to do sample letters
to
senator young
blake johnson
senator whats her name andrea hunley
dear senator young / banks
i am writing to express my concerns about the expenditure of 17 million in a federal grant to the city of beech grove for reconstruction of emerson avenue, at a time when the government faces calls for shutdown due to an ongoing failure to balance the budget.
we cain't afford it. emerson can wait. personally if the funds existed, which they dont, i would rather see such funds alloicated to civilian relief in uktaine.
in 1974 i wrote to senator joe biden about federal funding of a transportation grant in northern delaware. I expressed concerns that his proposed 80-20 federal local split could encourage unwise spending; that a 50 50 split of federal and local funding would be more sensible. The next year I met Mr. Biden in person.
My mother had known him since 1968 because after she retired from the State Department, she attended the local planning meetings and knew the local budgets inside and out. I lack her full skill set, but a bit of that rubbed off on me, and I've been to law school twice.
So it's not like my concern is a new one merely because beech grove stole my van and falsely accused me of being on drugs. Maybe I'm being petty, but I will try to make sure my $1500 van they stole costs them some of their 17 million.
I estimate at 10% chance of success if I send at least 100 letters. this is 1 of 100.
to governor braun,
i am writing to express my concern about a proposed $17 million dollar grant to the city of beech grove
for reconstruction of emerson ave.
please provide me with a copy of the plans or proposals or whatever.
please help president trump get the federal budget under control. the debt is too high.
i have only met you in person one time, when president trump introduced you and endorsed you for the senate.
we are trying to drain the swamp.
what i am seeking is that the federal government provide no more than 50% of the funding, until such time as the federal budget is balanced and has a surplus of the 17 million.
from;
so do a form letter that would fit on a postcard
1 to mayor joe
2 city councilperson jesse ferguson
3 congressman carson
4 mayor of beech grove
5 governor braun
6 optional lt governor
7 state senator hunley
8 state reps
9 district 100
10 senator young
11 senator banks
cc city council
bcc city lawyer
the idea is to get them all on an endless email chain.
1 to mayor joe
2 city councilperson jesse ferguson
3 congressman carson
4 mayor of beech grove
5 governor braun
6 optional lt governor
7 state senator andrea hunley
8 state reps
9 district 100 blake johnson
10 senator young
11 senator banks
cc city council
bcc city lawyer
the idea is to get them all on an endless email chain.
Hiya. As your constituent, I am asking for a little help getting information about grant #
I am inclined to be against the proposal but I want to study it closely first.
me
gtbear
alicia
sam
- te for complete cancellation—it's tied to proven crash data (33 serious/fatal incidents 2018–2022), and Beech Grove was the only IN municipality to win implementation funding this round (others got planning grants).
- Higher for modifications (e.g., fewer roundabouts, different designs, or added features).
- Once design advances and contracts are signed (likely 2027–2028), it's much harder to unwind.
Bottom line: The clock is ticking, but you've got years before shovels hit dirt. If you're serious about pushing back, start with city council/public meetings and gathering lo
Federal grants like this aren't instant checks—they involve:
- Obligation deadlines — The city must obligate (commit) funds by signing agreements and starting key steps within a set time (often 1–2 years from award). If they drag or fail to meet requirements, USDOT can deobligate/redirect funds.
- Environmental/permitting hurdles — NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) review could take 6–18 months. Public comment periods are required during this (and possibly during design phases).
- Local approvals — Beech Grove City Council must approve budgets, contracts, designs, any rezoning/eminent domain for right-of-way, etc. Council meetings are public (next one Feb 2, 2026, per their site).
- Potential for changes — Scope can be scaled back, roundabouts redesigned/removed, or alternatives proposed if there's strong pushback.
Realistic Ways to Try to Influence or Stop It
If your goal is to halt the roundabouts (or the whole thing), focus on these pressure points soon—before momentum builds:
- Attend/speak at City Council meetings — Public comment periods are your best shot. Monitor beechgrove.com for agendas/minutes (they post them). Raise concerns like traffic flow impacts (roundabouts can frustrate drivers on arterials), costs/delays, or alternatives (e.g., better signals instead).
- Organize or join public comments during NEPA/environmental review — This is federally required and mandatory for public input. Watch for announcements from the city or INDOT (since it's a state road corridor).
- Contact key people:
- Mayor James Coffman (he's quoted positively but might respond to constituents).
- City Council members.
- Beech Grove Public Works/Engineering department.
- Your state reps/senators (since it's federal money, though SS4A is competitive and already awarded).
- Build opposition — Rally neighbors/businesses along the corridor (e.g., via Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, or petitions). Common roundabout concerns: emergency response delays, confusion for older drivers, business access issues during construction.
- Legal/advocacy routes — If environmental justice, historic impacts, or procedural issues arise, groups like Indiana Sierra Club or local traffic safety advocates might get involved (though unlikely to kill it outright).
Odds of Fully Stopping It
- Low to moderate for complete cancellation—it's tied to proven crash data (33 serious/fatal incidents 2018–2022), and Beech Grove was the only IN municipality to win implementation funding this round (others got planning grants).
- Higher for modifications (e.g., fewer roundabouts, different designs, or added features).
- Once design advances and contracts are signed (likely 2027–2028), it's much harder to unwind.
Bottom line: The clock is ticking, but you've got years before shovels hit dirt. If you're serious about pushing back, start with city council/public meetings and gathering local support now—that's when influence is cheapest. If you want help drafting talking points, finding meeting dates, or checking for any new developments, just say the word! 🚧