INDIANAPOLIS — Would you like more of a say in the businesses that open in your neighborhood?
Hundreds of RTV6 followers responded when we asked about their empty, former Marsh grocery stores, found in communities across Central Indiana since the chain went bankrupt in 2017.
Although, only one community is actively listening to suggestions from residents right now.
After a huge backlash and a successful petition, plans have been canceled to open a self-storage facility on the southwest side, in the old Marsh on Kentucky Avenue and Mann Road.
On Monday, community leaders opened up the empty store and welcomed in concerned residents to hear precisely what they would like to see in the building. City-County Councilor Jared Evans says embracing a business to the area can set off a positive domino effect.
"When you get the right type of development, other people want to invest in the area, then the next thing you know you've got another business that you want," Councilor Evans said. "It's important that we get this right because it's a quality of life issue."
The most common request southwest side leaders received at that feedback session is for another grocery store in place of the old Marsh, which is exactly what we heard over and over again from RTV6 Facebook followers on Sunday. And that is the plan for at least two of the former Marsh stores on the north side.
Aldi opened a location at the Nora Corners Shopping Center on East 86th Street and Westfield Boulevard. Aldi is also preparing to open at the former Marsh at Clearwater Springs at 82nd Street and Allisonville Road.
Another common suggestion for former Marsh stores is indoor playgrounds or rec centers for kids.
One of the former Noblesville locations, near 136th Street and State Road 37, is set to re-open as an Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. According to the park's Facebook, the facility is opening soon.
Another Marsh location is partially re-opening as an affordable care clinic. One third if the Castleton location at Shadeland Avenue and 785th Street is also set to open in July as the Jane Pauley Community Health Center.
But, if you want a say in what your neighborhood Marsh turns into, take it from neighbors on the southwest side. The best way to make your voice heard is to get organized.
"Some people are just waiting for things to happen. We're saying, 'hey, we have this kind of stock, it works well for this, this kind of business, this kind of restaurant - whatever - and we're going after it,'" Allen Bridwell, President of the Southwest Association of Neighbors, said.
"You have to get organized," Bridwell said. "Just get you two or three neighbors, call your councilor, sit down, say, 'what can we do to help the situation, we want to make something happen.'"
If you or someone you know decided to take action on this issue, RTV6 wants to hear from you. Email us at workingforyou@rtv6.com
