Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting December 7, 2022

The Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) met on December 7, 2022, at 6:15 PM. The meeting covered 19 resolutions, two continuances, three public hearings, and a presentation from IU Health. Several votes resulted in ties, requiring rehearing on December 21. Key actions included approvals of the Convention Center expansion, IU Health’s allocation area, and a self-storage expansion with added commitments.

Consent Calendar

• Appointed Karina Bronze as assistant secretary (unanimous).
• Approved the minutes from November 16, 2022, with Commissioner Bronze recused (5-0).
• Passed 15 resolutions (2022 R048, R050, R051, R053, E046, E048, E051, E053, E054, E055, A30, A31, C12, C013, B003) as a single block 6-0. These covered contract amendments, property acquisitions, Monon Trail widening, flood control funding, tax increment pledges, redevelopment area declarations, and a housing trust fund agreement.
• Approved 11 petitions of no appeals (2022 MOD 015, MOD 019, ZON 088, ZON 110, ZON 120, ZON 121, ZON 122, REG 065, REG 066) 6-0.

Public Hearings

Resolution 2022 R052 – Indiana Convention Center / Pan Am Plaza Expansion

• Acting DMD Director Rusty Carr presented the resolution, which increased the maximum interest rate for redevelopment district bonds and authorized up to $25 million in TIF revenues for the project. Commissioner Bronze recused. Approved 5-0.

Resolution 2022 E045 – 1827 Meridian Redevelopment Area

• Confirmatory resolution to designate the project area and adopt a redevelopment plan. Carr voiced full support. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 2022 E047 – Odd Fellows Redevelopment Area

• Confirmatory resolution for an adaptive reuse hotel project. Carr noted its importance for downtown economic development. Approved 6-0.

Resolution 2022 E052 – North Meridian Economic Development & Allocation Area (IU Health Update)

• IU Health representatives (Murray Clark, Brian McHugh, Michael Davis, Darius Gartner) presented the new hospital campus at 16th and Capitol. Highlights: the hospital is already under construction, with a record single-day concrete pour of 6,400 cubic yards. The central utility plant (80,000 sq ft) provides infrastructure for the campus. Staff noted the collaborative process. Approved 6-0.

2022 ZON 036 – Beezer Homes Rezoning (63.6 acres at 4161 & 4355 Senior Road)

• Petitioner David Rutherford argued that extensive commitments (no vinyl siding, custom fencing) were negotiated with neighbors, and that the comprehensive plan’s “agricultural preservation” designation is outdated. Remonstrator Cassie Foster contested the safety of the entrance and alleged intimidation. Staff recommended denial, citing the comprehensive plan; commissioners debated whether farmland preservation is still viable in Marion County. Vote tied 3-3 (Ash, Dylan, Robinson for; Carver, Bruns, Blackburn against). Set for rehearing December 21.

2022 CVR 833 – Indigo Paratransit Facility (2425 West Michigan Street)

• Petitioner Brooke Thomas requested variances for a 10-foot security fence, a dumpster enclosure in the front yard, and a reduced setback. Staff recommended denial, arguing no hardship proven and that the dumpster could be relocated. Vote tied 3-3 (Garver, Bruns, Blackburn for; Dylan, Robinson, Ash against). Set for rehearing December 21.

2022 CAP 858 & CVR 858 – Self-Storage Expansion (3820 North Keystone Avenue)

• Petitioner Joe Calderon and owner James Leonard sought approval to add storage buildings and remove an existing residence. Staff initially recommended denial over buffering and use concerns. After negotiation, the petitioner agreed to commitments: maintain existing chain-link fence with black mesh, remove barbed wire, install year-round landscaping along Hillside and 39th, limit operating hours to 6 AM–10 PM, and prohibit plasma center, substance abuse treatment, nightclub, indoor/outdoor recreation, liquor store, and pawn shop. Both the rezoning (CAP) and variance (CVR) were approved 6-0.

Discussion Items

• Continuances: Case 2022 ZON 112 (petitioner agreed) was moved to January 18, 2023, at the request of Councilman Josh Bain, approved 6-0. Case 2022 ZON 117 was continued to December 21, pending receipt of commitments, also approved 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Five resolutions (R052, E045, E047, E052) and the 15-consent-block, plus 11 no-appeal petitions.
• Approved with Commitments: CAP 858 and CVR 858 (self-storage) 6-0.
• Tied (3-3) – Rehearing December 21: ZON 036 (Beezer Homes rezoning) and CVR 833 (Indigo variances).
• Continued: ZON 112 to January 18, 2023; ZON 117 to December 21, 2022.
• Next Meeting: December 21, 2022, with a heavy docket and a full board expected to resolve ties.