Residents of the Brendon Park and Brendonshire neighborhoods are taking concrete steps to address the long‑standing blight at Devington Plaza, a vacant shopping center on Indianapolis’ northeast side that has been largely empty since Kroger left in 2018. According to Mirror Indy, the newly formed Devington Redevelopment Task Force has submitted close to 60 Request Indy tickets over the past year for violations ranging from illegal dumping and trash to parked trucks and building‑code infractions.
Task‑force chair Stephanie Marshall, who also leads the Brendon Park Civic Association, said the tickets have helped reduce visible trash and curb illegal parking on the property. “We are able to garner attention and keep a recorded response on not only the requests, but we’re attaching pictures,” Marshall explained. She added that the task force is communicating with council members and city officials to keep the violations on the public record, which now includes fines and legal fees as the city has taken the property owner to court.
Community members hope the pressure will lead to a redevelopment that reflects local desires. While New York‑based developer Skysoar proposed apartments in 2024, residents criticized the plan as misaligned with neighborhood needs, and Skysoar withdrew the proposal in February 2025. The task force now advocates for a mix of community and wellness spaces, dining options, and housing that serves the area’s aging population.
Several city agencies are involved in monitoring the site. The Marion County Public Health Department handles interior health concerns, the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services oversees exterior violations, while the fire and police departments address fire hazards and crime. Marshall said the next steps include ensuring the property receives all required inspections and exploring additional actions through other agencies.
Long‑time residents echo the call for thoughtful redevelopment. Carla James, who moved to the area in 2006, noted that the property “floods regularly” and has become a de‑facto pond for ducks and geese. Yet she remains optimistic, saying the plaza could become an “anchor” for the community with restaurants and green space. Newer neighbor Amy England, who arrived in 2019, expressed frustration that the site has not transitioned as hoped, adding that the neighborhood also needs a grocery store and gathering places.
“It took years for it to get to the state it’s in,” James said, “and it’s going to take years to find the right development partner and the right project.” The task force’s steady filing of violation tickets reflects that long‑term, strategic approach.
What’s next: The Devington Redevelopment Task Force will continue to submit violation reports, pursue required city inspections, and work with municipal agencies to explore further legal or regulatory actions. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged through the task force’s updates and the city’s Request Indy portal.
Sources: mirrorindy.org, mirrorindy.org
