Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 October 2001 — Page 1

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ty today and beyond

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VOLUME 106 ■ NUMBER 40 ■ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2001 ■ PHONE 317/924-5143 ■ www.indianapolisrecorder.com

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Cor a Cola Circle Cify Classic

Check out what's inside The Recorder’s Coca-Cola Circle City Classic special edition. Staff and Wire reports Beefed up security during Classic weekend Public safety officials, the RCA Dome and the Coca-Cola Circle City Classic organizing committee have implemented additional security measures for the Classic. Fans should be advised that nothing larger than a small personal handbag, subject to inspection, will be permitted inside the stadium. Items specifically prohibited inside the RCA Dome are listed below. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in denial of admission to the stadium. In admission, no passouts will be issued for the event. Fans are advised to arrive early to avoid congestion at the gates. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 6 forthe4p.m. kick-off between Howard University and Tennessee State University. The RCA Dome urges cooperation and patience to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Items not permitted in RCA Dome: • Food and Beverages • Bottles • Cans - • Liquor Containers • Weapons • Coolers • Bags • Large Purses • Backpacks • Fannypacks • Homs • Artificial noise-makers • Other missile-like objects Downtown street closings Beginning at 5 a.m., Friday, Oct. 5 to 3 a.m. Sunday Oct. 7, Georgia Street will be closed between Capitol Avenue and Illinois Street. From 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 to 3 a.m., Sunday Oct. 7, Capitol Avenue will be closed between Washington and South streets, and Maryland Street will be closed between West Street and Illinois Street. Other street closings could be necessary according to the amount of traffic around the RCA Dome. Checkpoint security advisory Airport and airline officials at Indianapolis International Airport are advising passengers that the following new procedures are now being implemented at all security checkpoints. See BRIEFS, Page AS

Got a hot news tip? Want to bo hoard? lfywM.QMldllli.lowport.ny

; (317)290-4744.

‘Classic’ generates millions of dollars

By TYSHA HARDY-SELLERS Recorder Correspondent The Coca-Cola Circle City Classic continues to be a major income generator for Indiana vendors. Last year’s event impacted the state by infusing $20.8 million — keeping the event as the fifth largest event in Indianapolis in regards to direct spending. Direct spending is the reported dollars that are spent with vendors such as retailers, hotels, and restaurants. The direct spending numbers are calculated by the total number of visitors multiplied by the average day’s stay, and multiplied by average spending per day. Jeffrey Weitekamp, director of communications and media relations of the Indiana Sports Corp. emphasized that these are conservative numbers. Only dollars directly resulting from the game are included. “Classic has some impressive numbers regarding direct spending. The event provides new money to our community every year,” Weitekamp said. Weitekamp outlined the guidelines Classic officials apd tourism agencies have used for the direct spending formula: (1) Only those expenditures from individuals visiting from outside Central Indi-

ana were used representing incremental economic activity from sports tourism. (2) No multiplier was used. Therefore, miore than $20.8 million in new money was injected directly into the Indianapolis economy as a result of the Circle City Classic, and no allowance is made for “turnover” of money within the community, usually known as a “multiplier effect.” (3) Other factors such as ticket sales and sponsorship fees, print and electronic media production expenses, and air transportation were not included. (4) No impact derived from the ancillary events including the Classic Parade was included. Calculating the economic impact from ancillary events can be cumbersome, and may lead to speculation. Therefore, the numbers are based on what is known about the impact of the game itself. “We stick with what we know. We do not want to speculate on the numbers at the parade of other ancillary events. We do not want to give a false impression on the numbers,” Weitekamp said. Over the years, Classic has continued to grow in attendance and economic dominance. Each year the numbers continue to

8M CLASSIC, Page A3

Coca-Cola Circle City Classic Economic Impact History Attendance Direct spending

“The only thing that you can hold fast to is your strength in God,” said Dr. Sayy id Muhammad Syeed, praying in the Islamic Society of North America. Attacks on U.S. Muslims Increase

The terrorist attack prompts citizens to single out Muslims By RONNETTA S. SLAUGHTER

Mozel Sanders Homew

Downward spiral from a vibrant community to bankruptcy By RONNETTA S. SLAUGHTER Staff Writer After years of increasing debt, Mozel Sanders Homes filed for bankruptcy last week. This property, formerly called the Meadows, has a rich history in Indianapolis dating back to the 1950s. Several businesses and individuals have attempted to purchase and renovate the property without any success. The Equitable Life Assurance Co. owns a first mortgage against the property for $445,352. As a second lienholder, the city’s lien amounts to $720,000. Additional money is also owed to Citizens Mechanical Services, a subsidiary of Citizens Gas, for $42,306. The following timeline provides a closer look at Mozel Sanders Homes and their struggle to keep the buildings up and running.

1949—Construction started on The Meadows apartments near 38th Street between Sherman Drive and Oxford Street 1956 — The apartments were completed 1956 -1960—Area surrounding the Meadows flourished into department stores, grocery stores, furniture stores, gift shops, and restaurants. The apartment complex had its own shopping center Meadows Shopping Colter. 1970s—The attraction of the Meadows area begins downfall 1980s—Meadows goes through different owners 1990 -1995 — Birch Dalton purchases the complex, allegedly defaulting on a city loan amounting to $2 million 1996 — The city of Indianapolis sues Dalton for money owed 1996— Mozel Sanders Homes Board established 1997— The city settles with Dalton 1997 —The board acquires ownerSm MOZEL, Page A3

Staff Writer No One could imagine the widespread devastation following the terrorist attack on America. As both the World Trade Center and Pentagon burst into flames, our country changed forever. American citizens have since formed a united front against terrorism, rushing to assist those in need. This bond was broken as Osma bin Laden, a Muslim and Saudi Arabian, was named a primary suspect in the attack. Now, Muslims across the U.S. are being targeted and blamed for bin Laden’s alleged actions. “Since Sept. 11, about 650 hate crimes, harassment cases have been reported against Muslims (in the U.S.),” said Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Syeed, secretary general for the Islamic Society of North America, which is based in Plainfield. “We suffer. These are a sample of people who react against hate with more hate.” This hatred has spread throughout cities in the U.S., where Muslims have endured physical harm and emotional dis-

tress.

“A terrorist cannot be a Muslim. (A terrorist’s) religion is terrorism,” added Dr. Syeed, determined to set the record straight about Islamic values.

^ Many Muslims have contacted the Is-

lamic Center and voiced their concern

over their safety and civil rights. Some pilots and passengers on airlines

have refused to go in the air with people

who look Middle Eastern or Muslim. “The pilot said he would not fly.” said

Dr. Syeed, recalling how a Muslim was recently escorted off a flight. “It's terrible. (The Muslim passenger) has the same level of pain in response to (the terrorist

attack).”

He has stood his ground against terrorism and upheld his religion countless times. There was an Islamic conference in Oklahoma City the week of that infamous explosion of the Murrah Federal Building, and Dr. Syeed remembers how people immediately blamed Islamic terrorists. After the Oklahoma bombing, reports surfaced about Muslim involvement. “It was very difficult, very tough. Then. God came to our rescue," said Dr. Syeed. recalling how speculation switched from Muslims toothersuspects includingTimothy McVeigh. The attacks last month have meant pointed fingers at all Muslims, regardless of their citizenship. The holy Qur’an, says Dr. Syeed. prohibits suicide and the killing of innocent

people.

There are guidelines for a holy war. he added, which include protecting your home and land from someone who is occupying it without due cause. “Islam is the belief in one God. It emSee ATTACKS, Page A4

$250million bond for IPS buildings passes unopposed

Special to The Recorder Indianapolis Public Schools has taken another step toward K-12 transformation by gaining taxpayer support for a $250 million bond issue. “We are extraordinarily pleased that the taxpayers of this district have recognized the need for improved facilities and lent their phenomenal support for the children of IPS,” said Superintendent Duncan “Pat” Pritchett Jr. The $250 million will be used to air condition each of the five traditional high schools, upgrade secondary science labs, replace four aging school buildings and build two new schools to accommodate students from desegregation transfer areas. Construction/renovation is expected to begin in late 2002.

The IPS Board of School Commissioners in August voted unanimously to seek a $250 million bond issue for building improvements and replacements. The board also agreed that the scope of repairs needed in the schools is about $832 million and that the district would work with the community to find alternative funding for the remainder of the work. The measure was passed on the recommendation of a Yellow Ribbon Task Force made up of parents, students, educators, business and community leaders. The task force’s recommendation follows an eightmonth process that includes the completion of an independent facility study and input from the community. Business and community leaders not only lent their support to the $250 million bond issue but said they

are committed to helping IPS secure the remainder of the funding by 2004. If alternative funding is not secured by then, the business and community leaders have pledged to support a second bond issue. Board members praised the historic partnership forged by the district and the larger community. Board President Clarke Campbell said that the board started the process without a preconceived dollar figure in mind. He added that the decision was intended to be sensitive to the struggles of all taxpayers, including retirees, single parents and businesses. "There is no more important charge than educating our children and doing so on a level playing field." he said.

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