Martindale-Brightwood named Indy Neighborhood of the Month
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A neighborhood on the far northeast side of Indianapolis is being recognized by the mayor’s office.
It’s part of an initiative to feature a different neighborhood in the city each month.
Martindale-Brightwood has been awarded Neighborhood of the Month for June. Some people living and working there said their neighborhood has come a long way.
25th Street and Keystone Avenue is a busy corridor for the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood with businesses nearby like the Plaza Food Market.
“We here we never give up because you see a lot of bad things but we still the neighborhood they need us,” said Plaza Food Market owner.
The owner goes by the nickname of “Moe.” His convenience store opened in 2000. He said the neighborhood has gone through a lot of changes since then, even seeing a drop in crime among teenagers.
Moe said he’s hopeful and confident about the future after Mayor Joe Hogsett is recognizing his neighborhood.
The mayor recognized the neighborhood for its commitment to redevelopment. Speedway received the first honor last month for May.
“It would mean a lot for the businesses in the area because the Martindale-Brightwood is shining,” said Amy Harwell, a community activist.
Harwell is the president of Martindale-Brightwood One Voice.
“This was a beautiful area; I think it was one of the most beautiful areas in Indianapolis and we’ve fallen by the wayside,” she said. “I would like to see us pick it up and run with it and get it looking what it used to be.”
She’s been working with the association for years to keep her neighborhood clean and safe.
“We now have the opportunity to turn it around. I believe in stepping up to the plate and everybody needs to step up to the plate and help,” she said.
Harwell is hoping the recognition will bring new businesses to the area, like a new grocery store after the closing of Double 8.
“I’d like to see something come back and I do believe in the near future that we will have something,” she said. “We just need to have a little patience which is a hard thing to come by because people are frustrated.”
Martindale-Brightwood has several events coming up, including the Peach Festival on June 18. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 37 Place.
Tickets cost $5. Children under 12 have free entry with a parent or guardian. Money raised will go back into the community.
Click here to nominate your neighborhood for the award.