INDIANAPOLIS – An Indianapolis business owner has been advocating for sidewalks in her neighborhood for years, and was excited when she recently saw construction crews digging in her area.
Lisa Agee has urged Mayor Joe Hogestt to take action by placing signs into yards along 38th street. She said the lack of sidewalks places pedestrians in an unsafe environment.
Though she thought the road crews were near her business to add sidewalks, she learned they were part of a road resurfacing project.
"I found out we don’t get sidewalks,” said Agee. “If there is any sort of traffic it’s not safe - we want to bring more people to our community, we want to bring more businesses to our community. If you can’t get the customers there safely - the businesses won’t come. Give us some sidewalks! Give us a place where the people can be safe!”
Officials with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works said sidewalks were not part of this year’s resurfacing package and the price for new installation costs $220 for each foot.
Although that wasn’t the exact news Agee said she wanted to hear, IndyGo did have a plan.
The Purple Line, part of the city’s coming bus rapid transit line, will be constructed with sidewalks along the entire route from downtown Indy to Lawrence.
The new sidewalks will run down 38th Street near Agee’s business. She said she was happy to hear from IndyGo and will stay updated on the project’s progress.
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