Proposed State Takeover of Indianapolis’ Mile Square Sparks Debate
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has called for collaboration over control, responding to a proposal by Senator Michael Young to transfer governance of the Mile Square — the downtown area of Indianapolis — from city management to state control. Young’s plan suggests that the Indiana State Police would patrol the area, which includes notable venues like Lucas Oil Stadium and Victory Field, while the attorney general would handle prosecution of crimes.
Mears criticized the ongoing Republican narrative against Marion County’s judicial system, reminding lawmakers that the current judges were appointed by a Republican governor under laws drafted by the Republican-dominated legislature. “They complain about the very people that they appoint,” he stated, emphasizing that the local judiciary has been shaped by their own policies.
Young, who claims that the state takeover would not incur new expenses since the Mile Square already generates significant revenue through taxes, has faced skepticism. Paul Helmke, director of the Civic Leaders Center at the IU O’Neill School, warned that a state takeover could disrupt existing tax increment financing agreements and complicate basic city services like pothole repairs.
Helmke argued that the state would be burdened with a range of responsibilities beyond policing, and questioned the efficiency of reallocating resources in such a manner. He acknowledged the constitutional feasibility of Young’s proposal, but highlighted potential concerns over changing prosecutorial responsibilities.
Mears concluded that genuine improvements in Marion County would come from teamwork and dialogue among state and city leaders, urging legislators to “approach” his office with constructive solutions rather than imposing control. “This doesn’t improve the quality of life for people in Marion County,” he added, underscoring the need for cooperative efforts focused on community needs.
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