Traffic Court May Locate in Pike

(posted 6.7.09)

Some Pike Township residents have lessened their resistance to the idea of locating a traffic court and probation office at the northeast corner of 38th and High School Road. The proposed complex will be in Pike Township, instead of the original proposed site at 3733 Commercial Drive in Wayne.

Pike Township Residents Association President Susan Blair said the PTRA has not taken an official position on the issue.

Glenn Lawrence, Superior Court 13 Administrator, said he thought the Commercial Drive location was fine until Pike Township residents and the Lafayette Square Area Coalition rallied against it, saying it would ruin the retail nature of the area. Lawrence indicated the new location is not perfect, because it is a little farther west than desired to effectively serve probationers, but it has benefits with accessibility to two bus routes and the interstate.

The proposed leasing arrangement is a ten year lease with $500,000 in advance to lower rent payments. "The economy is going to get worse," he said.

The new location will be 25,000 square feet. Currently, the traffic court located at Post Road and 10th Street is 9,100 square feet. He said the 5,800 square foot probation office at 3500 Lafayette Road is tight for space, as well as non-compliant with ADA standards.

Some residents viewed the new location as an improvement to the area. Centre Properties has committed to $300,000 for exterior improvements, and an estimated $1 million for interior renovations.

Clint Fultz said the area does not need any more apartments, retail or industrial uses, but needs office space. He said the 70 employees may spur more restaurant development. "I think this a great thing."

Donna Forbes was doubtful if those attending traffic court will shop in the area afterwards. She said most people who have just experienced traffic court are not in a good mood and just want to go home.

One resident cited traffic concerns since medians prevent turning on 38th Street and High School Road. Traffic court is expected to generate 800 visitors daily.

Although no traffic studies have been conducted, Christopher Carmen of Centre Properties said the former Target brought 2,000 to 2,500 cars a day to the store and did not create additional traffic problems.

Robert Bingham, Chief Probation Officer of Marion Superior Court, said juveniles are mostly dealt with at school where probation officers can have multiple visits per day to help them stay in line. The new building will be designed so there is separation between adults and juveniles. He expected the juvenile visits to increase only when schools are out of session.

Bingham said the "bunker probation or fortress probation" method of sitting behind a desk at the City County building does not work. He said everybody is better protected when probation officers are out in the field making home visits to observe probationers' environments. The city has two other satellite probation offices that serve as an outreach to the community. Ex-sex offenders will go to the City County Building during their probation periods.

State Senator Greg Taylor was not endorsing a location. He emphasized the Centre Properties' investment in the strip mall as an advantage for taxpayers, since it would increase the assessed valuation. "This can help you," he said. He tried to allay fears for those concerned that a probation office would increase crime. "These are not all bad people."

Carmen indicated the company would be applying for a tax exemption for 25,000 square feet since the tax court is occupying that area, but it will continue to pay property taxes on the remaining 25,000 square feet.

Barry Stearn, owner of ten properties in the nearby neighborhood of Gateway, called it a "plum" for Pike Township.

Wayne Township Trustee David Baird remained silent during the June 3 meeting, but that was not the case at a previous neighborhood meeting. He expressed his annoyment with Pike Township residents who protested the Wayne Township location, but then welcomed the offices to Pike Township.

Lawrence said the proposal still needs approval by the Administration and Finance Committee and the City County Council. Lawrence said one more public hearing will be required if the council approves the proposal.