Public, environmentalists speak out against auto yard at former South Bend Motor Speedway

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.-- Council chambers were packed for a Tuesday afternoon, with 31 people in person and eight people online speaking out against zoning changes that would allow an auto auction company to buy the South Bend Motor Speedway.

The public hearing before the St. Joseph County Area Plan Commission (APC) ultimately resulted in the commission voting unanimously to give an unfavorable recommendation to the County Council.

Insurance Auto Auction, Corp. (IAA) is looking to buy the 60-acre plot of land formerly home to the South Bend Motor Speedway. IAA representatives made their pitch to the APC.

"We are attempting to balance bringing a very reputable and good business to this area, increase what they already do, and also to protect the environment that is of so much importance, as shown by the number of people that are here," said Richard Nussbaum III, representing IAA.

Then the floor opened for a public hearing with speaker after speaker opposing the zoning changes required to further this land sale, and no one speaking in favor.

"Our property values are going to drop to crap," said Bernard Koloski who neighbors the speedway.

Neighbors also brought up traffic, dust and fire concerns.

Environmentalists, enthusiastically protest the rezoning, including local representatives from the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy, advocating for the preservation of the rare black oak savanna located adjacent to the speedway.

"Once destroyed, we can't bring this back, which is we have exactly one chance to get this right. This land is irreplaceable," said conservationist Steve Sass.

Ultimately, the area plan commission voted unanimously to send an unfavorable recommendation for the zoning changes and the special use permit to the county council. This contradicts the APC Staff Report, which advocates for a favorable recommendation.

Now, the petition to rezone the land goes to county council to be voted on.