By Nancy Edwards
Fishers residents are welcome to attend an upcoming public open house to learn specifics regarding the Fishers Train Station project and offer ideas for space usage.
The enhanced train platform and pedestrian plaza will include ticket windows, public restrooms and improved ADA accessibility, in addition to plaza seating and bike racks. The platform will also accommodate future mass transit needs.
“The Parks Department couldn’t be more excited about this plaza,” said Tony Elliot, Parks & Recreation director. “The opportunities to activate this space are endless, and residents can help us develop programming by telling us how they plan to use it.”
The $28 million mixed-use project was passed last month in a 5-2 vote by Fishers Town Council, however, public reaction was met with strong opposition from residents. Some were concerned with the historical significance of the 18-year-old train station, while others worried about the potential for a traffic nightmare.
Pete Peterson, vice president of Fishers Town Council, urged residents to attend the open house to learn the facts of the project.
“I think there’s a bit of a misunderstanding (about project specifics) and some political motivation,” Peterson said.
The event was originally to be held in the Town Hall auditorium on March 25, but the location was changed to the Hamilton Southeastern High School varsity gym in order to accommodate what is expected to be a large crowd. Town officials, project developers and community organizations will be present to discuss the project, answer resident questions and collect feedback. The open house begins at 6:30.
“The residents of Fishers have asked for a vibrant, walkable downtown and we have made great strides towards developing the Nickel Plate District,” said Scott Fadness, Fishers town manager. “The train station plaza is an important piece of the puzzle, and we look forward to hearing from the residents what they would like to see in the new space.”
Construction of the 3 ½ acre site will begin this summer and finish next year.
