Some Irvington business owners are withdrawing their support for an Indiana Senate bill that could kill IndyGo’s planned Blue Line, but it might be too late as the bill’s author still plans to push ahead with the legislation.

The owners of Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza, Black Sheep Gifts and Irvington Wellness Center are among those who publicly flipped their positions on Senate Bill 52, which would prohibit the Blue Line from dedicating traffic lanes exclusively for bus use. The prohibition would last until July 2025.

Just last week, the owners of all three businesses were at the Statehouse to support the bill, authored by Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, a longtime opponent of the bus rapid transit project.

The bill passed out of committee, putting the future of the Blue Line in jeopardy.

The business owners’ positions seemed to be at odds with the broader neighborhood. Residents who testified at the committee meeting Thursday, Jan. 18, were generally supportive of the project — including its dedicated lanes — and framed the fight as a matter of local control versus state government overreach.

And while much of the attention has centered on Irvington, the Blue Line is a 24-mile route that would run from Cumberland to the Indianapolis International Airport.

The business owners focused their concerns on how the Blue Line would affect Irvington, but Freeman’s bill would impact the entire project if it becomes law.

The owners started backing away from the bill over the weekend and into Monday, Jan. 22.

For Laura Lea Sweney, owner of Irvington Wellness Center, it came down to talking to a trusted friend about the Blue Line and why dedicated lanes are important to the goals of providing reliable transportation and making Washington Street safer.

One of Sweney’s concerns was that a dedicated lane would hurt the historical feel of Irvington.

Now, after a conversation and doing some research for herself, Sweney sees it differently. She announced her reversal Saturday, Jan. 20, on the wellness center’s Facebook page.

“At the end of the day, I do feel that dedicated lanes probably would be the way to go,” Sweney told Mirror Indy. “And I just wasn’t educated before.”

Sweney emphasized that it’s not like business owners in the area have a team of lawyers or public relations specialists.

“We’re just kind of everyday people,” she said, “and everyday people make mistakes.”

Jockamo, one of the most prominent and recognizable businesses that supported SB 52, pulled its endorsement Monday, Jan. 22, in a post on its Facebook page.

“Over the past few days, we have listened to many voices who believe Irvington, and Indianapolis, would be a better place with the Blue Line project as currently imagined,” the post said. “While we are among those who have reservations about some details of the project, we support a strong public transportation network and safe, walkable streets for our neighborhood and our city.”

The flip came after Jockamo initially doubled down on its support for the legislation, saying in another Facebook post a day after the committee meeting that there should be a pause on the Blue Line project.

In taking back its support of SB 52, Black Sheep Gifts acknowledged that the attitude within the Irvington business community has shifted.

“Given that,” a Facebook post said, “I understand I am now in the minority regarding shared lanes versus designated lanes, and, as always, I stand with my community.”

Mirror Indy was not able to reach Lisa Bennett, the owner of Black Sheep Gifts.

Jockamo responded to an interview request for co-owner Nancy Duncan by sending its statement.

Josephine’s, a clothing store, also reversed its position, and Irvington Picture Frame Company clarified that its name shouldn’t have been included in a list of businesses critical of the Blue Line.

‘The threat is real’

City-County Councilor Andy Nielsen, a Blue Line supporter whose district includes Irvington, has tried convincing business owners publicly and privately to reconsider their initial position.

Part of the reason for the shift now, he told Mirror Indy, is that business owners listened to people in the community.

“They’re hearing from people they trust,” Nielsen said.

But it could be too late to make a difference with lawmakers because SB 52 is already moving through the Indiana General Assembly.

Since clearing the Senate Appropriations Committee with a 7-5 vote, the bill is eligible for a second reading with the full Senate, where other lawmakers could attempt to add amendments.

“Obviously the threat is real,” Nielsen said.

In a statement, Sen. Freeman said he understands businesses need to do what’s in their best interest.

“I stand steadfast in my decision to oppose the implementation and construction of dedicated lanes, and I will continue to push for common-sense solutions to this issue,” he said.

IndyGo praised the shift by Irvington businesses and said in a statement it will continue to do community outreach for the project.

“IndyGo is encouraged to see the increased level of collaboration and education taking place in Irvington surrounding dedicated bus lanes and their critical importance to the Blue Line when it comes to safety and infrastructure,” the statement said.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Rep. Blake Johnson is a Democrat from Indianapolis.

Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers economics. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick.