| During the 1960s, young families moved away
from downtown Indianapolis and into suburbs where better
schools, homes with backyards and quiet, and tree-lined streets
were a big draw. This situation describes the 29 neighborhoods
in the BRAG area. They form a solidly middle class community
that continues to enjoy a highly-educated population,
above-average family household income, a low crime rate, and
high quality of life. However, as the BRAG area matured in
the 1990s, commercial/retail establishments – especially at Binford Boulevard and East 71st
Street –moved to newer suburbs and left empty, ugly shells.
Alarmed at the visual blight and deterioration, over 350
residents and businesses met at the Skiles Test Elementary
School’s cafeteria to “stop the blight” on April 27, 2005 and
formed BRAG – Binford Redevelopment and Growth – as in, “Wewant
something to BRAG about!”
BRAG’s first project to demonstrate the civic pride of its
residents and businesses occurred on October 1, 2005. Seven
hundred volunteers showed up along Binford Boulevard to plant
hundreds of trees, thousands of perennials, and tens of
thousands of daffodil bulbs. This ambitious project was
supported by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
Since that happy “green” volunteer event, BRAG has expanded
its focus with projects that fall under each of the following
categories:
Building a sense of community by organizing the
Binford Farmers Market, which attracts hundreds of residents
every Saturday morning during the growing season.
Retaining existing businesses by instituting
electronic crime watch systems, setting up a local police
station, and inviting businesses to the farmers market.
Attracting new businesses and residents through
extensive beautification projects and involvement in local
schools.
Growing toward a brighter future through GINI to
have stronger long-term strategic planning and projects.
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