Last Updated 2 weeks by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Developers have scrapped their controversial plans for Devington Plaza on the northeast side of Indianapolis.

Officials with the Brendon Park Civic Association say Skysoar Capital has withdrawn its plans to redevelop the old shopping center on the corner of 46th Street and Arlington Avenue.

The out-of-town developer’s U.S. operations are based out of New York.

Neighborhood groups in the area, like BCPA, have pushed back on the project. They formed the Devington Plaza Task Force as a way to voice concerns about the redevelopment.

In meetings about the plaza, the group says the people in the area are looking for more community spaces instead of high-density housing.

Original plans called for building 520 apartments and some retail space on more than 30 acres.

Last week, the Metropolitan Development Commission voted not to recommend rezoning the plot for the multi-use plans.

According to Stephanie Marshall, president of the BPCA, dozens of people showed up to the commission hearing to speak out against the developer.

In a statement to News 8, she says her group celebrated the decision for the developer to not move forward.

After two years of advocating relentlessly for social and economic equity, our community has achieved a significant milestone. The proposal from Skysoar to rezone Devington Plaza, which was inadequate and did not meet our needs, has finally been withdrawn. During the recent public hearing, over 40 community members from surrounding neighborhoods gathered, eagerly anticipating the outcome. When the Petitioner decided to withdraw their rezone request, there was a collective exhale of relief and excitement. We have won this battle, but the war is far from over. 

This victory, although small, is a mighty one that our community needed. It marks the beginning of our next set of challenges as we strive to reconnect Devington Plaza as a vibrant community destination. This time, we have the opportunity to start anew, from the very beginning. Previously, we were at a disadvantage, constantly playing catch-up on decisions that were made without considering our community’s needs.

Now, we are thankful and ready to do the necessary work and tap into our resources. With the right impact investors, developers (ideally local), and our preferred architect, Daryl Williams-Dotson from WDi Architecture. These partners would share our vision of creating forward-thinking, community centric projects that bring people together and allow them to thrive close to home.

Stephanie Marshall, president of the Brendon Park Civic Association

As of Tuesday morning, it is unclear what — if any — plans SkySoar Capital will have for the Devington Plaza site.