City-County Committee Meeting - March 9, 2026: Appointments, Street Dedication, Affordable Housing PILOT
City-County Council Committee Meeting - March 9, 2026
On March 9, 2026, the Metropolitan Development Committee of the Indianapolis City-County Council held a meeting to consider several proposals. The committee unanimously recommended approval of five items: two board appointments, a street dedication, acceptance of an economic improvement district annual report, and a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement for a 160-unit affordable housing development in District 24.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Greg Stowers (Indy Chamber) expressed support for Courtney Yarbrough's appointment to the Board of Business and Neighborhood Services, citing her strategic mindset.
- Evan Wareham, a member of the public, asked a question about whether the 40-year affordability commitment for the Grove at Pleasant Run would remain at 60% area median income; the developer confirmed it would adjust with HUD guidelines but remain at or below 60% AMI.
- Bill Brown, President of the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, and Marjorie Kinley (widow of Jim Kinley) spoke in favor of designating New York Street as James T. Kinley Memorial Way, honoring his contributions to preservation and downtown redevelopment.
Discussion Items
- Proposal 36 – Appointment of Linda Osborne to Greater Virginia Avenue Corridor Economic Improvement Board: Linda Osborne, owner of Arthur's Music Store and a former board member, presented her background and desire to increase business landowner participation. No questions from council. The committee voted to recommend approval to the full council.
- Proposal 69 – Appointment of Courtney Yarbrough to Board of Business and Neighborhood Services: Courtney Yarbrough, with experience in public safety, waste/recycling, higher education, and currently at the Indy Chamber, was appointed. Supported by Greg Stowers. No council questions. Recommended for approval.
- Proposal 68 – Designation of New York Street (East Street to College Avenue) as James T. Kinley Memorial Way: Meg Bush (Administrator, Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission) detailed Jim Kinley's 50+ year architectural career, his civic leadership, and his role in revitalizing Lockerbie Square. Councilor Brown spoke in favor, noting Kinley's enduring impact. The committee voted unanimously to approve the designation.
- Proposal 70 – Acceptance of Woodrook Place Economic Improvement District Annual Report: Hannah Saunders (EID President) reported minimal activity—only four invoices paid in the prior year. Council accepted the report without questions.
- Proposal 93 – PILOT for The Grove at Pleasant Run: Marissa Kanatzer (TWG Development) presented the 160-unit affordable housing project at 2852 East County Line Road. All units will be affordable to households earning up to 60% of area median income ($69,000 for a family in Marion County). The PILOT request: $72,000 in year one, escalating 3% annually for 15 years, beginning in 2028. The savings ($4.2 million over 15 years) will fulfill the required 10% local contribution for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. The developer committed to 40 years of affordability and resident services (fitness, financial literacy, career coaching, etc.). Council questions addressed the capital stack ($42 million total development cost: $17M tax credit equity, $21M permanent loan, $3.2M deferred developer fee), the 40-year affordability period, and lack of consultation with the school system. No public opposition. Recommended for approval.
Key Outcomes
- All five proposals received unanimous "do pass" recommendations from the committee.
- Proposal 36 (Osborne) – passed by voice vote.
- Proposal 69 (Yarbrough) – passed by voice vote.
- Proposal 68 (Kinley Memorial Way) – approved by voice vote.
- Proposal 70 (Woodrook Place EID report) – accepted by voice vote.
- Proposal 93 (Grove at Pleasant Run PILOT) – passed by voice vote.
- The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you, Mr. Chair Nick Roberts. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Ron Gibson, District Eight. Thank you, Mr. Kair. Chair John Barth, representing District 7. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Kristen Jones, District 18. Thank you, Chairman Osley. Counselor Jared Evans representing District 17. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maggie Lewis. All right, very good. The first item on our agenda this evening is proposal number 36, which appoints Linda Osborne to the Greater Virginia Avenue Corridor Economic Improvement Board. Is Ms. Osborne here? Please come forward. If you could tell us a little bit about yourself and your interest in this I'm owner of Arthur's Music Store in Fountain Square. We've been there 74 years. I've been there the 74 years. So I'm about the third largest property owner in the district for the investment corporation. I was one of the original board members of this particular EID. I was on there for four and a half years. According to our rules, we had to step off, which I did. I continued to go to most of the meetings after that, and I was starting to see that there was a lack of participation among actual business landowners. So I felt the need to step back on. Thank you very much. Well, no questions. How about that? Uh is there anyone in the audience who would like to speak to this particular proposal. This is going to be a fast meeting, I think. Thank you, Ms. Osborne. Thank you, yes. I move proposal number thirty-six to the full council with a do pass recommendation. All right, motion properly moved and uh seconded. Um all those in favor, please signify. Aye. Any opposed. Well, it looks like um you've got a positive recommendation, and we will see you and address this uh proposal at our next uh full council meeting. Thank you, Ms. Osborne, for your willingness to serve. The next item on our agenda is proposal number sixty-nine, which appoint uh which appoints Courtney Yarbrough to the Board of Business and Neighborhood Services. Good evening. Good evening. Thank you, Mr. Chair and Committee members.
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