In the Mirror: City officials’ admission over prior bridge plan at Greenlawn

Dear Indy,

City officials are saying they were wrong for how they previously handled their portion of Greenlawn Cemetery.

A little more than a year ago, the Hogsett administration revealed plans for a new bridge project that would intersect with part of the cemetery site.

But Indy residents were unhappy to learn that the city did not plan a full excavation to properly move all remains at the historic site.

Now that’s changing — and city officials are saying they’re sorry.

“Even just a year ago, in 2023, we did not appreciate the true historical significance of the former Greenlawn Cemetery on the east side of the river,” said Brandon Herget, director of the Department of Public Works, during a public meeting this week. “And we were not listening to or providing space for those who care deeply about that legacy to be involved in the project.”

Read more here.

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In other news

Artist Gloria Martinez-Granados next to one of her installations that includes work permit cards. Credit: Alonso Parra

A new exhibition from artist Gloria Martinez-Granados transforms the papers from her life as an immigrant into an art piece. “It captures the obstacles I’ve faced in trying to belong and trying to understand this system in which I’m in limbo because of my DACA status,” she said. Learn more about the exhibition here.

Six community leaders are being recognized as part of the inaugural Amos C. Brown III Legacy Awards. Read about them here.

Heads up, IPS families: If you have the means, the school district is asking you to help with a back-to-school supply drive. The goal is to make sure every kid has the supplies they need. Learn more here.

Today’s weather from WTHR

Wednesday will be warm and muggy with scattered storms.

— Angela Buchman, WTHR meteorologist

What’s going on around the city

Saturday, June 29: Author Katie Andrews Potter will be at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, at 10 a.m. to discuss her new novel, “Wildflowers in Watercolor.” The free event includes a reading from the coming-of-age story and opportunities to purchase books and art.

Saturday, June 29: Indiana Vintage Market returns for the second year to the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 60 vendors will be onsite selling vintage clothes, home goods, vinyl records and more. $5

Sunday, June 30: If you missed Monument Circle’s Strawberry Festival earlier this month, you’re in luck! Irvington United Methodist Church, 30 N. Audubon Road, hosts its own strawberry festival from 1-4 p.m. Guests can grab a strawberry shortcake with ice cream and enter a raffle to win a handmade quilt.

— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter

Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.

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What else we’re reading today

Chalkbeat Indiana: Despite all the glitches and problems with the new FAFSA, Indiana saw about the same number of seniors fill out the application as last year. But the number probably would have been lower if not for the state mandating FAFSA this year.

IndyStar: As you find yourself shaking your fist at the symphony of firework sounds over the next month, think back to this story from IndyStar — which explains how lobbying and cold hard cash led to changes in state law to favor the fireworks industry while preventing local governments from writing their own restrictions.

CNN: Like Indiana, Tennessee law bans gender-affirming care for youth. Now the U.S. Supreme Court is agreeing to hear a challenge from the Biden administration — setting up a showdown that could also affect the legality of Indiana’s law.

Reflections

Have any ideas or questions for local government reporter Peter Blanchard?

Then come out to the AMP at 16 Tech today for Mirror Indy’s latest Chat and Chew. From 12:30-2 p.m., Peter will be joining Community Journalism Director Ariana Beedie and Documenters Assignment Editors Sharlene Birdsong.

The address is 1220 Waterway Blvd.

Ryan

P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.