MUNCIE — Longtime Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard has endorsed the proposed Mounds Greenway as a project that would not only enhance his fast-growing city's "strong sense of place" but also help Anderson and Muncie — whose populations are stagnant.
Recommended as an alternative to the controversial Mounds Lake, which appears to be dead in the water, Mounds Greenway would be a linear park and trail network following the White River from Muncie to Anderson and ultimately Indianapolis.
The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC), which is championing Mounds Greenway, has secured support for the project from four mayors: Brainard of Carmel, Dennis Tyler of Muncie, John Ditslear of Noblesville, and Andy Cook of Westfield.
HEC last week released letters of endorsement written by the mayors. The messages were addressed to Gov. Eric Holcomb; Cameron Clark, director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources; and Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
Brainard noted that during his six terms as mayor, Carmel's population has increased from about 25,000 to nearly 90,000, "taking the top spot on Money Magazine's 'Best Places to Live in America' list along the way." Parks, green space and trails grew from 40 acres to more than 800 acres during that time.
While projects like Central Park, City Center, the Arts and Design District, and the Center for Performing Arts have been critical "in building our reputation as a top-quality place to live and do business," the Monon Greenway "deserves special recognition for its contribution to Carmel's success," Brainard wrote.