Opposition Mounting to Grande Ave Closing

(posted Dec 6)

Tom Glass, Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Association Wayne Township representative, said there is a "definite possibility that a continuance" will be filed to buy more time for remonstrance over the closure of Grande Avenue. The petition to vacate the road is scheduled to be heard by the Plat Committee on January 14.

Registered neighborhood associations have the right ask for an automatic 30-day continuance. The Lafayette Square Area Coalition is expected to file a 30 day continuance. Indianapolis neighborhood groups and businesses are continuing to voice concerns over the Speedway Redevelopment Commission's plans to close Grande Avenue and Georgetown Road. Groups are beginning to realize the town's action will impact the surrounding areas. About four dozen people were in attendance at the Dec 4th Greater Garden City Civic Association meeting where the road closures were discussed and debated.

LSAC President Mary Clark wants more time to see how Grande's closure impacts the greater area of the west side. She wants Speedway Redevelopment Commission Executive Director Scott Harris and Allison Transmission Public Relations Director Eric Dickerson to make a presentation to the coalition about the plans. She also expressed concern that the proposal to vacate Georgetown Road could hurt the coalition and the mall's effort to revitalize the Lafayette Square area. "My concern is if you close Georgetown Road, people can't get to what we are trying to do." She said the mall is investing $14 million in the area.

Clark and State Representative Jeb Bardon had concerns about drainage. Clark wanted to know if some of the SRC's $62 million bond could be used to correct the drainage up north in the Eagledale and LSA. "I see it as an opportunity to take care of the neighbors," Bardon said. He is concerned about the flood plains in Eagledale and south of the Coke lot.
Harris said "I can't spend my money outside of Speedway first of all." When questioned why the SRC has hired Ice-Miller to lobby for federal funds to extend Holt Road, which is outside the town, to I-65 from 10th, Harris stated it was due to Holt Road's proposed realignment into the town.

Linda Ashburn asked Harris and Allison Transmission to put pressure on to complete Holt Road to I-65. "We need some heavy hitters," she said.

Charlie Patterson, developer of Gasoline Alley, said the closure would decrease property values by 30 to 40 percent on his five buildings. Patterson contends the closure will bankrupt the businesses on Gasoline Alley.

Jim Linder, owner of Linder Technical Services, expressed dissatisfaction with Allison Transmission for not discussing its road closing plans with the 200 businesses on Gasoline Alley. Linder said he did not receive a letter from Allison to attend the November community meeting to explain the details. Gasoline Alley becomes Grande Avenue at Michigan Ave. "You are getting ready to box us in."

Linder disagreed with the need to vacate the road for security reasons. He said the plan is a "band aid" if it's for security. He contends that Cossell Road will eventually have to be closed for security reasons.

Dickerson disagreed with Linder about the need to close Cossell Road.

The plan will only close about 1,500 feet of.Grande Avenue from the south side of the Speedway Gas Station at 10th and Grande Avenue to Rybolt.

Dickerson said in this particular case, Indianapolis is deferring the fee for its part of the street. Any money that comes from that sale will go to the Town of Speedway.

According to Department of Metropolitan Development Public Information Officer John Batrholomew, "As to who gets what money, that has yet to be determined. The paperwork still has to be reviewed by staff and that should be done the middle of next week."

Ashburn said that residents will adjust to the time delays with the road closings, but she expected it to be more difficult for businesses to make adjustments to the road closure since they rely on customers.

Bob Lutz said his statement was not based on his position as a City County Councilor. He said he is not taking a position, but security issues with Grande Avenue have been a concern with Allison Transmission for nearly 20 years. He said the company's security concerns were expressed to the Town of Speedway and to the City back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Wayne Township Assessor Michael McCormack said Grande Avenue's closure for security reasons could set a precedent for other businesses to demand road closures for security reasons. "The next thing you know we are going to have to have mass transit because we are not going to be able to drive anywhere."

Dickerson said "We all want this area to bloom and to work for everybody." He encouraged people to participate in the public process.

GGCCA President Merri Anderson said she is not passing judgment, but she is hoping that alternatives can found instead of closing Grande Avenue. She said that Rolls Royce did not close Minnesota Street, which is located between its two properties. She contends Rolls Royce has defense contracts as well.

"They found alternative ways to work around issues. I believe there are good ways to secure your product line that don't put impositions on the community while still doing a good job."