Judge's Ruling Clears Way for Fast Park Facility in Ameriplex

On August 29, Superior Court Judge Michael Keele ruled against the Indianapolis Airport Authority's lawsuit that claimed the Metropolitan Development Commission lacked the authority to modify the land use plan for Ameriplex.  This ruling was unequivocal, ceding no iota of the IAA's arguments as holding legal water.

I uploaded the opinions to Google Docs (here and here)

By ruling against the Airport, Judge Keele has cleared the way for the construction (FINALLY) of the Fast Park facility that was the basis of the MDC's decision way back in February (see "Yesterday's Zoning Case - Its About Far More Than a Parking Facility").

The Fast Park has seen it's entry into the Indianapolis market greeted with legal maneuvers against it by Airport parking facilities who simple did not want Fast Park's competition.  First, Indy Park Ride & Fly over in Plainfield, hired attorney Brian Tuohy to try to shut down Ameriplex's land use petitions filed with the MDC.  The MDC's approval, by an overwhelming vote of 6-2, should have been the end of it.  But, by this time Tuohy had landed a client with even deeper pockets - the Indianapolis Airport.  They filed this lawsuit in March and we finally have a decision, reaffirming the February decision of the MDC and its authority to render that decision.

This is great news for Decatur Township.  I outlined in a five part series how the Fast Park facility will provide us with property taxes outside of the TIF district that consumes most of Ameriplex and will divert tax revenues until at least 2023.  (see "The 800 Pound Gorilla - Indianapolis Airport", "Decatur Township", "Ameriplex", and "Fast Park Project")

It is also great news for those who think the Airport should not use its unlimited resource of other people's money to squelch competition.  Its not even like it's hurting for money and needs the parking revenues from its own operations (see "Mike Wells, Indy Airport Board President, Misled Press and Public on Airport Finances").

Ultimately, it is great news for central Indiana residents who can use another option when deciding where to park their cars when on a flight out of town.  Yelp reviews of the Fast Park operation, in other cities where it is located, give it an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 for 652 reviews.

And last but not least, it must be noted that the Fast Park & Relax facility will be green - with canopies over every parking spot to protect the cars as well as reduce the heat island effect and for solar panels to be affixed to the top.  They capture and use rain water for irrigating their landscaping.  They will have electric charging stations for folks with those kinds of cars.  And, they will help show the way for local businesses to adopt a green approach while still building a business that works.  For, if a parking facility can do it, everyone can.

Its been a long road to reach this victory.  But, we have.  Now, time to celebrate !!!