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Speedway council authorizes eminent-domain authority for Crawfordsville Road pedestrian project
Summary
The Speedway Town Council on June 9 approved Resolution 2025-08 granting the town authority to pursue eminent domain for easements on two parcels needed for the Crawfordsville Road sidewalk and trail project after negotiations stalled, council members said.
The Speedway Town Council on Monday approved Resolution 2025-08 authorizing town officials to exercise eminent-domain authority if negotiations fail to secure easements needed for the Crawfordsville Road pedestrian improvement project.
Town Manager Grant Kleinhines told the council the resolution covers two parcels — 5660 Crawfordsville Road and 5901 Crawfordsville Road — that are needed for easements to install sidewalks and a trail adjacent to the roadway. He said the town already has appraisals and has made offers; the measure authorizes town staff and the town attorney to pursue condemnation only if negotiations do not progress.
Kleinhines said the parcels are for easements, not full property takings, and described the step as necessary to avoid project delays and potential loss of grant funding. "We are recommending that you approve this resolution, which in essence gives us authority, Ted and myself acting as your litigation manager that's called out there in the resolution, to move and proceed if negotiations do not continue in a positive manner," Kleinhines said.
Kleinhines and staff said two appraisals have been completed for each parcel and that most other parcels needed for the project are already secured or in advanced negotiation. He said the easements will allow the town to add sidewalks and a trail and that temporary traffic-control measures, including a requested HAWK signal on Crawfordsville Road and on Cunningham Road, are planned to help pedestrians cross near businesses and apartment complexes.
Town Attorney Ted Nolting noted the condemnation process can take months and that the town will continue to negotiate before filing any action. Council members voiced reluctance but said public-safety and schedule risks left the council little choice if owners would not accept the town's offers.
The council voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2025-08 authorizing the exercise of eminent-domain authority for the Crawfordsville Road pedestrian improvement project.
The approved resolution does not specify a construction schedule; staff said the project is on a timeline tied to grants and that further property acquisitions remain in negotiation.
