City officials have unveiled details of the “Reimagining the Curb” public engagement effort, which invites resident feedback on ideas for repurposing the underground connections to power available at former BlueIndy sites.
The public engagement process was first announced on Sept. 21, when the city said it would not exercise its option to purchase the electric vehicle charging stations utilized by the former car share service.
The centerpiece of the engagement is an electronic survey to gauge public support of ideas submitted this summer as part of a Request for Information. The survey is available at indy.gov/curbs. Additionally, posters will be placed at sites by the end of October with “Text to Vote” and QR code features to allow passersby to express their opinion about the best reuse option at that site. Following the period of public engagement, the City expects to develop plans for future uses at each public site and issue requests for proposals for specific concepts in the first quarter of 2021.
Mayor’s Neighborhood Advocates have already begun outreach to neighborhood associations and community groups to engage residents about ideas to reuse the underground connections to power at sites in their areas. Property owners adjacent to former BlueIndy sites will also be engaged to ensure they are aware of opportunities to provide their ideas and feedback.
“This engagement is an opportunity for neighborhoods to provide direct input on sustainable reuse that improves quality of life,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “I encourage all residents to participate and shape the future of these sites.”
According to a report in the Indianapolis Business Journal, the city received 21 responses to its request for information – with only one suggesting reusing the existing chargers. City officials said a study revealed the existing charging stations “perform at a level below what is considered viable for reuse” and that the “established connections to power offer numerous possibilities for reuse of the locations on a case-by-case basis.”
PHOTO ABOVE: City officials are seeking reuse ideas for former BlueIndy stations such as this one on Walnut Street in Chatham Arch.
