SRC Eyes Budget Inn Purchase

(posted May 17)

The Budget Inn on High School Road is closed, leaving the Speedway Redevelopment Commission with an opportunity to purchase the property.

Executive Director Scott Harris updated the commission about the hotel's status, saying all four hotels in the area are bundled into one sales package, with an unconfirmed price of $2.4 million. Harris asked the commission to have legal counsel negotiate with the owner about acquiring the Speedway property.

The town is working with the owners on maintenance, mowing and security.

According to the Marion County Treasurer's office, the property owner is current with taxes. The annual taxes are $32,300, with an assessed value of $1,085,500.

"If it is on the acquisition list, let's go get it," Commissioner Ron Fisher said. He called the property a detriment to the community.

"I definitely don't want to see it set vacant, idle, and to be a continuous eyesore to the entryway into the community," SRC President Vince Noblet said. Noblet said it is "imperative" for the commission to act quickly because of the changes coming to 465. "We need to send the message just to have that sit there is not acceptable."

The commission also discussed the Grande Avenue vacation. Harris said if the ruling is appealed, the process completely starts over when it is heard by Metropolitan Development Commission.

Fisher wanted to know if there were remonstrators from Speedway during the May 13 Plat Committee hearing where the road's closing was approved.

Harris said the remonstrators, Tom Glass, Merri Anderson, Nancy Back and Charlie Patterson, all live outside of town.

Noblet said the remonstrators were not against Allison, but their actions highlighted the need for the Holt Road extension. "That is the only concern I can see."

Greater Garden City Civic Association President Merri Anderson filed an appeal over the vacation of Grande Avenue on May 14. The appeal will now be heard before the Metropolitan Development Commission.

Anderson said GGCCA was not involved with any of the commitments that included adding a $20,000 security camera for the neighborhood as a crime prevention tool. She said negotiations for the commitments must have been between the City and Allison Transmission.