Best Use of Land: a Public Park or a Subdivision?

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The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

Best Use of Land: a Public Park or a Subdivision?
by Susan Florek
[President, Bridgefield Homeowners Association]

The Board of the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSDWT) has scheduled an Open Public Forum on Possible Uses for the District's 30-acre field at 8200 Ditch Road. This open 'study session' will be Thursday, November 4, at 7 p.m. in the Dr. Evans Community Education Center (SW corner of 86th & Woodfield Crossing Blvd.)

Fast Facts:
· Land at 8100-8200 Ditch Road = 31.2 acres
· Unofficial estimated value = $2 to $2.8 million
· Indy Parks officials are interested in this site for park use. *
· Washington Township has the fewest park acres per capita of any township in Marion County. *
· Washington Township has the 2nd highest population density of the county townships and is nearly "built-out", with scarce remaining undeveloped land available for a park/open/greenspace. *
· This site is earmarked for park space in the Marion County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. * · The distance from these neighborhoods to Holliday Park is approximately 4 miles.
· Total School System annual expenditures (‘02-’03) = $100,676,544.72 **
· # Days of Washington Township School System expenses covered by $2.8 million = about 10 days

As you may know, there are two open fields along Ditch Road owned by MSDWT. Both fields were discussed as possible relocation sites for Fire Station 224, however, the Township has not used either site. A new School Board member has recently proposed this agenda:

1. 8200 Ditch, which until now was being held for future school needs since it was large enough to support future building, is to be sold to a housing developer. The School Board member has suggested a housing development of about 5 houses per acre to neighboring residents.
2. Some land (approx. 5 acres) at 8200 Ditch would be retained by MSDWT in anticipation of the need for an Early Childhood Center in the future.
3. Instead of being sold, 8900 Ditch is to stay greenspace with oversight by North Willow Subdivision, but still owned by MSDWT.
4. The playground area at Greenbriar Elementary School is to be called a public park by adding inexpensive features like an outdoor restroom & water fountain.

All three Neighborhood Associations (700+ homes) surrounding 8200 Ditch have requested the land at 8200 be preserved and used for a park/open/greenspace, and the majority of residents strongly desire greenspace.

Greenspace preservation rationale include:

· A park directly across from Greenbriar Elementary would create a place for collaborative efforts between the school and IndyParks in a central area, and help deter the trend of childhood obesity.
· The need for another housing development is questionable in light of our Township's extensive number of foreclosures and vacant/abandoned homes.
· The Indianapolis Parks Foundation is well equipped to raise funds to create a beautiful park/open/greenspace via donations and grants once the land is acquired.
· The taxpayer's dollars used by MSDWT to purchase this site would be best utilized by allowing taxpayers use of the land as a park/open/greenspace. Indy Parks will hold public input forums with neighboring residents, to determine the most-desired park features.
· Use as a park/open/greenspace would continue to reserve this land for future MSDWT needs, such as an Early Childhood Center or whatever other future needs may surface.
· Once this open land is sold & developed, it's lost forever to MSDWT & the community.

This is a moment of truth for our community, with alternate fates of greenspace or just another housing development. This is a call to action - we need your help:

1. Attend the Open Public Forum on Uses for 8200 Ditch on Thursday, November 4, 7 p.m. at the CEC (86th & Woodfield Crossing Blvd.) and speak in favor of greenspace.
2. Contact all the School Board members and request a public park/open/greenspace at 8200 Ditch. Email Contact Information for the Wash. Township School Board: ewhite@msdwt.k12.in.us; jhunter@msdwt.k12.in.us; cmcneilly@msdwt.k12.in.us; SchoolBoardRick@aol.com; lschlabach@msdwt.k12.in.us; rtaylor@msdwt.k12.in.us

* Source: City of Indianapolis/Marion County and Indy Parks ** Source: Indiana Dept. of Education, Indiana Accountability System for Academic Progress

(Mrs. Florek can be reached at spflorek@msn.com)