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Speed Zone Hearing Examiner Ruling Delayed
(posted Sept 22)
The Metropolitan Development Commission did not hear the resolution to
create a special hearing examiner for Speedway concerning zoning issues
for Speed Zone 1 and Speed Zone 2 at its September 17 as planned. The meeting
is now scheduled for October 1. The delay was due to an inadvertent error
leaving it off the agenda. The MDC could have heard the issue because notice
was given in the newspapers, but chose not to. The MDC is expected to hear
the proposed ordinance to create Speed 1 and 2 on October 15 at the City
County Building.
A citizens group started a petition drive when they learned that one of
the Speedway Redevelopment Commission would be appointed as the hearing
examiner. Their issue is that a redevelopment commissioner could not give
an impartial hearing since the commission created and voted for the new
zoning standards.
Harris never mention that one member from the SRC would serve as the hearing
examiner. He described part of the process used when a developer requests
to build in the Speed Zone. He said the site plan would first be submitted
to the SRC and a design review committee that the SRC appoints and creates.
The hearing examiner will conduct a hearing that will be forwarded to the
MDC. The appeal process is with the MDC if the petitioner is denied.
Commissioner Ron Fisher said it is important to have the standards to prevent
"hodge podge" development.
Harris said there are two parties interested in purchasing the Rosner building
at 1564 Main Street and rehabilitating it, along with the potential of
buying the two buildings south of it.
Sue Rosner, the former owner, said the building is listed as lot 1 on plat
1 for the town. She said she hopes the the SRC is able to recover its cost
when selling the building. She said 1564 was sold to the Butler Brothers
in 2003 for about $80,000 and then the SRC purchased it 2007 for $152,500.
She thinks the commission over paid for the building and should have done
their homework by looking at past sales disclosures before making the purchase.
Harris said the building would need two appraisals before it could be sold.
IC section 36-7-14-22 requires the bids to be opened in a public meeting, gives the commission
the right to reject any bid and does not require the property to be sold
to the highest bidder.
The commission and Allison Transmissions are still negotiating the purchase
of Allison Plant 2 vacant land at Main Street and Gilman. Demolition of
the utility substation and water tower are part of the issues that need
to be resolved. However, Harris is hopeful the transaction will happen
by the end of the year.
Harris said negotiation are on going with Praxair about rerouting traffic
off of Main. The rerouting will cause internal expenditures with Praxair
that means changing the docks to a parallel position, as well as losing
80 parking spots.
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