Hearing Examiner Position Changing Again

(posted Sept 28)

The proposed resolution to create a Speedway Hearing Examiner is being revised again by the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development. The DMD is creating the hearing examiner position to hear zoning issues concerning the Speed Zone.

The initial draft first required the hearing examiner be a member from the Speedway Redevelopment Commission, but as of September 26, DMD Public Information Officer John Bartholomew said the wording has been changed to "shall be a resident of Speedway and a member of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission or their staff".

Jo Ellen Dotlich expressed concern that a petitioner would not receive an impartial hearing if a redevelopment commissioner served as a hearing examiner because the SRC is out recruiting businesses to the area . The Speedway Redevelopment Commission created the plan.

According to Redevelopment Commissioner Scott Harris, "the current proposed rule states that the MDC would appoint a resident of the Town of Speedway to act as the Speedway Hearing Examiner. That resident shall be a member of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission or the SRC's staff. The SRC could retain on staff an architect or design professional and this rule would give them the latitude to have that person serve as the Speedway Hearing Examiner."

Bartholomew said the electronic form of the proposed changes are not ready yet because the Department of Metropolitan Development and City Legal are working on the changes. The Metropolitan Development Commission will conduct a public hearing October 1.