No Opposition Voiced Against SZ-1 and 2

(posted Mar 14)

Not all of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission's plans are being contested. No one spoke out against the proposed SZ-1 and SZ-2 zoning classifications, which received a favorable recommendation by the Metropolitan Development Hearing Examiner at the March 12 meeting. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Development Commission for its approval as well.

Representing the Speedway Public Library and himself, Attorney Robert Lutz spoke in favor of the zoning overlay. Lutz sees the zoning as an essential element that allows residents to take control of an important area they feel they are losing, especially in terms of the heritage. He mentioned that in the 1970s, industrial businesses, two drugs stores and a furniture store occupied Main Street.

"This particular plan for the Main Street corridor is a realization that many of the businesses I mentioned a minute ago have the left the area."

While supporting the overlay zoning, Lutz remarked, "There are some others issues which that have developed on the periphery, that have nothing to do with the zoning overlay, and so we are very much in favor of the zoning overlay and would like to see this developed along these lines."

Lutz, who said his business is located two blocks away from the proposed zoning, expressed his excitement about the revitalization efforts. He said that SZ-2 would take advantage of the draw off of the IMS. "I think it has been a well thought out of plan."

Speedway Redevelopment Commission President Vince Noblet said the zoning is needed to protect future development and the investment. He said the zoning will serve to stimulate growth for the area. He said the major stakeholders were initially contacted to help them grow their businesses and put investment back into the town.

Attorney David Hershel, representing the applicants and staff, said that Department of Parks has some concern about the preservation of the B & O trail corridor, but recognizes that it is owned by a private entity. The parks would like to have commitments to preserve the abandoned trail, but its development is not contingent on the Speed Zone plan.

SRC Executive Director Scott Harris acknowledged the comments about the abandoned CSX railroad corridor that cuts through the 400 acres.

"We are committed to making this 400 acres one of the most pedestrian bicycle friendly sites in Marion County. Although we may not have a bike path or a pedestrian path exactly on that corridor, we are very committed to having that path on some parcels very adjacent to it. So, that is an important part of our plan."