Published: September 30, 2007 02:44 pm         

Gateway study complete

After several months of study, Ball State University has released its conclusion on the Lebanon gateway study.

Representatives from the city, state and university gathered Friday morning at the Lebanon Municipal Building. There, the gateway analysis was presented, completing more than eight months of study.

“I commend you for the partnership you’ve formed,” Indiana Senator Phil Boots said to Lebanon and BSU representatives. “I hope you can move forward with this. I want to thank Lebanon for looking to the future and applying reasonable growth.”

BSU Professor of Urban Planning David Schoen, leader of the study, said when he first inspected Indianapolis Avenue nearly 14 months ago, he was unsure if Lebanon even cared what people thought of its gateways.

“I first though you (people of Lebanon) were not interested in how you impress people when coming into the community,” Schoen said. “I soon learned, however, that’s just not true. It’s the infrastructure.”

The study shows that the four gateways to Lebanon, located at Indianapolis Avenue, North and South Lebanon Streets and East South Street, should share a uniform image. While the Indianapolis Avenue corridor is the only one in need of real improvement, researchers said the four should still share the same appearance.

Suggested improvements to Indianapolis Avenue were improving signage, screening and curbing and creating a “celebration site.”

A celebration site is described in the report as something with “clear identification or welcome signs to Lebanon and a small, park-like environment with vegetation, banners and thematic lighting.”

The report lists two celebration points on Indianapolis Avenue. The first is found at the welcome sign near the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds. Researchers say the area should “clearly welcome the visitor and returning resident.”

The second celebration point, according to the study, is located at the intersection of Indianapolis and Spencer Avenues. There, researchers suggest placing a “vehicle pullover facility” decorated with flowers and trees.

To build out the corridor, the BSU research team suggested either creating a roundabout at the intersection or roadways with landscaped medians and turn lanes. Overall, researchers reported that Indianapolis Avenue simply needs to have much more “pleasant views.”

Moving on to the city itself, BSU researchers determined the main needs of the city as improving alleys, facades and public space. Suggested additions to the city were more restaurants to attract people and venue sites for public functions.

The study cost around $13,000 and was led by BSU professors with students learning and working under them as part of their continuing education in urban planning. The university uses cases like the one Lebanon provided to give their students real-life experiences in their chosen field of study.

BSU President Jo Ann Gora said she is very pleased with cooperative efforts between the university and Lebanon.

“We’re really happy the city of Lebanon reached out to Ball State,” Gora said. “This is the way we are redefining education ... by giving students real-world problems. We look forward to seeing this dream come to life for Lebanon.”

BSU student and member of the research team Carlotta Askew said she is very thankful for having this opportunity and hopes their work will be helpful in Lebanon’s ongoing efforts to beautify the city.

“The experience alone has really helped,” Askew said. “I really appreciate the experience.”

As far as the next step, that’s entirely up to Lebanon now, Schoen said. When asked what Lebanon’s next step would be, Lebanon City Council President John Lasley said he and other city officials will review the study and begin implementation where it’s needed most, and when funds allow it.

     

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