Stuff is getting done!!

That's right, West Allen street still floods. Hopefully the work they are doing now will put that to an end. (Photos courtesy of Holly and David Thrasher)

Next Meeting Feb 2, Morton and Dodds development

We invite all members of McDoel Gardens to attend the next meeting at McDoel Baptist Church February 2, 6:30 pm. McDoel Gardens resident and local developer Matt Press will be there to announce his intentions to purchase and build on the property at Morton and Dodds. He is looking for feedback from the neighbors about the property. He hopes to hold a more formal design workshop with the public in about a month. More information forthcoming. Matt was responsible for the successful and popular South Dunn neighborhood development project.

Switchyard Update, bye bye Upland.

Sad news for McDoel Gardens, Upland Brewing has changed their plans for their new brewery and have decided not to move into the vacant building on Grimes lane next to the B-line trail. Instead they have decided to open shop on the far west side of Bloomington on Profile Parkway, west of Curry Pike. Doug Dayhoff, president of Upland Brewing was quoted as saying in the Herald Times, “My heart is still with the B-Line; the economics caused a change, we just got a better deal.” Upland plans to sell the building next to the B-line to Storage Express who plans on turning the property into indoor, climate controlled rental storage space.
Good news, the talks are underway for development plans for the 69 acre Switchyard Park surrounding the B-Line. On the list of factors is what to do with coal ash and cinders that blanket the park from its days as a railroad yard. The area will need to be tested for contamination levels and the city may need to remove the toxic soil. Another factor is the park lies in a flood plain. More public meetings are planned this spring and in August. The steering committee is confident that the park will go ahead as planned as soon as obstacles are dealt with.

For up to date information about the park go to http://www.switchyardpark.org

Image courtesy of Herald Times Online.

2011 Fall Leaf Collection

The City of Bloomington's Street Department has developed a website to tract when they will be picking up leaves in your neighborhood. Here is the link http://bloomington.in.gov/leaves. The site will be updated on a regular basis.


Curbside Pickup: One-pickup Only

Leaves at all residences must be at curb by NOVEMBER 14, 2011.

Each residence will receive one pickup between November 14 - December 30, 2011. (Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 3:00pm)

All leaves must be as close to the curb as possible and may not be in the roadway or around fire hydrants.

Leaves will be vacuumed, so please DO NOT include other waste as it may clog equipment.

In case of inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.) the leaf collection schedule may be modified.
If you have any questions you can email workmand@bloomington.in.gov

McDoel Gardens Neighborhood Association Meeting Thursday, Nov. 3

The next neighborhood meeting is this Thursday at the McDoel Baptist Church, 1008 S. Rogers at 6:30pm.

Topics are:

McDoel Switchyard Park and B-Line trail.
Dave Williams, Operations and Development Director for the City of Bloomington Parks & Rec. Department, will speak about the upcoming planning process for the future McDoel Switchyard Park. He will also be giving us an update on the B-Line trail.

Plans for S. Rogers St. warehouse renovation.
The former Crosley Building at 1525 S. Rogers is being renovated by NSSX Properties for use as a community activity center. A representative will be at the meeting to outline the plans for the building.

Try to attend if you can. Your views and ideas are important to all of us who live in this great neighborhood.

McDoel Gardens Block Party official invite

Come Join Your Neighbors at the McDoel Gardens Fall Block Party!

Saturday, October 8th
6 PM to 10 PM
900 Block of S. Madison (just south of Dodds St.)

Some food and drinks will be provided.
*Bring a side dish or a dessert!*
No time to cook or shop? No problem! Just bring your good cheer!
There will be music, kids games, and amusements for all!
**We will be collecting food donations for the Community Kitchen.
We encourage you to bring dry goods or canned goods to donate!**
Questions? Contact Matt Press at 331-8924, or at mattpress@comcast.net

October McDoel Pot luck block party

Come get to know your neighbors at the McDoel Gardens annual fall block party. Saturday, October 8th, 6-10pm. This event is a pot luck so bring something yummy. The party is on the south side of Dodds and Madison. Invite your friends and show them what a great neighborhood we live in. Come dressed up if you want.