INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Homeowners near Canterbury Park are growing worried about the City of Indianapolis’ attempts to acquire land around the Monon Trail.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works is looking to widen the Monon Trail north of downtown, estimating that the repaving would cost $13.5 million.

In February, Chris Carson received a letter from the city that made an offer to buy a 33-foot parcel of land in his backyard or have it donated to the project.

Carson checked with his other neighbors and noticed conflicting offers.

“Most of us live here because we want to use the trail,” Carson said. “We recognized that it didn’t just impact us, it impacted everyone that lives through here, and that one neighbor’s decision might impact another’s.”

Current plans call for the trail to expand four feet, two feet on each side.

Carson and his neighbors worry about what the scope of the project means for the playgrounds, fences, and gardens in their backyards.

He’s leading an effort to get more answers.

“The way we understand it is, once we sign over the title to the city, there are no restrictions in that use. As far as what they can do, it seems pretty unlimited,” Carson said.

Neighbors like Sarah Crosby have joined the cause. Together, they look to share more information and collaborate about the next steps for the neighborhoods.

In total, they estimate that 70 homes are currently affected by the plans near the Monon Trail.

Crosby hasn’t received an offer letter from the city, but as a lawyer, she wants to make sure others know their rights in this situation.

“All we’re asking the city to do is to be fair to us,” Crosby said. “The city has to negotiate with us, but they have to do it in good faith, and to have inconsistent negotiations with our neighbors is not good faith.”

One neighbor was told the city is pursuing eminent domain to acquire land, according to Carson. So far, he says, the city has refused to meet with the neighbors as a group.

In a statement to News 8, a spokesperson for Indy DPW confirmed the city is looking to make offers for this land around the Monon Trail.

“With well over a million people visiting this treasured public asset each year, it is vitally important that it grow to meet the needs of the community,” the spokesperson wrote.

Both Carson and Crosby look forward to improvements to the trail, however, they’re concerned about what the plans for the excess area could mean for future property values and safety.

“We walk on it with our small child. We run on it. We bike on it. It’s something that we want to keep in use for the city,” Crosby said. “We want to work with the city, but the city has to work with us too.”

The neighbors are organizing a neighborhood meeting. Lawyers who specialize in eminent domain law will be on hand to discuss the homeowner’s rights.

A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. May 7 at MononWorks, 5255 Winthrop Avenue.

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