• Great news about the Coal Factory project on Bonna Ave. in Irvington — the partners who will develop and own the property successfully closed on the sale from Foam Craft. Irvington based business Mundell & Associates, Inc. completed the environmental assessment before the sale, and things are looking great (given the history of the property, prior industrial use, etc.). The groundbreaking for the project is expected later this summer or perhaps early fall.
• Despite intervals of showers, the Marion County Fair had a great turnout this year. Organizers of the fair noted that the Elephant Encounter was wildly popular — and educational. Hope they can come back next year!
• The crime-ridden Phoenix Apartments will be purchased by the Meadows Community Foundation in an effort to revitalize the area. Early plans include mixed use development and low-income housing for the area.
• Speaking of development, the demolition of the buildings at the corner of 10th and Emerson has been temporarily halted. The East 10th Street Civic Association, plus several neighborhood groups, are fighting plans to turn the corner into a gas station/convenience store. The building has been vacant for at least three years, after the furniture store and a strip club closed. The property is zoned for commercial use, including a gas station. Per an agreement, the south and east facing facades will remain
• The Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Indianapolis is seeking five breast cancer survivors to dance in Dancing With The Survivors on Oct. 2. The nationwide, signature fundraising event to benefit The Pink Fund (www.thepinkfund.org) will celebrate breast cancer survivors who thrive in their recovery and make a difference in the lives of other cancer patients. The studio plans to secure its five dancers by July 15. The call is open to men and women and dance experience is not required. Fred Astaire Dance Studio Indianapolis will provide each of the five dancers eight private lessons with a professional dance partner, plus as many group lessons as necessary at no cost to the dancers. This is a showcase, not a competition! If you are interested, or know a Survivor Sister or Brother who is, please contact Fred Astaire Dance Studio Indianapolis, (317) 783-5260 or indysouth@fredastaire.com.
• Looking forward to hearing the Weekly View’s very own columnist Al Hunter on July 5 on “Hoosier History Live.” Al always has great stories to tell, and loves presidential trivia and tidbits. He’ll be joined by Nelson Price and show host Ray Boomhower. Talk about a history power trio!
• The Weekly View office will be closed July 4 so we can spend some time at picnics, convincing our terrified pets that the bathtub will NOT make the boom-boom stop, and waving our red, white, and blue banners. Stay safe and healthy and have a wonderful holiday!
