The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-06-18

st. about 200 yards belond. The Ford
plant is in a block bounded by
Oriental and e. Washington SITS. and
Southeastern Ave.
Only residents in the two hun
dred yards between Bates ST. and
the railroad line would be affected
by the closing of the street.
1.-The home office ofthe Ford Com
pany has the issue to face and the
decision to make" said Roy w. Won
Dett, assistant superintendent Of
the Indianapolis branch.
Company officials state that an ad-
dition to the plant for manufactur-
ing bodies has a place on the build
ing program of the Ford interests,
If the street is closed. This branch
would employ approximately 400
more men, 1t was estimated.
Oriental st. extends only two
blocks south Of the Pennsylvania
Railroad" sal Elmer w. Stout,
president of the Fletcher American
National Bank, one Of a group OF
business men who fought an un-
successful battle before the board Of
works to retain the Ford factory,
''it would seem to be poor judgment
to allow a street to remain open
for the convenience of only a few
persons, and thereby to lose huge
industry that employs men who
who spend more than $1,500,OO an
nually in the CITY,"
While no confirmation could be
obtained at the Ford branch, there
is a report that the Ford com.
pany has received overtures from
Michigan City and Gary.
Board Members Firm
Members of the board of works
today remained firm in their de-
termination to allow Oriental st. to
remain open.
IF we allow an exception in the
case Of the Ford company, more
than two hundred other factories
along the lines of future elevation
projects would have an equal right
to demand that other streets be
closed" William H. Freeman, board
member, declared. THE result
would be death blow to the entire
elevation project"
Freeman said costs of remodeling
the Ford factory, as quoted by Of
ficials, were excessive. He minimized
the benefits accruing to the city from
money spent by the company, stat
ing that rs per cent Of the Ford en-
ployes lives outside of indianapolis,
driving to and from work in their
automobiles.
Won Dett contradicted Freeman's
statement. He estimated that less
than rs per cent of the men at the
plant were not citizens Of Indian
apolis.
IF Ford leaves, others will take
his place." said Charles E. Coffin,
president of the board Of works. II
have seen similar crises arise dur
ing the history Of Indianapolis, but
nevertheless the city maintained a
steady growth in population and
wealth."
May Move Everyone
A report is current that the Ford
Company not only will remove its
branch from Indianapolis, but also
will pay the expenses of moving the
500 employees and their families to
another city, If the board fails to
yield.
Stout pointed out that citizens Of
Oriental ST. may use Arsenal Ave- or
Leota St., a block in each direction
for an outlet to Washington st.
The boards policy, according to
Freeman, is to permit closing of
streets only on request Of a majority
of the property owners. Oriental St.
residents, he declared, are almost un-
animously opposed to the closing Of
the street.
Carl A. Taylor, president Of the
Taylor Carpet Company, who rep
resented the Merchants Association
beforee the board OF works, en-
phasized the futility Of attempting to
obtain more factories for the city on
one hand and driving one away on
the other.
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