Metropolitan Development Commission Public Meeting - July 6, 2022
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Metropolitan Development Commission Public Meeting - July 6, 2022
The Metropolitan Development Commission met on July 6, 2022, with six commissioners present. The meeting covered several resolutions, continuances, and one public hearing regarding a rezoning petition by Arbor Homes. Key actions included approval of multiple resolutions, continuances of various petitions, and denial of the public hearing petition.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes Approval: The minutes from the June 15, 2022 meeting were approved unanimously.
- Resolution 2022 R024: Authorized DMD to convey title to 10 properties to Intend Indiana Inc. for neighborhood redevelopment. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution 2022 FS002: Amended the professional services agreement with Resultant LLC, increasing compensation by $30,000 to a new not-to-exceed $80,000 for leadership development and staff training. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution 2022 E031: After an amendment to correct a parcel number (from 018-0748 to 108-0748), the resolution was approved unanimously. It creates two new allocation areas (Monon 32 and Domino) within the Greater Martindale Brightwood Redevelopment Area.
- No-Appeal Petitions: 2022 ZON058 (722 East County Line Road) and 2022 ZON064 (6514 East Washington Street) were approved unanimously.
Walk-On Resolution & Public Hearing
- Resolution 2022 HP001: Adoption of the amended Drake Historic Area Preservation Plan. The item was added to the agenda by a 6-0 vote, then approved 6-0 after a public hearing. The Children's Museum spoke in support.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Public Hearing for 2022 ZON024 (Arbor Homes): Three remonstrators spoke in opposition:
- Gary Blackwell (neighbor) presented nearly 200 signatures and raised concerns about traffic, flooding, fire safety for cluster homes, loss of trees and wetlands, and incompatibility with the existing neighborhood (large lots, brick homes). He noted that the 2007 zoning required intersection improvements for Arlington and Troy, but the current traffic study (done in 72 hours during a detour) found no need.
- Eddie Hager (neighbor) cited a preliminary plant review report from Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District that recommended tree preservation and flood mitigation, which he said were not addressed.
- Councilor Michael Paul Hart (District 18) opposed the development, stating it does not fit the area, that the Genesis product is about profit rather than affordability, and that traffic and safety concerns are valid. He also noted that Arbor Homes is building similar homes elsewhere in the district.
Discussion Items
- Petitioner Presentation: Caitlin Dofer (Arbor Homes) presented a concept plan for 213 lots (114 Arbor, 99 Genesis) on 62.02 acres, with 19 acres of open space, trails, and amenities. Arbor homes average $325k; Genesis homes target low-to-mid $200s for first-time buyers. The plan includes DP zoning (dwelling planned) with 3.5 units/acre.
- Staff Recommendation: Keith (DMD staff) recommended approval after five months of negotiations. He noted the Genesis product is unique for Marion County, the plan meets comprehensive plan density, and the layout was improved by mixing home types. He acknowledged fire safety is now under building code, not zoning.
- Commission Discussion: Commissioners inquired about the Genesis product's presence elsewhere (Denver, Columbus IN, Lebanon IN) and fire safety. Staff noted the product includes 20-foot aprons for parking to keep cars off shared driveways.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 2022 E031: Approved 6-0 to create allocation areas.
- Resolution 2022 HP001: Approved 6-0.
- Continuances:
- 2022 ZON028 (Marathon Oil) continued to August 17, 2022 with notice (5-1; Dillon voted no).
- Three no-appeal petitions (2022 ZON030, 2022 ZON055, 2022 CZN826) continued to July 20, 2022 without notice (6-0).
- 2021 ZON125 and 2022 VAR001 (Edward Avenue/South Emerson) continued to August 3, 2022 without notice (6-0).
- 2022 ZON034 (Kessler Boulevard) continued to August 3, 2022 without notice (6-0).
- 2022 VAC002 (Massachusetts Avenue) continued to August 3, 2022 without notice (6-0).
- Petition 2022 ZON024 (Arbor Homes): Denied by a vote of 5 no to 1 yes. Commissioners requested to visit similar developments in Lebanon and Columbus to better understand the product.
Additional Notes
- The meeting was chaired by President Dillon. Six commissioners participated in votes.
- Councilor Hart thanked the commission for their work and reiterated his opposition.
- The petitioner's traffic study was reviewed by DPW, but remonstrators questioned its validity.
Meeting Transcript
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Thank you for being here. Let me call to order the Metropolitan Development Commission public meeting of July 6, 2022. We will have six commissioners on hand. One is coming into the meeting at any moment. We have five, which is a quorum, which we can begin. Let us start the meeting. Counselor, would you come to the podium and lead us with the Pledge of Allegiance, please? Thank you. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Councillor. Uh members of the commission, you have been provided to you previously the minutes of the June 15th, 2022 meeting. Are there any additions or deletions to those minutes? Hearing none, I'll accept a motion to approve. Thank you. Second. Thank you. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed. Show the minutes passed. Moving forward. Nancy, can you read into the record the resolutions for today's meeting? Yes, thank you, President Dillon. Resolution number 2022 R024 authorizes DMD to convey title or an option to purchase 10 properties to intend Indiana Incorporated for the sale prices listed on exhibit A of the resolution in consideration of certain commitments to be made by to intend Indiana Incorporated for the purpose of providing neighborhood redevelopment. Resolution number 2022 E031 amends the Greater Martindale Brightwood Housing Redevelopment Area and Consolidated Fall Creek Citizens Redevelopment Area and establishes two separate allocation areas within the Greater Martindale Brightwood Redevelopment Area, the Monon 32 Allocation Area and the Domino Allocation Area. Resolution number 2022 FS002 authorizes DMD to amend the professional services agreement with resultant LLC by increasing the compensation by $30,000 with a new not to exceed amount of $80,000 for leadership development and staff training. Resolution number 2022 HP 001 for public hearing. Adoption of the amended Drake Historic Area Preservation Plan into the Comprehensive Plan for Marion County. This ends the reading of the resolutions. Thank you, Nancy. Members of the Commission, since we have a walk-on resolution number 2022 HP001. It's a walk-on resolution due to the fact that the uh historical IHPC Indianapolis Historical Preservation Commission was late getting the information to the commission. We're going to go ahead and try to walk it on today. So we have before you H number 2022 HP 001. This is going to have to be a two-vote situation. A vote to walk in on the agenda, then B, we'll move to approve the resolution itself. So I will make the res the proposal and the request that resolution number 2022 HP001 be added to our agenda today. May I get a second? Second. Thank you, Bruce. Let me call the roll so we have an official count on the walk-on resolution. Blackburn. Blackburn, yes. Runs. Runs, yes. Schumacher. Schumacher, yes. So I'm I. Westert.
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