Future home of substation at Corner of University Ave and Tillotson Ave.
Photo by: Mike Rhodes | Written by Erin Moore—
Indiana Michigan Power and American Electric Power (IMP/AEP) has begun construction on a new substation on Tillotson Avenue between Riverside Avenue and University Avenue. The final design, approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, reflects years and hundreds of hours of negotiations between the Kenmore Neighborhood Association and decision makers with the City of Muncie, IMP/AEP, and Ball State.
The neighborhood association extensively researched and proposed options to influence the substation’s placement and footprint. The association advocated for gas insulated switchgear (GIS) technology, an underground retention pond, massive landscaping, and setting the substation back from University Avenue, which were all adopted in the final plan.
“Some of our recommendations were not adopted, like vertically lowering the substation, positioning the station behind McDonalds, or placing the station in buildings architecturally congruent with our neighborhood,” said Paul Spengler, neighborhood association president. “But we faced impossible odds and were able to reach a compromise.”
The station will be housed in two metal clad 25-foot buildings, the tops of which will appear as houses. An oval driveway will be accessible from University. The entire area will be enclosed by a 10 foot wall. Tony Costello, a local architect, has been retained to design the wall and landscaping.
“We fought the good fight and are grateful for the support of so many people, including individuals at Ball State and Mayor Dennis Tyler,” said Spengler. The mayor plans to attend the association’s next meeting to talk more with residents.
On a brisk Saturday morning in March, dozens and dozens of Muncie residents woke up early, streamed into Ball State’s Pittenger Student Center, and gave their entire day to attend keynote presentations and breakout sessions at the city’s first “Intentional Development and Education for Association Members” (IDEA) conference. The 130 participants represented diverse backgrounds, cultures, and every corner of Muncie, but they, along with conference sponsors Muncie Action Plan, Shafer Leadership Academy, Vectren Foundation, the City of Muncie, and Ball State’s Building Better Neighborhoods initiative, were united in their commitment to improving the quality-of-life in Muncie neighborhoods.
Mobilizing change at the neighborhood level is not a new concept. But as many rust belt cities have faced increases in poverty, crime, and drug use over the last few decades, neighborhood revitalization has increasingly taken center stage as a key strategy for economic and community development.
Representatives of the South Central neighborhood association (l-r): Nikki Fitzgerald, Brian Kemp, James Sandberg, and Sara Renee. The association won $1500 to use on a neighborhood project of their choosing.
In 2013, the Ball Brothers Foundation granted funds to Ball State University for the development of the Building Better Neighborhoods initiative to support neighborhood development efforts in Muncie through the Muncie Action Plan and Delaware County’s VISION 2016 economic development plan. To date, 26 neighborhood associations have been established or strengthened through this collaboration. In addition to reinvigorating civic engagement among local residents, the initiative has facilitated uniquely rich immersive learning projects for hundreds of Ball State students. The Muncie neighborhoods website, www.muncieneighborhoods.org, showcases a variety of projects, resources, and neighborhood information.
“Change is most effective when it grows out of the vision and passion of a city’s residents,” said Heather Williams, program manager of the Building Better Neighborhoods initiative. “During the conference, the Student Center ballroom was a remarkable snapshot of the leadership, passion, diversity, and partnerships that have positioned our neighborhoods to be powerful agents in our community.”
Ball State Acting President Terry King, Mayor Dennis Tyler, and State Representative Sue Errington kicked off the day of sessions. “Having been here at the University for almost 10 years now, I think the partnership between the City and the University is the strongest it has ever been,” said King. “We recognize that our success as a university is closely tied to the prosperity and well-being of Muncie and Delaware County. Through Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement and scores of faculty and student projects, we will continue to pursue mutually-beneficial partnerships with the community.”
Conference sessions followed four unique tracks: Working with Government, Visioning and Development, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Association Development. Presenters included Ball State faculty, City of Muncie and Delaware County department heads, neighborhood association leadership, and a final keynote address by Eric Halvorson, former WISH-TV anchor. A mid-day resource fair featured more than a dozen local non-profits and service providers: Huffer Childcare Resource Network, ecoREHAB, Muncie Delaware Clean and Beautiful, Muncie BY5, PathStone Corporation, Edible Muncie, Bike Muncie. Logistical support was provided by Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement.
Conference attendees submitted their dream neighborhood projects for a Ball State immersive learning class.
The conference ended with a $1,500 door prize awarded to members of the South Central neighborhood association. The money will be used for a special neighborhood project of their choosing.
“Through the IDEA conference, Muncie’s neighborhood associations have gained access to tools and resources to sustain effective, collaborative neighborhood networks and keep open the lines of communication between residents and city leadership,” said Aimee Fant, Muncie Action Plan coordinator.
Fant, Williams, and fellow organizers Mitch Isaacs, executive director of the Shafer Leadership Academy, and Krista Flynn, program coordinator in Ball State’s Office of Community Engagement, agreed that a key to the conference’s success was active and intentional collaboration among the conference sponsors. “So many great people and organizations were part of making the event a success,” said Isaacs. “Each sponsor contributed significant and unique resources, and of course, the neighborhood association members brought their passion and commitment for our community. We couldn’t be happier with the results!”
Ball State’s student magazine Ball Bearings recently published a series of stories looking at the impact of universities on their communities.
“The Impact of a University,” letter by editor-in-chief Miranda Carney College towns across the nation wouldn’t exist without the universities that define them.
“College Town without the College,” video by Jessika Zachary and Dan Jacobsen Residents of Muncie, Indiana discuss what the town would be like without Ball State University.
“Breaking the Town and Gown Divide,” by Miller Kern University students feel a disconnect with the town they call home for four years.
“The Economy of a College Town,” by Keagan Beresford College towns like Muncie, Indiana face challenges to thrive economically.
“Location Matters,” column by Colton LeTourneau Despite the opportunities available in bigger cities, many students continue to choose attending college in smaller towns
ScoutMuncie, a volunteer-led project to collect information about the conditions and potential historic value of Muncie’s neighborhoods, was featured on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Leadership Forum Blog. Check it out!
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Muncie has published a comprehensive guide to human services available in Muncie and Delaware County. The guide, more than 100 pages long and meant to supplement the 211 Rainbow book, lists resources for basic needs – such as utilities, food, and shelter – as well as children’s services, disability services, senior services, and more.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a worldwide Catholic community organization founded in Paris in 1833. Locally, the tri-parish group serves the needy of Delaware County to fulfill two great commandments – Love of God and Love of Neighbor. The society operates a thrift store (920 E. Charles Street) that helps approximately 550 persons per year with free clothing and miscellaneous household items. Proceeds from the store go to help with rent, utilities, and food for those in need.
“We have found this resource highly useful when working with our clients,” said Angela Saval, member of the society. “There are services that we cannot provide, but there are many other resources in the community.”
The resource book is updated on a bi-yearly basis. An online version of the resource book is available for free, although the society welcomes donations to support their efforts.
Hard copies of the guide may be purchased for $12. Orders must be submitted to svdpmuncie@gmail.com by February 7.
Muncie residents have been invited by Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Superintendent Steven Baule to contribute to the development of MCS’s strategic plan.
Starting in February, Muncie residents may participate in up to five focus groups to hear preliminary plans and provide feedback. You do not have to have a child in the Muncie Community School system to participate.
Student Services, Support & Safety
Curriculum & Instruction
Finance & Facilities
Human Resources & Professional Development
Communications & Family Engagement
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Monday, February 29, 2016
Monday, March 7, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
“We welcome and strongly encourage you to be a member of one of our focus groups; your role as a focus group member is critical to this process,” said Dr. Baule. “Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve our students and school corporation in this capacity.”
