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16th Street Groundbreaking Projected for 4th Quarter
(posted Feb 4)
Although there is no definite construction start date for realigning 16th
Street, Jeff Kingsbury, one of master developers of the Speed Zone project,
told the Old Speedway City Neighborhood Association members to look for
the final design to be completed by September, and bid letting by the fourth
quarter of 2009. The Speedway Redevelopment Commission had originally planned
on a fall 2008 start.
Commission President Vince Noblet said the hold up is with the Department
of Public Works and their consultant reviewing the entry points for the
roundabout. The project has been stuck for the last six months at 95% completion.
According to DPW PIO Kit Werbe, “We (DPW) paid for these services because
we do not have the expertise on staff to provide this type of review. We
used an on-call contract we had with DLZ for the analysis.” It is not uncommon
for the DPW to rely on consultant assistance with specific, technical issues.
The SRC is now looking for stimulus dollars to fund the project. The goal
is to have 16th and Main Streets to be “shovel ready” if stimulus dollars
are available.
Kingsbury said “It is not a requirement to move forward. If it doesn't
come through, we are prepared to move ahead based on the current plans.”
Kingsbury substituted for SRC Executive Director Scott Harris as the guest
speaker at the OSCNA February 2 meeting. Kingsbury said Harris is currently
lobbying in Washington DC.
Kingsbury said the overall infrastructure improvements to the entire Speed
Zone project are $125 million with Main Street and 16th Street projects
to be financed by the pending $62 million bond. At the December 15 Metropolitan
Development Committee meeting Kingsbury said that transportation improvements
are $125 million and the private investment is $500 million.
City County Councilor Marilyn Pfisterer confirmed that federal stimulus
monies are more likely to be dedicated to “shovel ready” projects.
Christie Manion was concerned that the proposed new Main Street buildings
would not match with the existing buildings.
Kingsbury revealed that Browning Day Mullins and Dierdorf Architects are
inspecting the existing buildings with the hopes to retain as many as possible.
He said some buildings would be inspected in February.
Despite the economic downturn, he said there is still interest in the project.
“We have a number of different projects that could move forward in 120
days or so and believe strongly that it will be an economic benefit to
the community.”
Kingsbury discussed partnerships among IUPUI, Ivy Tech and Marian College
about shared teaching and learning facilities on Main Street, with a focus
on racing, automotive technology and clean tech. He said the track is considering
different options about replacing the Brickyard Hotel, but nothing has
been confirmed. He said there is a strong market for lodging. The purpose
of the redevelopment is to generate jobs in the area.
Jo Ellen Dotlich said the industrial park is already generating jobs with
12-13 businesses in the park. The proposed realigned 16th Street will jog
around the Indy Racing League offices and run through Hoosier Penn Oil,
a tenant in the Speedway Industrial Park. The company generates an estimated
$28 million to $30 million a year in sales.
According to Noblet, gaming will not be part of the Speedway's vision and
there has never been discussions about attracting gaming investors to the
Speed Zone.
Noblet's comment was in stark contrast with Senior Planner Tammara Tracy's
statement at the January 21 Metropolitan Development Committee. She said
“gaming and museums and those types of activities are envisioned to be
in Speedway as part of the overall racing experience.” State legislation
is required to have gaming and casinos in Speedway. Noblet emphasized that
Tracy's comment meant that gaming would not be a prohibited use.
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