Fishers Town Council delays vote on $19M auto mall

The Fishers Town Council on Monday night delayed until Wednesday a vote on Butler Automotive Group's plan for a $19 million auto mall along State Road 37 that could house up to five car dealerships.

The council delayed the vote until it could get additional financial information from town engineers and attorneys. Specifically, council members want to know how much the city will pay for infrastructure improvements related to the project.

The town’s Advisory Plan Commission approved the plans last Wednesday. If the council gives its blessing, construction could begin this spring on a new Butler Nissan dealership, with completion of the entire development slated for 2013. About 230 jobs could be created, according to Butler.

A Butler Nissan dealership already sits on part of the property the company wants to redevelop. The town wants to create a tax-increment financing district to help fund $5.4 million in infrastructure improvements to the site.

The development is planned for the west side of Indiana 37 on the former Davidson Lumberyard property and would stretch from 131st to 141st streets. Lumberyard structures would need to be demolished to make way for the dealership.

The site is across from the former Britton Park Golf Course. A major water park, hotel and retail project had been slated for that property, but developers have run into financial troubles that are severely threatening the development.

The $80 million project, led by Indianapolis-based Puller Group, includes plans for a 16-acre water park and 244-room Wyndham Hotel within Fishers Marketplace, a mix of shops, restaurants and offices.

Old National Bank foreclosed in August on the south half of the 104-acre site, which was owned by Indianapolis developer Skjodt Thomas & Associates.

Fifth Third Bank is attempting to foreclose on the other half owned by the Puller Group. The case is pending in Hamilton Superior Court.