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Business owner concerned about IndyGo's new Blue Line

Posted at 9:21 AM, Oct 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-16 09:23:42-04

INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo's Red Line is up and running, but now the focus is on the Blue Line. The route will provide rapid transit along Washington Street, between Cumberland and the Indianapolis International Airport.

But not everyone is on board.

RTV6 spoke to some folks who are not happy about the project. Their main concern is how the Blue Line could impact traffic, especially on West Washington Street.

And on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Wayne Township Government Building, those people will have a chance to let their opinion be heard.

According to organizers, the Blue Line would stretch about 24 miles with a bus stop every half mile to a mile apart. Currently, the plan calls for the Blue Line to have dedicated lanes, just like the Red Line does in Downtown Indianapolis.

Rachel Hawkins has a family business on Washington Street, and she believes if the Blue Line goes forward with dedicated lanes, it would negatively impact a lot of companies along Washington Street.

Hawkins says after talking to several other business owners and residents along the proposed Blue Line, she realizes not a lot of people knew about the plan and that's why she organized Wednesday's meeting.

"I feel like the more transparency there is, the more people realize how this is going to affect their businesses, effect the residents that live in the area, the more people will get engaged and be more willing to help make these changes," Hawkins said.

Hawkins says she's not totally against the Blue Line, as long as it's done right.

Hawkins says a representative from IndyGo will be at Wednesday's meeting to hear concerns from business owners and residents.

To learn more about the meeting and follow along with Blue Line updates from the community, join the Wayne Township Community Chatter Facebook group.