Metropolitan Economic Development Committee Meeting - May 11, 2026
Metropolitan Economic Development Committee Meeting - May 11, 2026
The Metropolitan Economic Development Committee met on May 11, 2026, chaired by Maggie Lewis. The committee considered six proposals: two reappointments, two additional appropriations, two PILOTs for affordable housing, and a TIF financial report. One item was postponed to a future meeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
No public comments from audience members were made on any item, although Lisa Laughlin of West Indianapolis Development Corporation spoke briefly in support of Proposal 160 at the invitation of the chair.
Discussion Items
- Proposal 123 – Reappointment of Greg West to the Metropolitan Development Commission: Greg West, a resident of Indianapolis, stated his desire to serve, citing perfect attendance and support for the commission. Councilor Brown asked if West would honor a council resolution requesting a temporary stay on new data center applications until SE 47 is finalized. West expressed support for a pause, noting that data centers are difficult to categorize and guidelines are welcome. The committee approved the reappointment by voice vote.
- Proposal 124 – Additional Appropriation of $42,000 for Recorder’s Office: A motion to postpone was made and seconded; the item was postponed to the next committee meeting on June 8, 2026.
- Proposal 125 – Additional Appropriation of $250,000 for Vacant to Vibrant Program: Director Megan Vukasic presented the request to demolish 11 structures owned by DMD to prepare lots for resale. She reported 96 approved sales since April 2025 (60 for affordable housing, 32 standard market rate, 4 side lot), with average sale prices of $22,000 for standard lots and $5,000 for affordable housing. Council questions addressed the number of unique buyers (dozens, per staff) and a suggestion to partner with the Office of Women and Minority Business Owners. Council members expressed support, citing improved property tax rolls and neighborhood revitalization. The motion passed by voice vote.
- Proposal 126 – PILOT for Central at Old South Side: A representative from Annex Group requested approval of a 15-year PILOT for a 227-unit 100% affordable housing project (50% and 60% AMI) with community amenities. Councilor Brown asked about the 30-year affordability commitment beyond the 15-year PILOT; the developer noted it is tied to the LIHTC extended use agreement. The committee approved by voice vote.
- Proposal 127 – TIF District Financial Report: A motion to postpone was made and seconded; postponed to the next committee meeting.
- Proposal 160 – PILOT for West Park: Nick Sarak of Englewood Development and Lisa Laughlin of West Indianapolis Development Corporation presented a 40-unit affordable housing project (50% AMI and below), including 8 units for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) in partnership with Noble of Indiana. The project received a 9% LIHTC award. Council members praised the partnership and the community investment along West Morris Street. Councilor Evans motioned to send to full council with a do-pass recommendation. The committee approved by voice vote.
Key Outcomes
- Proposal 123: Approved (voice vote; all in favor).
- Proposal 124: Postponed to June 8, 2026.
- Proposal 125: Approved (voice vote).
- Proposal 126: Approved (voice vote; ayes have it).
- Proposal 127: Postponed to next committee meeting.
- Proposal 160: Approved and recommended to full council with do-pass (voice vote).
Meeting Transcript
The Chairman Maggie Lewis. Thank you all very much. Let's begin with the first uh item uh on our docket, and that is proposal number 123, which reappoints Greg West to the Metropolitan Development Commission. Mr. West, available. Yes, hi, thanks. Greg West, 2011 Timber Hill Trail, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46217. All right. Could you tell us why you would like to be reappointed? Well, I've been doing it for a year. I just love it. We're of working with uh John Dylan, our leader and with Megan and the planning uh uh the staff, you know, the the DMD, and um uh perfect attendance as far as that goes, always show up, always try to ask questions to to figure it out sometimes what's really going on when it's not quite clear, and um uh yeah, just love to support the cause. All right, very good. Are there any questions of Mr. West from members of the committee? Please, Council Brown. Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. Chair. Uh thank you, Mr. West, for your willingness to serve. Uh as you may have seen a week ago, this council unanimously passed a special resolution asking the Metropolitan Development Commission to institute a temporary stay on new data center applications until such time as the SE 47 gets finalized and approved. Uh if reappointed today, would you honor that request from the council? And can you say any more about your your feelings about that? Yes, I think that's uh fine and good to uh do that. Uh clearly I see that the staff struggles to cubbyhole the data centers. They just don't quite fit in any of the categories. They're special, and in the two that I uh sat in front of, is that the way to say that that um uh it was uh just a struggle. It's a struggle for the community. Uh it's a it's a tough decision. And so some guidelines coming forward and a pause to establish those guidelines would be most welcome. Good. Thank you very much. Additional comments or questions from members of the committee. Right seeing none. Is there anyone in the audience um with an interest in proposal number one two three? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion. So moved. Second. All right. Motion is improperly moved and seconded. All those in favor, please signify by aye. Aye. Any opposition, please with a nay. All right, very good. Mr. West. Thank you. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
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