Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - November 15, 2023

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission convened on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, to act on a consent agenda of eight economic development resolutions, a public hearing for a rezoning petition, and multiple administrative items. The commission approved all consent resolutions except one bond issuance, which drew a single dissenting vote. Commissioner Bruce Schumacher, despite being unwell, served as acting pro tem secretary to ensure a quorum. The minutes from the November 1, 2023 meeting were also approved.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 1, 2023 meeting.
• Economic Development Resolutions: Eight resolutions were read into the record and approved by a single roll call vote. All passed 5-0 with the exception of 2023 BB006, which passed 4-1 (Commissioner Schumacher dissenting).
  • 2023 E045 – Amends 2023 E029 to approve a funding agreement for acquisition and improvement of real property within a consolidated allocation area.
  • 2023 A027 – Preliminary Economic Revitalization Area (ERA) for CTCO2 LLC at 910 South Post Road (Council District 18, Warren Township), recommending up to 7 years of real property tax abatement.
  • 2023 A028 – Preliminary ERA for Barrage Door Doctor LLC and Five Star Property LLC at 808 South Post Road (Council District 18, Warren Township), recommending 5 years of abatement.
  • 2023 A039 – Preliminary ERA for DJ BCG Monon 22 LLC at 929 East 21st Street / 1011 East 22nd Street (Council District 17, Center Township), recommending 10 years of abatement.
  • 2023 A040 – Preliminary ERA for Patch Washington Street LLC at 8501–8609 West Washington Street (Council District 22, Wayne Township), recommending up to 7 years of abatement.
  • 2023 P017 – Authorizes a professional services agreement with Mojo Up LLC for a marketing/communications/public education blueprint for the planning process, not to exceed $200,000.
  • 2023 BB005 – Preliminary determination to issue economic development tax increment revenue bonds up to $19 million for the 10th and Rural infrastructure project.
  • 2023 BB006 – Preliminary determination to issue economic development special benefits tax bonds up to $26 million to purchase the Broad Ripple Park Family Center and approve the real estate purchase.
• Petitions of No Appeal: Nine petitions (2023 APP 029; 2023 ZON 004, 078, 082, 096, 097; 2023 CZN 848, 852, 857) were read into the record and approved 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning Hearing – 2023 ZON 084 (amended): This public hearing was scheduled because an error had been made in the calculated acreage of the original filing. The request concerns 5640 East 38th Street. (Note: The transcript also references 5540 East 38th Street and the 3800 block of Ottoman Road in the earlier waiver discussion, while the hearing itself identifies the 3800 block of Audubon Road.) Jeff Hasser of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership testified in support of the petition, explaining that the project is part of the East 38th Street Corridor Lift Indy project in partnership with United Northeast Community Development Corporation. He stated that the homes would be approximately 1,700 square feet and affordable at 80% area median income (AMI). No remonstrators spoke. Staff affirmed support for the rezoning of 0.598 acres from SU1 TOD to D5 TOD for single-family detached dwellings. The commission voted 5-0 to approve.

Discussion Items

• Continuance – 2023 APP 030: Attorney Cheyenne Riker, on behalf of Haven Health Management, requested a continuance of the petition at 5510 South Emerson Avenue to the December 6, 2023 hearing. Riker initially misidentified the petition number (saying 2023-ADM-158) and the agenda item number; staff corrected the record to 2023 APP 030 and agenda item 20. Staff had no objection. The commission approved the continuance 5-0.
• Waiver of Notice – 2023 ZON 084: Jeff Hasser requested a waiver of the required 11-day written notice for the amended petition. Staff confirmed awareness of the notice requirement and had no objection. The request was approved 5-0.
• Staff Special Requests: Kathleen (planning staff) presented three items: (1) A request to continue 2023 ZON 088 at 8815 and 8817 Haverstick Road to December 6, 2023 pending receipt of executed commitments – approved 5-0; (2) an acknowledgement that companion petitions 2023 CZN and CBC 823 (involving Van Buren and Draper streets) were withdrawn via a September 25, 2023 letter – acknowledged; and (3) an acknowledgement of an automatic continuance for 2023 ZON 094 at 6729 Westfield Boulevard to December 20, 2023 – acknowledged.

Key Outcomes

• All eight economic development resolutions were approved; 2023 BB006 passed 4-1, with Commissioner Schumacher voting no.
• The rezoning for 5640 East 38th Street (2023 ZON 084 amended) was approved 5-0.
• The continuance to December 6, 2023 for 2023 APP 030 was approved 5-0.
• The waiver of notice for 2023 ZON 084 was approved 5-0.
• The continuance for 2023 ZON 088 was approved 5-0.
• The withdrawal of petitions 2023 CZN/CBC 823 and the automatic continuance of 2023 ZON 094 to December 20 were acknowledged.
• Next commission hearing is scheduled for December 6, 2023.