Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting – February 1, 2023

The Metropolitan Development Commission met on February 1, 2023, and approved a series of resolutions, tax abatements, and zoning petitions. The commission conducted three public hearings: a cement batching plant, a mixed-use development, and a redevelopment of the former jail site. All votes were nearly unanimous, with one dissenting vote on a tax abatement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the January 18, 2023 meeting.
• Approved six resolutions read into the record as a whole: Real Estate Resolution 2023 R002 (adding $800,000 to a contract with Allied Logistical Services for property preservation, new not-to-exceed $1,150,000 through 2024); Resolution 2023 R003 (amending the agreement with Indianapolis Marion County Building Authority for maintenance, increasing compensation by $100,000); Planning Division Resolution 2023 P004 (authorizing amendment of agreement with Veritas Group Inc. for City Market redesign); Resolution 2023 P005 (authorizing agreements with hearing examiners); Resolution 2023 P006 (appointment of DZA member for Division 1).
• Approved three petitions of no appeals (2022 ZON063, 2022 CZN 863, 2022 CZN 875) without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No general public comments were taken. During the public hearings, remonstrators spoke on two items:
  • Cement Batching Plant: No remonstrators appeared in person, but the petitioner noted that nearby resident Ms. Priest had expressed concerns about dust and Kitley Avenue, and Eskenazi Health had submitted a letter of opposition (later not withdrawn but acknowledged as addressed).
  • Mixed-Use Development: Remonstrator Randy Raber, owner of Bates Ice Cream Shop at 1740 Southeast Street, opposed the project due to lack of off-street parking, overdevelopment, and potential harm to existing businesses. He argued that the project would strain on-street parking and set a precedent for similar developments.

Discussion Items

1. Cement Batching Plant (2022 CZN 857 & 2022 CVR 857) – Petitioner Alex Intermill (Bose McKinney & Evans) represented WEV Property Group (WE Beatty Concrete) requesting rezoning of 16.76 acres from I-2/D3 to I-4 (TOD) and a variance to allow a cement batching plant within 500 feet of a protected district. The site is currently gravel and used for concrete construction; the proposal includes a fully enclosed batch plant, dust suppression, a full-body truck wash, and a $100,000 matching fund to repair Kitley Avenue. Staff recommended denial, citing the I-4 district’s incompatibility with adjacent residential uses despite the petitioner’s mitigation efforts. The commission approved the rezoning and variance 8-0, with an additional commitment to adhere to the site plan.

2. Mixed-Use Development (2022 CZN 855, 2022 CVR 855, 2022 CPL 855) – Petitioner Paul J. Lambby (1800 Block LLC) requested rezoning of 0.11 acres from C3 to MU2, a variance for reduced setbacks, encroachments, and landscaping, and a subdivision plat to create a mixed-use building with two townhomes and a commercial space at 1806 Southeast Street. The project is supported by the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood Association and the Stadium Village Business Association. Staff recommended approval, noting that on-street parking can count toward minimum requirements. The commission approved all three petitions 7-0.

3. Jail Site Redevelopment (2022 ZON 134) – Jeff York (DMD) presented a rezoning of 4.5 acres from SU8 to CBD2 for the former Jail 2 site at 730 East Washington Street and 752 East Market Street. Developer Jeremy Stevenson (1820 Ventures) plans to redevelop the historic buildings into 110 housing units, a 3,000-person entertainment venue (The Vogue), retail, childcare, and office space. No remonstrators appeared. The commission approved the rezoning 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Tax Abatement (A003) – Approved a three-year vacant building tax abatement for Midwest Remediation Inc. at 810 and 8806 East 38th Street (Council District 13, Lawrence Township) – passed 8-0.
• Tax Abatement (A004) – Approved a five-year real property tax abatement for BMWC Contractors Inc. at 1740 West Michigan Street (Council District 11, Center Township) – passed 7-1 (Commissioner Blackburn dissented).
• Redevelopment Area Designations – All three linked confirmatory resolutions and bond pledges were approved 8-0:
  • Virginia Avenue Redevelopment Area (E004/E005) for White Castle/Link Project.
  • Guilford Midtown Redevelopment Area (E006/E007) for a vacant site in Broad Ripple.
  • 1331 Washington Allocation Area (E008/E009) for a project on East Washington Street.
• Cement Batching Plant: Rezoning and variance approved (8-0).
• Mixed-Use Development: Rezoning, variance, and plat approved (7-0).
• Jail Site Rezoning: Approved (7-0).