(Speedway People Encouraging Equal Development)
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I want to stress to everyone to logon to speedwaynavigator.com daily. This paper is very informative and the editor tells it from both angles.
Dec 17Please note that as of January 2010 SPEED meetings will be held on the 1st Tuesday of each month due to scheduling conflicts at the VFW.The next meeting will be Tuesday 1/5/10. There will be no meeting in Feb. Dec 15As I sit here and try to write my memories of 2009, I decided to dedicate this SPEED Update to the SRC and the Town Council members who helped to make the year so memorable.Remember when: Feb 9, 2009Scott Harris announced at the Feb 9th meeting that "we have received engineering approval for the roundabout design.The right-of-way engineering has been completed on that set of parcels this week".Feb 11, 2009Kit Werbe of the DPW stated: "both the realignment and the round-a-bout have not been officially approved. The concept has been approved for both the realignment and for the roundabout, but, the final design plans have not been approved."Feb 10, 2009Fisher clamps down on public comments at Town Council meetings, stomping on the rights of freedom of speech.Feb 16, 2009A letter was given to the SRC formally requesting that the Speedway Redevelopment Commission submit another plan for the 16th St. realignment showing the alignment going North of the Marathon Pipeline.As of 12/16/2009 there has been no comment from the SRC nor has another plan been introduced to the DPW. March 6, 2009Institute for Justice rallies to assist SPEED and Christine Walsh walks into our world.Thank you Castle Coalition for your help and continued support! March 27, 2009Public records show that on 3/27 the SRA had a balance of $399,212.51 and the SRC had a balance of $254,442.69. (As of 12/16/09 the SRC has spent over $26 million dollars on the redevelopment, which includes interest payments on the notes and bonds.) The town's debt is mounting up. The $26 million does not include the state's loan of $6.7 million for Gerrard - Allison and Main Street, nor the $750,000 for a fire engine and police equipment.March 31,2009Found out that Crowe Horvath billed the SRC $100,000 to obtain the $5.7 million bond anticipation note from Key Bank.Aug 6, 2009American Structurepoint Project Manager Shane Burkhardt explained that ideas gathered from walk-in participants in the 2006 Charette Speed Zone were not used.
(Kinda makes you feel all warm and fuzzy when Scott Harris and Mansur and all the other paid contractors praise the charettes to everyone, doesn't it?) November 2009Ceremony held on Main St where shovels were given out to a chosen few to make "history" by turning the soil which started the Main Street development. Only around 100 people showed up, and the majority of them were not citizens of Speedway.And now FYI: During 2009 Jerome Noblet was selected to be on the Housing advisory committee. He is the brother of Vince Noblet, SRC president. Nancy Lawrence was named to the SRC. Nancy is the wife of the Speedway Park President Ray Lawrence and also one of the lucky adults who chaperoned the Motegi kids to Japan. Nancy Lawrence also supported the consensus vote to use the SRC' property as a fundraiser to park cars for the Motegi kids. The first time she abstained from voting on the proposal, but Nancy slipped the next time and even raised the request. Eileen Fisher, wife of SRC member Ron Fisher, was named President of the Town Council. Mrs. Fisher was never challenged when elected to the council. Are you seeing a pattern here? And lest we forget the Recession: Article from IBJ: Allison Transmission is urging 19% of its 2200 hourly workers to retire early. Why? Because sales forecasts for 2009 have been experiencing further deterioration and,therefore, attrition levels cannot be expected to keep pace. According to DMD PIO John Bartholomew, Allison has yet to record the plat change to close Grande. Once they build a cul-de-sac at the south end, they can record it and close the street. The DMD has no timeline on that. Without the vacation being recorded, there is no land set aside by Allison to dedicate for Holt Road as discussed during the vacation hearing. Jan 27, 2009Colts trim jobs in tough economyQuote from article: "It's hardly a surprise given the tough economic times that have hit other sports entities. The league offices for Major League Baseball and the NFL have already announced job cuts, and the Colts neighbors - the Indy Racing League and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway- have done the same." December 15,2009The IMS trims days off the 2010 race, leaving one weekend for qualification. Reasons cited were: help race teams with saving money on hotel rooms, less employees needed, and significant savings for television production. (while this helps the IMS it is going to do great harm to the city's hospitality budget.)While the whole country is still struggling to get past this recession the Officials of Speedway Indiana keep spending in hope that their far fetched, outlandishly expensive, and downright asinine redevelopment pans out. The sad part of this story is that this money could be used to better our school system, redo our antiquated sewer system throughout Speedway, and put the money into the streets, sidewalks and curbs. While so much more happened in 2009 this is just a quick synopsis of what the SRC and the elected town officials have given us. Absolutely Nothing! The good news is International Village is making improvements to the complex despite the SRC efforts to purchase the complex, and later vote to use eminent domain. Once again, the SRC proves its incompetence of being able to execute a plan. The SRC borrowed $100,000 to place in a refundable escrow and the commission also voted for a not-to-exceed $50,000 feasibility study to cover appraisals, environmental, title search and survey costs. The $50,000 was non-refundable. And what about 2010? Speedway residents may be looking at their first referendum vote by the schools for a cash infusion to solve their million dollar deficit spending. But be careful of the spin that Dr. Terry Reed alludes to that it is the property tax changes that occurred in 2009 that caused the problem. The school's deficit spending started in 2007 and 2008 at the time the SRC started taking TIF funds to finance its spending habit of over-promising and under delivering. The referendum vote will be hinged on the propaganda need to have the $1 million to prevent consolidation, but the reality is it was the SRC that dug the school's future grave. The school board is not doing a good job to tighten spending when they discuss the perils of its deficit crisis, but then vote to hire an assistant wrestling and cheer leading coach at their September 8 board meeting. According to Superintendent Hull, "the issues with local funding are the result of state control and the universal application of property tax caps across the state rather than the use of local control. Our issues are far more the result of the state legislature than they are of local decisions regarding TIFs. TIFs do not generally decrease our levy (they do reduce our ability to increase our levy to some degree), they shift the responsibility for funding the levy increases from the TIF area to the non-TIF area. I do agree that when property at Allison came out of the TIF, the community did not gain its value in its total assessed value (this added value was captured by the SRC), and the result was that the rest of the community realized an increase in property taxes to keep the school levy whole. This was larger in 2007 and 2008, but decreased significantly in 2009 with the removal of the general fund from property taxes." December 2009Zipp Speed Weaponry has not denied a potential exodus from Main Street. The message was the decision is still pending. The SRC might have to adjust the sketch that illustrated Zipp in future plans. SRC plans show Zipp occupying a new site on Gilman.I leave you with this. As you make your New Years Resolution put in a word for the people whose lives have been in turmoil since this redevelopment began. Pray for those who have had health problems brought on by stress and sleeplessness and hopelessness because the SRC has taken it upon themselves to upheave lives and leave unanswered questions to those who may lose homes, businesses or jobs. And make a resolution to become more involved in fighting for your freedom of speech and the rights to own property without the fear of the government stealing it from you or your neighbor. We the people of the United States of America! That includes every single person in the town of Speedway who will find that the future still holds doubt and unanswered questions. It is your duty and right to be your government's watchdog. If you don't do it - who will? From my house to yours I wish you the best for the holidays. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY 2010 BRING THE END TO THE UNKNOWN! Nov 20Speedway revs up $500 million redevelopment planThe End of an Eminent Domain Error: Pfizer R&D Headquarters Closes in New London, Conn. The Battle of Brooklyn Mayor Leads Delegation on Economic Development Mission to Europe Group to focus on enhancement of motorsports industry SPEED UPDATE: The Big Dig has finally happened and Main Street Redevelopment has started. According to Mansur there are over 40 businesses interested in moving to the area. (I have yet to hear any names) and letters of intent have been received. The SRC has become the Real Estate Agency it once stated they weren't and have acquired property and now are getting appraisals for acquisitions for more. Eminent domain seems to be on the rise for Redevelopment Area 2. I just hope this doesn't end up being another Kelo vs New London. In this Supreme court case land was eminent domained for Pfizer to expand their existing lab facility. This week Pfizer up and left New London leaving bare land filled with weeds and trash that was so important to acquire. This land was once a water front neighborhood with family homes and businesses before the people were forced from their properties "for the good of the town". That was 8 yrs ago and now the land is being abandoned. According to Ron Fisher of the SRC, he would rather have a dirt pile instead of some of the abandoned buildings because it looks better. Maybe we should ask the people of New London, Connecticut what they think! And then there is the problem that there isn't a lot of tax base received from a "dirt pile". That may have an effect on your taxes in the future. According to Scott Harris of the SRC, there is little chance of another Kelo/New London in Speedway, because they do not plan to pursue acquiring property they don't have funding for. This may be good news to anyone who may be affected by the closing of Georgetown Rd, realignment of 16th Street or the Holt Rd extension. This gives the Institute for Justice more time to get our case together. Be assured that Christina Walsh and the Castle Coalition is kept updated on what is happening. I also find it interesting that the Mayor of Indianapolis along with a hand picked delegation took a Economic development Mission to Europe to focus on the motorsports industry. Gee, and I thought the IMS was in the town of Speedway!!!!! There will be SPEED meetings December 2nd and January 6th, The February meeting will not be held but will resume in March. I urge anyone who still has questions regarding the Speedway Redevelopment to get in touch with your town officials. I also would like to see more people attending the meetings. Redevelopment is easier to stop before it happens. Nov 19News from the Institute for JusticeFriends: Recently, we e-mailed you about a documentary currently in production that follows Daniel Goldstein and his fight to save his home and community in Brooklyn. The Battle of Brooklyn artfully depicts the Davids and Goliaths at the heart of this five-year-long eminent domain battle. This film will be a tremendous resource in the fight against the unholy alliance of tax-hungry governments and land-hungry developers nationwide. The producers have posted the trailer on Kickstarter, a website that provides a method to fund creative projects. The good news is that The Battle of Brooklyn already has 100 backers who have pledged to give their support! But there is a catch. The film will only receive the pledged donations if they reach their stated goal. They are almost halfway there, but only 19 days remain. Any size pledge will help the producers finish this film and tell Daniel’s story—a story that so many of you have lived and that is so desperate to be told. Be sure to check out the trailer on Kickstarter here. This compelling film is going to make a huge splash, and the producers are intent on getting it into major festivals. We hope you check it out! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2009 The End of an Eminent Domain Error: Pfizer R&D Headquarters Closes in New London, Conn. Land Taken in Infamous Kelo Supreme Court Case Remains Empty More Than Four Years After Ruling Arlington, Va.—Pfizer, Inc., announced today that the company will be closing its former research and development headquarters in New London, Conn. This was a project that involved massive corporate welfare and led to the abuse of eminent domain that ultimately bulldozed the home of Susette Kelo and her neighbors in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London. This was the same bogus development plan that five justices of the U.S. Supreme Court refused to question when the property owners of New London pleaded to have their homes spared from the wrecking ball. Justices mentioned that there was a plan in place, and that so long as lawmakers who are looking to use eminent domain for someone’s private gain had a plan, the courts would wash their hands. Now, more than four years after the redevelopment scheme passed constitutional muster—allowing government to take land from one private owner only to hand that land over to another private party who happens to have more political influence—the plant that had been the magnet for the development is closing its doors and the very land where Susette Kelo’s home once stood remains barren to all but feral cats, seagulls and weeds. Scott Bullock, who argued the Kelo case for the Institute for Justice on behalf of the New London homeowners, said, “Today’s announcement that Pfizer is closing its research facility in New London demonstrates the folly of government plans that involve massive corporate welfare and that abuse eminent domain for private development. The majority opinion in Kelo v. New London described the Fort Trumbull project as a ‘carefully considered’ plan, but it has been an unmitigated disaster from start—and now—to finish.” Bullock continued, “Project supporters blame the economic downturn for this turn of events. That is all the more reason why taxpayer dollars should not be put at risk in speculative and risky development schemes.” Despite the Court’s Kelo ruling, much change for the good has occurred. Dana Berliner, a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice and co-counsel in the Kelo case, said, “In the face of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo ruling, 43 states have now reformed their laws to better protect property owners. What’s more, seven state high courts have stepped in post-Kelo to protect the rights of homeowners against eminent domain abuse. The high courts of Hawaii, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Missouri, New Jersey and Rhode Island have all ruled in favor of property owners and against eminent domain for private gain. None has made Kelo the rule under their own state constitutions.” The tragic saga of the Kelo case is detailed in Jeff Benedict’s book Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage (Grand Central Publishing; 2009). In it, Benedict shares with readers how Kelo took on the City of New London, a cast of politically powerful villains and, ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a case that sparked a revolutionary change nationwide in eminent domain laws—except in Connecticut. Christina Walsh Director of Activism and Coalitions Institute for Justice 901 N. Glebe Road, Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 682-9320 Oct 20If you were unable to attend the Oct 19th SRC meeting, don't fret about it. It was the same old thing, just a different date.There were no public comments made which shows that either people still don't understand what is happening, or they just don't care. I personally didn't have anything to say since nothing has really been done lately. Here is a synopsis of the meeting for those of you who can stay awake long enough to read it. Quorum established Minutes from last meeting approved. Minutes of Special meeting approved No Public Comments Review of long term Control Plan squashed because of the Town Manager having last minute obligations. Main Street Update 3 Bids received Friday for replacement and repair of sewer lines which will be reviewed by Structurepoint Calumet $5,561,577 Sunesis $5,394,564 Reith Riley $5.897,600 Alternate bids were requested for storm lines 1. smaller lines used 2. slip liner over lines 3. enhance electrical outlets along Main St There was then a talk about Vent boxes to provide electricity for future Main St events. There will be outlets on Street lights and at the base of the planted trees. There will be a public hearing October 27th regarding State funding which will be used for sanitary and storm lines. The SRC will then have to have a meeting to select the winning bid. Next, Scott Harris talked about how the estimates made in 2007 by Structurepoint are actually higher than recent estimates, which is wonderful since every other town is going over their project amounts. He stated that the latest estimate was 79% lower than our original estimate. Property Requisition Appraisals being done along Main Street and other areas of Redevelopment areas 1 and 2. The SRC is working with Allison and Praxair for property they now own. Then once again we heard about the Main Street Phase 1-4. And once again Bill Jones had to bring up why the project was starting at Charlie Browns and then going to 10th Street for Phase 2. And once again we had to hear from Scott Harris that it is because it is the lowest point and they work to the highest. We learned that the "hump" along Main Street won't be gone, but will be reduced to 2 feet high. Groundbreaking will be around the 3rd week of November. Main Street property owners should call Scott Harris regarding the Phases if they have question. There are pieces of property which will need to be worked around, Next came discussions regarding art working groups (if anyone wants to volunteer) and the Wall of Fame with items from Praxair, IMS, and Main Street. Ron Fisher stated that regarding Redevelopment Area 1 Mansur is finalizing the development and an announcement will be made before the end of the year regarding real estate. Bill Jones said that Structurepoint will present findings regarding Area 2 at the next SRC meeting. Scott Harris said that they are continuing dialogue with International Village. Approval of claims approved. Terry Reed said that study groups are being put together regarding the school budget, but consolidation is not being considered. Scott Harris brought up legal notices that appeared in Monday's Indianapolis Star regarding tax levys by towns. (2008 payable in 2009). He said that Speedway virtually has the lowest school tax levy. The meeting ended at 6:30. (snore) Nothing about Georgetown Rd closing. Nothing about the 16th Street project Nothing about Holt Rd extension. FYI: We are working on a blog for the website so keep checking in. That's it for now. Next SPEED meeting is the 1st Wednesday in November at the VFW on west 10th. There are plans being made for a future endeavor, so please come and bring a friend or neighbor. The closing of Georgetown Rd is not dead. We need to stop it before it goes any further. Spread the word!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please let others know about SPEEDWAYCITIZENS.COM. I will be updating the site more often. Next meeting Nov 4 at the VFW on W. 10th St 6pm. Hope to see you there.
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LATEST NEWSSPEED's next meeting is January 5 at 6 pm located at the VFW post, 5139 W 10th Street |