Writer / Neal G. Moore
Broad Ripple is unique for a variety of reasons: great dining, live entertainment, public art and eclectic residents. And then there’s the village governance—or lack thereof—in the context of traditional, direct oversight. Yes, Broad Ripple’s political interests are represented on the Indianapolis City-County Council by District Councillor Will Gooden, and At-large Councillor John Barth. There is not, however, the kind of granular governance typical in communities of this size and significance: no mayor, no Broad Ripple council, no town manager.
This is not to say that Broad Ripple has suffered from this curious circumstance. On the contrary, for more than 40 years the Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA) has served as the community’s stewards. Established in 1969, BRVA is a 15-member board of directors (residents and business owners) who are elected annually at a public meeting. “I call it small town chamber of commerce meets homeowners association on steroids,” explained Elizabeth Marshall, BRVA president-elect. “We sift through and determine what is best for the village as a whole.” As with other well-defined neighborhoods like Meridian-Kessler and Irvington, Broad Ripple maintains close contact with the mayor’s office—notably Mayor Greg Ballard’s chief of staff, Ryan Vaughn. But at its heart, Broad Ripple is essentially self-managed.
BRVA membership fluctuates between 500 and 600 residents and businesses. Members pay annual dues, and the money primarily funds community projects. The association employs an executive director, Brooke Kleanog, who coordinates BRVA functions and meetings. Unpaid volunteers populate the board and thus drive the village agenda. And while BRVA leadership lauds the good work of director Kleanog and the volunteer board, there is a desire for more involvement by residents and businesses. “So much is done by so few,” lamented Justin McKeand, BRVA president, who shared an example: “It’s shocking how many say beautification is important to them and then three people show up for a community clean-up. They say one thing and then do another.” It is a concern shared by Marshall. “More hands could do more. We could be better if there were more people involved.”
To be sure, the association has accomplished much on the village’s behalf, like assisting with private development of the College Avenue parking garage. As with similar brick-and-mortar projects, the BRVA was deeply involved, ensuring that structural and aesthetic standards were maintained. BRVA is also responsible for Envision Broad Ripple, a blueprint for the village’s future that McKeand called “a major positive partnership” between business and residential interests. “For a long time the association sat back and waited, then reacted [to community issues],” Marshall said. “The organization has morphed nicely in getting out in front of things.”
Topping the association’s agenda moving forward are continuing concerns about public safety, economic development and beautification and cultural issues. “We’re not able to make everyone happy, but we do our best for the masses,” said president-elect Marshall. “We love Broad Ripple and are passionate about its future.”
For more information, visit brva.org.
