Cemetery as a park

That is my feeling concerning the article published in last week’s NUVO (Dispatch, “Crown Hill Controversy” Feb. 15-22). As a resident of the North Crown Hill Neighborhood (40th & Rookwood), I couldn’t be more pleased at the news of the development. Like the article mentioned, the development should increase the property values and stimulate economic growth in a stagnant area of the city.

I see it as a final piece of the puzzle with the improvements to the IMA, 38th Street and Arts Park developments. Currently the only economic activity in my area is the plethora of barbershops and “variety stores.” The development promises to bring in a new neighborhood cornerstone of retail shops to revitalize a nice area of the city, instead of continuing the sprawl of Indianapolis.

Additionally, I am an avid runner and hiker. I at least run weekly through Crown Hill cemetery and take my dogs for walks in the proposed development site. I can tell you from experience, that besides the occasional runner, I am one of the few people using the cemetery as a park. With the proximity to new Arts Park (which is shaping up very nicely), the Canal Path, Butler University’s Holcomb Gardens, Riverside Park, Lake Sullivan Sports Complex and Ramsey Park, which are all within easy running distance of Crown Hill, I think the right thing for the neighborhood is the development.

Being an outdoor advocate myself, I can understand the environmentalists’ position, but as a resident it doesn’t make sense in this case. I will enjoy using the area as a park until the development begins and I hope to see Mr. Kahlo and Mr. Gibson utilizing the area as well. However, I have the feeling that they have not or will not visit the cemetery other than to protest.