The land he platted became the largest subdivision bordering Wheeling Avenue since the 1800’s.
When plans to widen Wheeling began almost 15 years ago, the monuments were also not counted as historical during INDOT’s Section 106 review, which includes archaeological and historical investigations prior to projects taking place.
Neff told The Star Press in November 2019 that the monuments were the last standing structure noting the Anthony family’s existence in Muncie. To save them, he began reaching out to city officials, meeting with the Board of Works, the Street Department, the Historic Preservation Commission and the office of Community Development.
He soon found out the project would be expensive, with the cost of deconstruction and reconstruction reaching upwards of $40,000. This greatly exceeded the neighborhood association s funds, but after months of meetings with city leadership, Neff was able to secure funding for deconstruction.