INDIANAPOLIS — On Tuesday, the city county council's Rules and Public Policy Committee discussed, asked questions, and heard public comment about the plan to create a "Professional sports development area" in downtown Indianapolis.
The committee gave a do-pass recommendation for the development. It's the first step to bringing a major league soccer team to Indy, and it's been controversial sincethe mayor announced it last month.
Supporters of Indy Eleven and the Eleven Park soccer stadium development wore shirts and held signs asking that the project continue.
Those with close ties to the team made passionate cases against the city's plan for a different stadium saying they feel blind-sided by the decision.
But the executive vice president of visit Indy said a major league soccer team would be a major boost for the city.
Some councilors and residents expressed their concerns about the remains that have been found at the eleven park site, which was home to several cemeteries in the past.
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Some councilors are worried who would own a possible major league soccer team.
Under state law, the owner would have to contribute at least 20 percent of stadium project costs.
Up next for this proposal is a vote by the full city-county council on Monday, June 3.
If it's approved, the Metropolitan Development Commission will also need to approve the plan. Then, it can be sent to the state budget committee.
Mayor Joe Hogsett made the following statement:
Tonight, our community engaged in a robust conversation on the future of soccer in Indianapolis and emerged one step closer to pursuing the vision to bring a Major League Soccer expansion club to our city.
I want to thank the passionate residents who shared their perspectives tonight, as well as the members of the City-County Council’s Rules and Public Policy Committee for supporting Proposal 175 in a bipartisan way, showing that they believe in the potential to solidify our status as the greatest sports city in the country. As this process moves forward, I look forward to continuing the conversations with City-County Councilors, state leaders, and members of our community as we work together – in the Indianapolis way.
A Spokesperson for Keystone Group made the following statement:
We are heartened by the compelling support Indy Eleven and Eleven Park received this evening and continues to receive. Tonight's meeting showed a troubling lack of details from city officials as to the why and how of their decision making, and it is our hope that the full Council will stand up for their constituents and taxpayers and demand transparency as Indianapolis prepares to walk away from its commitments to near Westside neighborhoods.
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