Indiana

A Monumental Task

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

I’ve had a couple weeks to think now about the potential closing of Monument Circle to vehicular traffic as part of a possible city plan to turn the Circle into a destination spot and increase pedestrian activity.  After some careful thought and talking to a lot of people who use the Circle frequently, I don’t think closing off the Circle permanently to auto traffic is the best idea.  I do think the city can achieve its goals, however, without a total closure.

Part of my logic is simply economical, both the Indianapolis Symphony and the Columbia Club (which I am a member in the interests of full disclosure) would be hard hit financially by any closings and I don’t think using the side doors would be enough to mitigate the loss.  By the way, the Columbia Club is not just a place where rich and elites go to workout, have cocktails and smoke cigars.  It has actually turned into a mini-conference center and hotel that generates a nice bit of change for city coffers.   Secondly, as I’ve stated before, Monument Circle is basically an insurance company, bank, radio station two sandwich shops and a utility company.   If it were multiple retail venues, that would be different, but it’s not, so closing off the Circle won’t do much to get more people to come downtown and pay their electric bills.

I think the City can achieve its goals of making the Circle more of a pedestrian destination, by doing a couple things.  First, eliminate non-valet parking off the circle, especially motorcycle parking. If people can’t park somewhere, they generally tend to avoid it with their cars.  Besides, how often can you really park on the Circle anyway?

Second, bring more events to the Circle.   Although it was before my time, I believe Circlefest was a big deal.  Use the Circle for concerts, festivals, and do it once a month as part of a summer series.  That way, you get more people downtown and you don’t make the symphony and Columbia Club take it on the chin.

I can respect and understand what the City wants to do when it comes to enhancing downtown.  I’m all for it.  I’ve lived in Europe for several years and can understand the town pedestrian square concept.  However, I don’t think that model would work with the Circle’s current makeup.  But I strongly believe by doing a little tinkering around the edges, the city can achieve its monumental task without closing off the Circle to vehicular traffic.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on May 29, 2010 (boomark / email).