IndyGo and Department of Metropolitan Development partner on reuse of former Carrier Bryant site
IndyGo and the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) have announced the formalized plan to redevelop 6.5 acres of the former Carrier Bryant site, located in the Riverside, Ind., neighborhood.
The Metropolitan Development Commission authorized the sale and transfer of the property on Jan. 2, 2019. The IndyGo Board of Directors voted to approve the purchase at the Dec. 6, 2018, meeting.
As the transit agency continues implementation of a 70-percent increase in service, more than 200 operators will be hired and trained in the next year. Currently due to space constraints, training and CDL certification is led in temporary trailers on-site at IndyGo headquarters. This new training facility will mean 3,500-square feet of classroom space for new hires and certification updates, as well as five acres of space for behind-the-wheel training. The facility will also serve as a contingency operations location if needed. IndyGo says it is also looking to leverage this new facility to enhance employment opportunities through internships, partnerships and a youth apprentice program.
The former Carrier-Bryant site was developed in early 1900s as a machine tool shop and was later used by Carrier-Bryant as a manufacturing center for heating and air conditioning implements, which ceased operations by 1983. The site was subsequently used for storage/warehousing of heavy equipment, construction debris and food processing materials, becoming vacant by 2004.
Indianapolis took possession of site in 2012 and requested EPA Emergency Response action to remove abandoned drums of hazardous materials. In 2013, the city subsequently applied for and received a $500,00 System for Award Management (previously Online Representations and Certifications Application) grant to demolish structures and conduct incidental environmental remediation activities. After demolition and remediation, the city worked with the Indiana Finance Authority to fund a site-wide environmental assessment and achieved regulatory closure in late-2016, according to IndyGo.
DMD will issue a Request for Information to facilitate the redevelopment of the remaining portion of the site by mid-year 2020. DMD will be evaluating responses that propose future redevelopment for the remaining acreage of the Carrier Bryant site in partnership with IndyGo and community stakeholders.
