Butler University joins flood wall opposition - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Butler University has joined in the fight over a proposed flood wall that has long been a point of contention for one north side neighborhood.

The flood wall currently proposed would be built along Westfield Boulevard from Butler University to North Capitol. It's meant to protect the area from the White River.

Now Butler University trustees are outlining their concerns about the plan.

In a letter, the trustees are concerned about how the proposed four-foot flood wall would impact the historic Holcomb gardens. The Army Corps of Engineers first proposed the plan over a year and a half ago. The Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association has also written up a resolution against the wall.

Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association member Neil Bloede believes Butler's stance could be a game changer. The neighborhood association passed a resolution last week, outlining their opposition to the flood plan.  Their focus is on public safety: "We don't think the best option is the historic Holcomb Gardens route and the exclusion of Rocky Ripple. We are waiting to see what comes out of additional dialogue and meetings."

The residents of Rocky Ripple have been among the most vocal, with protests staged last weekend.

The plan currently excludes Rocky Ripple, which sits on the river. Fifteen years ago, Rocky Ripple residents opted out, but now they want to be included. It would mean building the flood wall along the river instead. The city warned that doing so would add millions of dollars in costs to the project and delay it several years.

Butler's input means all three groups are officially against the proposed flood plan. Butler University also owns property in Rocky Ripple. These athletic fields could be future building grounds for the University.

"We don't think the best option is the historic Holcomb Gardens route and the exclusion of Rocky Ripple. We are waiting to see what comes out of additional dialogue and meetings. We are prepared to meet with them and also both communities, Rocky Ripple and Butler-Tarkington," said Ben Hunter, Butler president's chief of staff.

There's no timeline for the proposed flood wall.

A public hearing will be held Thursday (Aug. 23) at the Meridian St. United Methodist Church at 7:00 pm.

Response from Army Corps of Engineers:

"Public safety is the number one concern of the Army Corps of Engineers. Levees reduce flood damages and help to preserve lives and livelihoods.

The Army Corps of Engineers acknowledges all opinions and resolutions by the Butler-Tarkington leaders and will accept formal comments from all citizens of Butler Tarkington and the association leaders and others . All public comments are important to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Regardless of how the project is completed, until all three levee sections are built, all neighborhoods are vulnerable to potential flooding. The proposed Westfield Boulevard levee and floodwall would not induce flooding in the Rocky Ripple community nor any other area. Army Corps of Engineers flood protection projects protect against flooding - they do not increase risk of flooding. This is law the Corps must follow.

As a flood preparedness measure for all communities near the levee area, an early flood warning system was built in 2009 as part of the first phase of the project and is currently operating.

Historical and cultural resources - the canal and towpath - are documented as part of the project and the consequences the project would have on these areas. The canal and towpath would be kept intact as part of the project."