INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - It was long known as one of the most dangerous areas of the city.
Karl Brady who grew up and now works in the Avondale Meadows area said, "It was bad...rough for both citizens and police."
Repeated efforts to improve the area along 38th Street east of Keystone often fell through or failed. Brady says many residents grew weary. The problems persisted even after the most blighted buildings started coming down.
But fast forward several years and a roughly $70 million public/private investment in the area seems to be paying off.
"It took a long time, but we're starting to see the effects of sticking to it and pushing," Brady said.
The last few years brought new apartments and a retail area anchored by a Save-A-Lot grocery store, which was a top priority in the then-food desert. A spokesman for the chain said the Meadows store is one of the top performing stores in the area.
Nearby is a Goodwill, a dentist office and a soon-to-open Dollar Tree.
The new development also included a health center, with a YMCA, along with expanded schools.
Regina Coles said, "they've cleaned it up...They really are beautifying it."
Coles, who lived in the Meadows many years ago, just moved back two months ago. She lives in one of the newer apartments, calling it "day and night" change. "It's just dramatic," she said.
LaShanda Lang, new executive director of the Avondale-Meadows YMCA said the biggest challenge now "is changing perceptions...Some people are hanging on to 'This is an area you don't go into.' I feel it's definitely revitalized. I feel the neighborhood is thriving."
Crime is one example. According to IMPD, this time last year, the area including and surrounding the Meadows had 14 homicides. This year, they've had four.
Brady said neighborhood organizations have played a crucial role bringing about change.
"I think it's just kind of joining together, being proactive and being seen," he said while adding there's still more work to be done.
One goal is deciding what to do with the site of the former Timber Ridge apartments. The 26-acre site is overgrown with grass, weeds and trash.
Brady said the hope is that it too can be reclaimed and transformed into something that will contribute to the community.