A neighborhood association is trying to stop the boy scouts from building a 30,000 square foot center on the city's north side.
They claim the construction will cause major flooding for residents throughout the city.
The Boy Scout's new learning center will be located at the intersection of the intersection of Fall Creek and Shadeland.
"This is a broad problem across the county. We're talking billions of dollars of consequences," says Gary Rosenberg, who is the head of the Millersville Neighborhood Coalition and also a Professor of Geology at IUPUI.
After months of research, he says, construction on the site could mean major flooding for folks downstream. "They would be shedding 1.6 million gallons of water," Rosenberg speculates.
So where would all of that water go? "Quickly into Fall Creek," an area historically known for major flooding and even drowning. The Boy Scout facility, he says, will only make matters worse.
That's because the area is partially located on a flood plain and contains wetlands. So far, 75% of the vegetation has been removed.
"Without that vegetation more water and more sediment are going to be transmitted into Fall Creek and cause more flooding and more erosion down stream," he adds.
But the project's architect Greg Jacoby disagrees.
"Our calculations indicate that less water will go off this site then comes on it than when we started."
In fact, he says, due to extensive planning and adhering to strict guidelines, the site will be a model for sustainable growth.
"We're doing everything by the letter of the law and as a matter of fact, we're exceeding the letter of the law in most cases," Jacoby insists.
Plans call for a large retention pond, additional wetlands, and replacing the existing vegetation with the non-evasive variety.
"We want to be good neighbors and we're going to be stewards of our land," adds Kevin McPherson.
And they want their message to fellow neighbors to be heard loud and clear.
"They should not be worried this will be a fantastic facility when it's done," promises Jacoby. Scouts honor.
The project is expected to be completed by next spring. The facility will train and educate 30,000 scouts and 11,000 volunteers.
They claim the construction will cause major flooding for residents throughout the city.
The Boy Scout's new learning center will be located at the intersection of the intersection of Fall Creek and Shadeland.
"This is a broad problem across the county. We're talking billions of dollars of consequences," says Gary Rosenberg, who is the head of the Millersville Neighborhood Coalition and also a Professor of Geology at IUPUI.
After months of research, he says, construction on the site could mean major flooding for folks downstream. "They would be shedding 1.6 million gallons of water," Rosenberg speculates.
So where would all of that water go? "Quickly into Fall Creek," an area historically known for major flooding and even drowning. The Boy Scout facility, he says, will only make matters worse.
That's because the area is partially located on a flood plain and contains wetlands. So far, 75% of the vegetation has been removed.
"Without that vegetation more water and more sediment are going to be transmitted into Fall Creek and cause more flooding and more erosion down stream," he adds.
But the project's architect Greg Jacoby disagrees.
"Our calculations indicate that less water will go off this site then comes on it than when we started."
In fact, he says, due to extensive planning and adhering to strict guidelines, the site will be a model for sustainable growth.
"We're doing everything by the letter of the law and as a matter of fact, we're exceeding the letter of the law in most cases," Jacoby insists.
Plans call for a large retention pond, additional wetlands, and replacing the existing vegetation with the non-evasive variety.
"We want to be good neighbors and we're going to be stewards of our land," adds Kevin McPherson.
And they want their message to fellow neighbors to be heard loud and clear.
"They should not be worried this will be a fantastic facility when it's done," promises Jacoby. Scouts honor.
The project is expected to be completed by next spring. The facility will train and educate 30,000 scouts and 11,000 volunteers.
