Millersville at Fall Creek Valley
Village and Corridor Plan
February 15, 2011
Approximately 24 people attended the Fall Creek Work Group meeting at Cathedral High
School.
An announcement was made that on February 16th there will be a Water Quality Workshop at
the Korean Presbyterian Church at 7:00. Neighborhoods can learn how to deal with issues of
flooding, erosion, and pollution, and how to develop streams and lakes as recreational
resources. The event is sponsored by M@FCV, BRAG (Binford Redevelopment and Growth) and
DCA (Devington Community Association) and presented by Hoosier Aquatic Management and
The Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District. Zoning and sustainability will also be
discussed.
Keith presented a map of drainage and flooding complaints, reported to the Mayor’s Action
Center in 2010. Six additional areas were added to the map that were received in the pre-
planning stage and at the kick-off meeting. In addition, the City of Lawrence’s proposed
wastewater treatment plant on Fall Creek was added to the rating sheet for discussion.
Staff passed out the results from first meetings ratings. The top three issues were:
Flooding Fall Creek, especially at the Windridge Shoppes. Scored 82
Water sits pavement at Binford and Kessler Boulevards creating a dangerous situation after
heavy rains. Scored 69
Drainage outfall from The Cottages at Fall Creek apartments into Woollens Garden
Water sits in parking lots along both sides of Emerson Way. Scored 67
Edward Bukovic, a consultant with DPW, working on the Rebuild Indy Project was present to
answer questions on drainage. DPW has $3.5 million a year for projects in the Storm Water
Master Plan. This amount comes from the stormwater utility fee, which for residential
properties is $2.25 a month and included in the water bill. There is a public infrastructure
management rating system that is included in the Storm Water Master Plan.
Edward discussed the six areas within our study area that have flooding and drainage
problems. Flooding on private property is the responsibility of the owner. The City will not
dredge creeks because of the expense. When the sewer is clogged, the City is responsible for
unclogging the sewer. When you find water sitting on a road, report the location it to the
MAC Mayor’s Action Center.
A suggestion was made for the City to handle their drainage and erosion problems with green
infrastructure to delay the water and to use perforated pipes with raised inlets. We are
trying to use more sustainable or green technology but we have limited funds, place like
Portland Oregon assess $17.00 compared to our $2.25 to fund projects.
Shadeland and Fall Creek have a wetland mitigation project. We are getting an increase in
rainfall.
Copies of the draft Work Group Report were mailed out, for review; extra copies were handed
to other participants.
A brief history of Woollen’s Garden 38-acre Nature Preserve was given. The group discussed
the public access, ravine erosion and hiking trails.
Another wildflower hike is being planned for Woollens Garden in the spring.
A list of recommendations in the Fall Creek Work Group report was handed out to the group
for everyone to rate each item as a high, medium, and low priority before leaving the
meeting.