The City of Indianapolis has had a task force working on criminal justice reform. This reform includes both important policy changes as well as some building changes. They have narrowed down the possible sites for buildings to three sites, with one of them Sherman Park. Before they finalize a site, the task force would like to present their recommendations to neighbors, hear from neighbors what the challenges and opportunities would be to use part of Sherman Park for this redevelopment use, and take additional questions. The meeting will be held at the John Boner Neighborhood Center on Thurs., Jan. 12, 2017 at 6 p.m. The Boner Neighborhood Center is located at 2236 E. 10th St.
On Dec. 12, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a proposal for sweeping changes to the justice system in Marion County, including a new facility to be constructed that would include a new jail with 2,600-3,000 beds, an assessment and intervention for mental health and substance abuse treatment, and a courthouse.
Sherman Park is located between Michigan and East 10th St. on Sherman Dr The park encompasses 52 acres, and was originally developed in the 1920s as the headquarters for RCA. The first 45 RPM record was made at the site. Over the decades, RCA employed thousands of people — at its peak, over 8,000 people were employed at the site making TV components. In 1986, RCA was bought by GE, and then sold to Thomson Consumer Electronics in 1987. Over the years, the company began shifting manufacturing to Mexico and other sites, then moved its headquarters to Carmel. In the late 1990s. Thomson moved its last jobs out Sherman Park to Mexico. Over the years, the site fell into disrepair, and was demolished a few years ago.