Variety of Topics Discussed at Town Hall Meeting(posted Nov 1) The issue of towing inoperable cars from private property did not rest well with west side resident Mike Hennigan. Hennigan voiced his concern at District-13 City County Council Robert Lutz's Oct 30 quarterly meeting. "It is putting the little guy down who cannot afford to have his car fixed," Hennigan said. He described the law as unfair because the car owner could be saving money to have it repaired when the tow truck shows up to haul it. He also complained that he was fined $500 for having a 26' race car trailer on his property. Lutz explained that most zoning citations are complaint driven. He recommended talking with neighbors. Hennigan said he contacted his neighbors and did not think it was a neighbor driven complaint. The state statute requires a waiting period of 72 hours to see if the owner can meet compliance before sending a tow truck, and if the inoperable car is located on private property, it requires 18 days of observation before it can be cited according Daniel Hayes, City of Indianapolis Zoning Inspections Manager. Earl Salisbury, Wayne Township Board member, explained that inoperable cars can be a breeding ground for rats and the removal of the car is for health issues. The issue of junk cars was pursued by Lutz as he explained that he is looking into a zoning petition notice that if passed would allow the petitioner to operate a junk yard at 8200 W. Washington Street. Lutz did not think that would be a good use with a school and a residential neighborhood nearby. Transportation issues were also part of the discussion. Mike Terry of Indy Go said a public hearing is scheduled November 13 at the Indiana Historical Building at 6 pm. Indy Go is looking for public comments on improving ridership and under-served market. He said that Indianapolis is the 13 largest city but ranks 99th in public transportation services. He said that 70% of riders use the bus for employment. Indy Go plans to reach more employees willing to commute with its express route service that is already operating in Fishers and will be starting this month at the Indianapolis International Airport. He said they have plans to look at routes from Hendricks and Johnson counties. Terry said the express routes are currently being funded by a three year federal grant. State Representative Phil Hinkle said the westside has a growing traffic congestion problem like the northeast side. Hinkle contended the westside traffic problem is being ignored. He thought it would make more sense to start a mass transit system at the airport to link to downtown than to start a system on the northeast side of town. The west side location would not only to help local commuters but it would impress visitors flying into town. Hennigan did not want to see Rockville Road widened with two more lanes in 2008. He preferred 10th Street and Morris Street widen to help redirect the traffic from Rockville Road. Mike Reeves, president of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Professional Firefighters Union Local 416, briefly discussed consolidation, saying that it made sense to streamline the Wayne Township Fire Department's staff under one department with the Indianapolis Fire Department. He said most people don't care what department name is on the fire truck or ambulance. They are want a quality firefighter. He noted that Lawrence Township recently had a public hearing to discuss consolidation and the meeting resulted in zero attendance. Reeves interpreted the public's no show to indicate that the quality of service delivered is more important than the department's name. Reeves believes the taxpayer will receive better service through consolidation. Salisbury said the Wayne Township Board voted to study the issue of fire consolidation at the last meeting. |