HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-12 Community & Economic DevelopmentCOMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JULY 2.2012
4:30 P.M.
Committee Members Present: Henry Davis, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic, Dr. Fred Ferlic
Citizen Members Present: Pat Crowley, Zach Raymond
Other Council Member's Present: Tim Scott; Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner,
Oliver Davis, Derek Dieter
Other's Present: Mike Meacham, Bill Schalliol, Mike Schmuhl, Nancy Morgan, Jennifer
Zarembeka, Marge Romwalter, Betty Martz, John Martz, Cedric Moodie, JM Horvath,
Jim Goepfrich, Ann Nanovic, Matt Nanovic, Gary Zapalski, Mark Wilson, Gail Wilson,
Mat Holderbaum, Cindy Holderbaum, Gerry McKillip, Matt Heckman, Kala Heckman,
Brian Bishop, Jennifer Hellyer, Terrance Taylor, Greg Chidester
Agenda: Discussion of Fellows St. Coridor Project
Committee Chairman Henry Davis began the hearing making a few preliminary remarks
before turning to City Engineer Mike Meacham for a presentation. Henry welcomed the
nearly 40 people present for interest while making it clear this matter was not directly in
Council's hands; but would be decided by the Redevelopment Commission. The
Commission is made up of seven members, 3 appointed by the Council and 4 by the
Mayor. Ultimately, they will vote to stop the project as proposed, consider alternatives,
or simply fund the current proposal.
The proposed Fellow Corridor was designed by the City's consulting engineers to
manage traffic entering or exiting a new interchange selected and being built by the state
as a part of the new freeway to Indianapolis. In effect a limited access upgrade to the
current US 31 S route. To expedite the expected increase in traffic once the Fellows
interchange is complete the proposed plan would make Fellows a 3 lane & bike lane &
curbs and sidewalks following the Fellows St. ROW before turning W onto Chippewa
connecting to S. Michigan St. This proposed route would require the purchase and
demolition of 31 homes. That and the increase of traffic on Fellows and Chippewa is the
nexus of the problem affected residents voiced to the Council meeting on June 25`t'.
Henry Davis felt those concerns should be heard.
At Henry's request the hearing proceeded with a presentation from the City Engineer
supplemented by Bill Schalliol form the Economic Development Department.
Using an overhead Mr. Meecham recounted how the proposal came to be and ended up
saying the proposed alignment was an optimal one well thought out and designed.
Schalliol echoed these sentiments saying people had been notified of its proposal at least
twice, in June of 2011 and again in March of 2012 and finally in June of 2012.
After the presentation Councilmember's Varner and White both expressed dismay
alternative routes were not proposed. They along with Councilmember Tim Scott voiced
concerns about the loss of tax base and the possible negative impact on values of homes
along the proposed route but not acquired. Citizen member Pat Crowley wondered if the
route funneling traffic around commerce near 31 and Ireland would have a negative
impact on their economic vitality.
Henry Davis asked anyone wishing to speak for the project to speak. Six residents spoke
in favor. Some said they had already decided to move due to their houses being amount
the 31 to be purchased. Others not on the acquisition list thought the infrastructure
improvements were needed and they understood that. Six homeowners spoke against the
project citing safety concerns for their children and possible devaluation of their property.
Henry Davis reserved his summary comments until everyone had a change to be heard.
Henry questioned the adequacy of notice given to affected homeowners. He also
wondered if adequate consideration had been given to the likely negative effect on people
and businesses in the surrounding area. In closing he reminded those present that the
Council had no direct vote on the issue; yet hope the City Administration, not represented
at this hearing would take another look at the present proposal.
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, Chairperson
Henry Davis, Jr., adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Henry Davis, Jr., Chairperson
Community & Economic Development Committee