Federal regulators are considering the future of the Nickel Plat Rail Line, but the City of Fishers is moving forward with plans to convert the line to a trail.  The Surface Transportation Board is considering the plan to rail bank that line, meaning it could be converted back to rail use at some future time but would be used now as a trail.  As that decision is awaited, the city is forming its plans for the trail.

Fishers wants the part of the Nickel Plate line within its boundaries, from 96th Street north to 146th Street, converted to a trail, much like the Monon trail running through Carmel.  The city says it will release its request for proposals (RFP) during the month of June.

The Nickel Plate Master Planning Committee will be co-chaired by Fishers Councilman John Weingardt and Fishers resident Amanda Welu of DELV Design. The Committee  will guide the planning process.

“I’m looking forward to working hand-in-hand with local leaders and stakeholders to bring this free recreational amenity to our community,” said Committee Co-Chair and Fishers City Councilman John Weingardt, in a city news release. “Our Committee will strive to create a destination for all to enjoy for years to come.”

Committee members include:

·         John Weingardt, Fishers City Councilman (Co-Chair)

·         Amanda Welu, DELV Design (Co-Chair)

·         David Becker, First Internet Bank

·         Erik Braden, Braden Business Systems

·         Shawn Curran, Fishers Running Club

·         Debbie Driskell, Delaware Township Trustee

·         Dan Kloc, Fishers Arts Council

·         Lori Mankin, New Britton Elementary

·         Ailithir McGill, Nickel Plate Arts

·         Jake Reardon-McSoley, Fishers YMCA

·         Brenda Myers, Visit Hamilton County

·         Corby Thompson, Boomerang Development

·         John Wechsler, Launch Fishers / Indiana IoT Lab – Fishers

·         Scott Whitlock, Flexware Innovation

Advisory committee members include:

·         Caleb Gutshall, City of Noblesville

·         Karen Kryah, Binford Redevelopment Group (BRAG)

·         Lindsey Lord, Indy Arts Council

·         Jennifer Milliken, Urban Land Institute

·         Mark Zwoyer, City of Indianapolis

If you are interested in being involved in the planning process,  e-mail Lexi Onofrey at npt@fishers.in.us. Public planning meetings will likely happen this fall for public input.

“The Nickel Plate Trail will allow residents and visitors to experience our city in new and different ways, and this Committee will help create another amenity toward our vision of creating a vibrant city,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “Residents often request increased connectivity for walking, running, and biking in our community and this trail will be a major step toward fulfilling that need.”

For updates on the Nickel Plate trail, use this link.