Speedway council authorizes start of eminent‑domain process for former Wilshaw Hotel

The Speedway Town Council voted unanimously on March 30 to approve Resolution 2026‑06, authorizing the redevelopment department to begin the town’s eminent‑domain process for the former Wilshaw Hotel property at 16th and Main.

Town Manager Grant Kleinhens described the resolution as “the first step in a process” that allows the redevelopment commission to use the town’s eminent‑domain authority. He said the measure authorizes spending on appraisers and legal services and directs staff to negotiate with the current owner based on appraisals. “It authorizes the redevelopment commission … to acquire the property via our eminent domain authority under Indiana code 36‑7‑14,” Kleinhens said during the meeting.

Kleinhens told the council that fees for appraisers and legal work would be paid from tax‑increment financing (TIF) dollars, which he said are authorized under state statute. The resolution, he added, also authorizes executing eminent‑domain proceedings in court if negotiations do not yield an agreed sale price.

Councilor Nick Sturgeon moved the resolution and Councilor Vince Noblett seconded. President Jason Delisle called the vote; the council approved the resolution 5–0.

The action authorizes the town to begin the legal and administrative steps common to an eminent‑domain acquisition (appraisal, negotiation and, if necessary, filing in court) but does not transfer title or start any physical work on the property. The council did not specify a timeline for any court filings or a closing date on acquisition during the meeting.

Next steps identified in the discussion include commissioning appraisals, opening negotiations with the property owner based on those appraisals, and, if needed, pursuing court proceedings to acquire the site.