Allison Conducts 2nd Grande Ave Meeting

(posted Nov 14)

Tod Wells of Marathon Petroleum Company is not convinced that Homeland Security issues are the real reason for vacating Grande Avenue. Wells, who served in the military in Baghdad and operated equipment that contained Allison transmissions, challenged Allison's statements for security needs and asked why they are not building thick walls around the plant and creating a no fly zone.

Wells, Andy High and Scott Rittenburg of Speedway Super America, and five concerned residents attended the second open house on November 13.

Allison Public Relations Director Eric Dickerson said vacating Grande Avenue from Rybolt to the south edge of Speedway Gas Station's property line at 10th and Grande Avenue is the first step Allison Transmission is taking to implement security. The company needs to assure the government that security measures are in place to retain and acquire military contracts.

He said that Homeland Security told them when reviewing the vacation plan that "distance" and "limited access" are in the company's favor if a bombing incident occurred. If the petition is approved, a guard house will be located ten feet north of Rybolt. The 18-hour manned gate will inhibit people with ill intentions. Dickerson would not give details of the homeland security plan. However, he said trucks will not enter if they are not on the list at the guard shack. He said there is a detailed turn around plan to accommodate vehicles denied access.

Residents will continue to have access to Grande Avenue from the south. Pedestrian and all traffic not related to Allison Transmission will be prohibited beyond Rybolt. Traffic will either move north by using Holt Road or Cossell Road.

Len and Linda Ashburn are not pleased with the plan. They said Holt Road is blocked during race day for police escorts. Len asked why the IMS, MDC and the Speedway Redevelopment Commission were not at the meeting. The Ashburns live north of 16th Street, and Len emphasized the vacation would affect the neighborhoods even north of 16th Street.

Dickerson said the proposed plan still needs to be approved by the Metropolitan Development Commission.

Ice Miller Attorney Greg Ewing explained the plat committee initially hears the petition, with an expected date of January 14. He said the company will provide utility easements that currently occupy the public right of way.

If the petitioner or remonstrators do not like the plat committee's decision, either party has ten days to appeal the decision to the Metropolitan Development Commission to render a final decision.

Dickerson said if an incident were to occur and the petition was denied, the company can always say "we tried." The company also plans to increase parking lot security.

Dickerson said the vacation is supported by Speedway Redevelopment Plan.

City County Councilor Marilyn Pfisterer hoped Allison would take an "active" position to support the SRC's plan, and not a "passive" role.

Charlie Patterson, the developer of Gasoline Alley, could not attend the meeting. However, he said there is no real good reason for vacating Grande Avenue other than the Speedway Redevelopment Commissioners being able to tout their first step of starting the redevelopment project. "It is at no cost to the SRC."

Allison Transmission is paying for the vacation petition. Patterson contends the vacation will strangle the businesses on Gasoline Alley and hurt his investment properties that he planned to use for retirement. Patterson contends if Allison is serious about homeland security it would build a 24 inch thick wall around plant 14.

UAW Chairman Tom Snyder said company just signed a five year commitment with the UAW. The commitment also means launching new products. Allison will add more jobs to the 300 employees now working at Plant 14. Snyder said the employees are supportive of closing Grande Avenue.

He said a wall would not be conducive for plant operations because it would block the loading docks.