All is not well in Ball State's neighborhood.
Opponents of a construction plan for McKinley Avenue attacked proposed additions at an open forum Wednesday, saying they would divert more traffic, and problems, into surrounding neighborhoods.
The plan is the culmination of a five-year effort to improve the safety of pedestrians at McKinley, said Deana Rundell of Rundell Ernstberger Associates LLC, the firm that designed the plan. It calls for, among other things, more pedestrian medians - or "safe islands," as Rundell called them - to be built in the middle of the road.
Rundell said they would keep pedestrians safe when crossing the street. The new medians, however, would also narrow McKinley Avenue and discourage drivers.
"McKinley Avenue is being squeezed, and consequently, something has to go somewhere," said Sonny Palmer of 2478 W. Warwick Road. "All the emphasis seems to be put on McKinley."
Palmer said some parts of McKinley would contract to only 16-feet wide in some areas, not enough room for traffic to maneuver around staff vehicles.
Many of the speakers at the forum also questioned why more attention wasn't given to Petty Street. They said the narrow roads and dilapidated shoulders pose more of a hazard to students than McKinley.
Dawn Patrick of 1115 N. Briar Road said she was concerned the new construction would ruin the historical value of the 75-year-old Westwood neighborhood. Criticism eventually migrated away from the project, though, and instead went to students and the university.
Laquata Warren of 2201 Wiltshire Road complained that students parked in her yard along Meadow Lane and Riverside Avenue. She said she thought Riverside needed some means for students to turn around. A majority of those who spoke also said there should be more places for students to drop off and pick up someone.
Complaints about students caught the ear of Betty DeVoe, the president of Muncie's Board of Public Works and Safety, which hosted the forum.
"I think we have a problem with Ball State students," DeVoe said. "I think you better listen, Ball State people."
DeVoe, along with board members Charles Bebout and Sally Kirk, can approve whether or not to let Rundell Ernstberger Associates LLC continue with the project.
Though she said she cannot speak for the board, DeVoe said she could not support the construction entirely. "(The streets) don't belong to Ball State," she said. "We want the taxpayers to be happy."
Mike Sommer, also of Rundell Ernstberger Associates LLC,said the design team will respond to each of Wednesday's comments in writing. The Indiana Department of Transportation requires it, he said.
INDOT already recommended the design team hold a forum, though they did not require it.
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