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Public hearings set as proposal for I-69 construction moves forward

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Public comment will begin next week on a proposal to extend Interstate 69 from Indianapolis to Martinsville.

A bill that passed a House Committee Wednesday would override a 2004 law that prevented the extension through Perry Township. That construction would be the last of six phases of the highway.

The proposal is facing criticism. Representative Mike Speedy from Indianapolis worries Perry Township may suffer an undue burden for a new highway so the entire state can benefit.

“I’m concerned that I-69 could take away a substantial amount of commercial tax base in Perry Township. When you remove commercial tax base from a bedroom community it increases the property tax burden on single family homes or the rest of the dwellings. So, by opening up that door, you could potentially have a property tax increase on the rest that are still living in Perry Township,” explained Representative Speedy.

Click here to learn more about the two upcoming meetings where public comment will be heard.