Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting June 15, 2022

The Metropolitan Development Commission of Indianapolis met on June 15, 2022, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, public hearings on economic development projects, and a contentious rezoning petition. All votes were unanimous (7-0) except where noted. Key actions included approving several tax increment financing pledges, supporting an affordable housing initiative, and approving a low-density residential development after hearing community concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the June 1, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously (7-0) with one recusal (Commissioner was absent for that meeting).
• Resolutions Approved as a Group (2022-E022, 2022-E026, 2022-E029, 2022-E030):
  • E022: Authorized a pledge of tax increment from the Short Te's Real Street allocation area for economic development revenue bonds for the Short Te's Real Street project.
  • E026: Authorized a pledge of tax increment from the King Cole allocation area for bonds for the Motel Hotel Project.
  • E029: Authorized an amendment to an interlocal agreement with IHA (Indianapolis Housing Agency) to extend a loan maturity from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023.
  • E030: Authorized the expenditure of $250,000 from the consolidated redevelopment allocation area fund for an interlocal agreement with IHA to hire temporary maintenance workers to address outstanding work orders. The commission appreciated DMD's quick response to assist IHA.
  • All passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning 2022-ZON-016 (859 West 96th Street): Two remonstrators spoke.
  • Brian Samudio (857 West 96th Street, immediate neighbor): Expressed concerns about lack of direct communication from the developer, particularly that the developer relied on a neighbor (Mr. Stenz) as liaison without his knowledge or consent. He cited specific emails that he felt were unprofessional or dismissive. He also worried about construction traffic (dump trucks) using his driveway due to narrow existing road, and the impact on local wildlife (eagles, fox, deer, etc.).
  • Judith Palmer (9440 Tamarack Drive, Spring Mill Lakes at Tamarack): Representing the adjacent condominium community (not a formal HOA board member), she expressed concern that the developer's commitments had not been shared with the board or their engineer in advance. She stated that the board had signed a letter of intent but the final engineering plans and stormwater runoff details had not been reviewed by their engineer. She asked for a commitment to share the plans and ensure drainage protection.
  • Both remonstrators asked for assurance that the developer would collaborate on drainage and communication.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing - King Cole Economic Development Area (Resolution 2022-E021): Staff Deputy Director Rusty Carr presented the redevelopment of the former King Cole building at Washington and Meridian streets into the Motel Hotel. He highlighted it as a positive transformation and staff recommended approval. No public comments. Approved 7-0.
• Public Hearing - Short Te's Real Street Economic Development Area (Resolution 2022-E025): Rusty Carr presented the redevelopment of the former Shorteast Golf Course. The city's funding would focus on making the road safe and connecting the Monon Trail and a public park. Staff recommended approval. Approved 7-0.
• Public Hearing - Gershman Partners Tax Abatement (Resolution 2022-A022): Rusty Carr presented a 10-year real property tax abatement for two properties at 6407 and 6419 Ferguson Street in Broad Ripple (Council District 2, Washington Township). He described it as high-quality office development that reflects a 'flight to quality'. Approved 7-0.
• Rezoning Petition 2022-ZON-016 (TMK Design LLC):
  • Petitioner: Joe Calderan, attorney, presented on behalf of TMK Design LLC and owner Tom Kretz. The request was to rezone 11.64 acres from DS (Dwelling Suburban) to DP (Dwelling Planned) to allow seven single-family estate lots. He emphasized conformance with the comprehensive plan, commitment to tree preservation, and collaboration with neighborhood groups (Nora Northside Community Council, Tamarack, Tall Timbers).
  • Proposal Details: Seven lots on 11.64 acres, common area of over 2 acres near Williams Creek, minimum lot size of 1.25 acres, minimum home size of 3,000 square feet (excluding garages etc.), 20-foot front setback, 80-foot minimum lot width. Access via existing private drive (upgraded to 20-foot pavement). The developer had an arborist inventory 636 trees, including 177 heritage trees; plan preserves 137 heritage trees. Development would comply with stream protection corridor requirements (100-foot setback).
  • Owner Tom Kretz specified lot prices: two lots at $599,000 and $699,000 each, a $640,000 lot, and two lots at $980,000 (he would retain one for himself).
  • Discussion: Commissioners asked about drainage, tree preservation, and the market value of lots. The engineer (Brian Munch) explained drainage plans. The developer stated they have entered into agreements with neighbors Tamarack and Tall Timbers.
  • Remonstrators' Concerns: Communication gaps, missing engineering plans for drainage, potential construction traffic issues, and wildlife impact.
  • Staff Position: Staff recommended approval, finding the lower density appropriate given environmental constraints. Staff noted that the developer had proactively submitted a tree preservation plan, which is unusual.
  • Commissioner Responses: Commissioner Blackburn highlighted the importance of drainage and tree preservation. President Dillon (Commissioner) expressed concern about the Tamarack pond and asked for assurances of collaboration. The developer's attorney committed to working with the Tamarack engineer and sharing plans.

Decisions and Votes

• Minutes Approved (7-0, one recusal).
• Resolutions E022, E026, E029, E030 (approved as a group, 7-0).
• Resolution 2022-E021 (King Cole) passed 7-0.
• Resolution 2022-E025 (Short Te's Real Street) passed 7-0.
• Resolution 2022-A022 (Gershman Partners) passed 7-0.
• Rezoning 2022-ZON-016 (TMK Design) approved with 7 yes votes out of 7 ballots cast (no negative votes).
• Petition Withdrawal: 2021-ZON-149 (6729 Westfield Boulevard) was withdrawn at the petitioner's request.
• Continuances: Approved to July 6, 2022 meeting:
  • 2022-ZON-030 (1170-11850 E 38th St & 4002 N Carroll Rd)
  • 2022-ZON-055 (4501 N Dearborn St)
  • 2022-ZON-058 (722 E County Line Rd & 8808 Shelby St)
  • 2022-ZON-034 (2657 & 2737 S River Ave & 550 E Troy Ave) – requested by staff because petitioner had trouble arriving.
  • 2022-VAR-001 (4822 E Edgewood Ave & 5820 S Emerson Ave) – continued to be heard with a related rezoning.
  • All continuances passed 7-0.
• No Appeals Docket: Approved petitions 2022-ZON-050 (5145-5155 S Meridian St), 2022-ZON-061 (5940 Kopetsky Dr), and 2022-CZN-825 (6379 N College Ave) with a 7-0 vote.

Key Outcomes

• All economic development resolutions and the rezoning petition were approved unanimously (7-0).
• The TMK Design development was approved with commitments to tree preservation, drainage coordination, and administrative oversight of site plans.
• The commission directed the developer to share engineering plans with the Tamarack HOA and to keep neighbors informed about permit processes.
• Several petitions were continued to the next meeting on July 6, 2022 for further review.
• The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.