City aims to clean up Indianapolis alleyways

The newly proposed 2024 Indianapolis budget sets aside $2 million to address the city’s neglected alleys.

Some alleyways have been plagued with illegal trash dumping and crumbling pavement. 
Director for the Department of Businesses and Neighborhood Services Abbey Brands said a lack of clarity around who is responsible for alley upkeep has contributed to disrepair. 

“It's been problematic. It means it takes us longer to abate things, it means things can fall through the cracks,” Brands said.

She said they will first determine which alleyways are most in need.

“Ultimately, we want to encourage greater use of those alleys,” Brands said. “And we want to restore an essential piece of quality of life back to many neighborhoods who used to be able to rely on these alleys and now they can't because there's mattresses everywhere.”

The department has been able to remove 14 tons of trash this year. Brands said they receive revenue from permitting new buildings and said there’s a commitment to investing that money back into communities.

The proposal invests $5 million over the next three years.

Democratic Councilor Kristin Jones said in her westside district, this has been a persistent problem.

“In my district a lot of us do not have driveways and we use them as roads, and as you said and when they're clogged by litter and that breeds crime,” Jones said.

A Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee passed the proposal, which now heads to the full City-County Council.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.