Homeowners Push Back on Monon Trail Land Grab

INDIANAPOLIS — Some homeowners in Indianapolis are upset with the city over plans to expand the Monon Trail.

The city wants to widen the trail by 4 feet—2 feet on each side—and is offering to buy parts of people’s backyards to do it. Homeowners say they’re getting low offers with little explanation and feel pressured to give up their land.

Chris Carson, who lives along the trail, says the city wants to take 66 square feet of his property, including his kids’ swing set and the fence that keeps them safe.

Neighbors from the Canterbury and Forest Hills areas met this week to push back. They’ve hired a lawyer and say they’re willing to talk with the city, but they want fair treatment and clear answers.

The city is using eminent domain, which allows it to take private land for public use, but the homeowners say they still deserve fair compensation. Some think the changes could happen in 2028