3 Words or Less-No Exceptions-Describe Indianapolis

[Nicki Laycoax]

I'd like to see what you think of Indy. We're growing very,very fast, and with that, I'd like to hear what you love about Indy, what Indy lacks, what you hope for the new growth, etc... Whatever you can fit in your 3 word or less description.

[Brandon Sobotka]

agree with Jack!!!! Those are my three.

[Andrew Ball]

Jack, I don't know what part of downtown you visit at night, but it is anything but quiet - when the weather is not frigid and even then people are out. Mass Ave is vibrant, S. Meridian has lots going on at night, Victory Field during the summer is busy. People are walking around the Circle at all hours night and day. Ok maybe up where I work (Meridian and Ohio) is quiet but hey - that's the court house and office buildings. And of course, there is Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Zionsville, Carmel's Art District...

So what are you doing to push the envelope? I'm sorry but you hit a sore spot with me. I come from Dallas where the downtown rolls up and dies at night - and that's a city 3 times our size.

Not all cities are Chicago or New York or Miami (ok, they have great weather which is conducive to being outside). Compared to most other large cities in this country, we have a lot going for us.

[Jack Pincus]

I guess it is a matter of how one defines vibrant, quiet, and quality. It is also depndent on ones perspective and origins.

It is true there are people walking around the downtown but they are few in number and most are wandering aimlessly. To quote Gertrude Stein, "There's no there there". It is also true that there is activity in Broad Ripple and the other places you cite. However, the quality of the attractions is average and the quantity unimpressive. A city doesn't have to be large like Chicago or New York to be vibrant. Seattle is the same size as Indy and is vibrant and trendy. The quality of the attractiosn are first ratea and they are more diverse than in Indy. The same is true of San Diego.

The norm in Indy is a laid back lifestyle where people strive to be average. A friend who has lived here his whole life quipped that the event of the week for most families is mowing the lawn on a Saturday afternoon.

Indy's laid back lifestyle was okay durng the halceon days of manufacturing. Workers were home grown and lived a satisfying life. However, as recent events have shown, we are past those days and they aren't likely to return. We can't wait another generation to grow our own knowledge workers, we have to import them other regions. The lack of vibrancy in Indy has been a deterrent to many knowledge workers. We are doomed to perpetuating our economic dilemma by self-congratualtory statements about Indy when the reality is it is conservative, unimaginative, and trendless.

[Nicki Laycoax]

Jack,

How often do you indulge in the Indy nightlife?

[Jack Pincus]

I've explored Indy nightlife. Indy is okay if one likes nighlife, easy living, and sports. But nighlife is not my cup of tea and I'm not a big sports fan. The problem is Indy monolithic. Other cities of a similar size cater to a wider variety of people with a broader range of tastes. That's what makes them exciting.

[Andrew Ball]

Jack- you and I see this city differently. My experience from living and visiting places all over the world is that when I sat on my duff I missed out and didn't have a high opinion of where I was. So, getting back to my original question: what are you doing, or going to do, to improve the situation you've described? (My first rule of volunteering: when someone says "we should do..." I say "great! Will you take charge of it?")

[Jack Pincus]

I agree we see this city differntly. But there is no basis for your assuming I sit on my duff. I too have traveled the US, Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia. I've also lived in New York City, Boston, Washington, Chicago, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, and Michigan. In addition, I have explored most aspects of Indy during the five years I've lived here. My exploration is the basis of my conclusion.

Indy is monlithic and stresses easy living, sports, and nighlife. There is nothing wrong with that but it's not my cup of tea. It is true that there is some arts and culture but these events and institutions are average. Other cities the size of Indy have a wider variety of institutions and activities of interest to a broader range of people. The quality of institutions and activities is much higher.

Your question about what am I going to do is valid. I'm not sure I or anyone else can do anything. Politicians and residents of Indianpolis spend a lot of energy to preserve the status quo. People have to want change before anyone can effect change. An article in the Indy Star last fall implied that this attitude dervies from the people who settled in the region.

[Andrew Ball]

I have gotten very active in the arts community and by doing so am working on doing something. I introduce friends to events they have never been to, I have put on events (Elegant Funk), I tell people about events and encourage them to go, I write about events, I work at others. I do not and will not accept the idea that we can't do anything because others want to preserve the status quo (I agree that there are way too many people who do just that) if I did I would be defeated and that is not an option. And from what you are saying, that should not be an option for you either. I hope to see you at some of them. (There are more things besides the arts, but that's the area I choose for me.)

[Jon D. Speer]

Andrew - You are correct about interesting events in Indy. But can events alone sustain a city like Indy? Doesn't there have to be something more. You should take the time to meet with Jack sometime. He has lived in vibrant, hi-tech communities. Arguably, Indy struggles to compete in the hi-tech sector.

[Suzi Shapiro]

Spring flower glorious

[Shawn Quick-Raflik]

Something for everyone!

[Duane "DORN" Brenton]

overbuilt exodus out