters so there isn't any smell," said Canull. She continued. "As they make these improvements, the whole effect is that it's just more elegant, it's more accessible."

Early next month Holsapple said they will announce another RebuildIndy investment. Additional projects will be announced in the months following because of the sale of the city's utilities.

Citizens concerned about roads in their area are encouraged to contact the Mayor's Action Center at 327-4MAC or visit www.indy.gov/rebuildindy.
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