Dear Editor:
Save the Nickel Plate is commissioning a privately funded analysis to be released in the next 45 days.
Two years ago, the City of Fishers decreed that a multi-purpose trail is the only feasible option for the Nickel Plate Corridor. So, it comes as no surprise that the City’s study released Friday makes the argument rails with trails is not feasible.
Save the Nickel Plate has grave concerns about the report. Since the public has not been presented with an objective set of options for this corridor at public meetings during the past two years, the City’s claim of openness and transparency is suspect and calls into question the motives for discounting options other than a trail.
- City officials have publicly asserted for two years that the trail-only decision was based on the results of a feasibility study, but this is the first time the City has released a study.
- The City’s FAQ for the NKP Trail states that “industry standards require 120+ feet of right of way.” All right-of-way diagrams in the new feasibility study range from 60 to 75 feet.
- The study assumes, “The existing rail system is not in adequate condition for regular use due to deterioration.” Yet a track inspection report for the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority Railroad (HHPA) reported, “Though the gauge wear is significant, the rail probably has significant life remaining.”
- The new study is based on the assumption that the line “[W]ill require significant rehabilitation prior to begin placed back in service (per the HHPA condition assessment).” That same HHPA report estimates the probable costs for a rehabilitation plan at slightly more than $3.7 million dollars; an expense that a rail operator would bear, not the taxpayers.
- Another assumption the study makes is that system upgrades would require “drainage improvements,” yet the author of the HPPA report notes, “The Consultant has never encountered a 37 mile length of track where there has been so little drainage issues for the majority of the trackage … generally the Railroad is high and dry.”
As these examples make clear, flawed premises lead to questionable conclusions. Taxpayers should be highly skeptical of the City, especially since a new tax has been enacted to fund the “pretty pictures” that gloss over the realities of this ill-conceived project.
Save the Nickel Plate maintains that the public can only make good decisions when provided with good information. Since we cannot count on elected officials to provide taxpayers with a fair analysis, Save the Nickel Plate has partnered with other entities to commission its own analysis that is currently underway. We anticipate our privately funded study will be completed and released in the next 45 days. We look forward to comparing the conclusions of our study with the one published by Fishers.
Another option is possible, one that does not require taxpayer funding to destroy a unique community asset. Rather than enacting policies that limit options, Save the Nickel Plate calls on City officials to embrace expanded community economic development opportunities and quality of life improvements that can withstand public scrutiny.
Ty Mendenhall
Save the Nickel Plate
Westfield
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I agree that the city and the Fadness administration have been less than forthcoming about the trails project. We need an in depth look at the finances for a city that needs to assess more property taxes in advance for this project but lacks the money to upgrade critical infrastructure like the fire department facilities. This trail project sounds like a promised values added deal they pitched to developers to sweeten the pot for building in Fishers. Also the added traffic along 116th street has not been adequately addressed by proposing a tunnel under the road.