Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - December 6, 2023
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - December 6, 2023
The Metropolitan Development Commission met on December 6, 2023, to consider several resolutions, including tax abatements, bond issuances, and continuances. The meeting began with a tribute to Deputy Mayor Scarlett Andrew, who is leaving the city on December 15. Minutes from November 15 were approved unanimously. The commission approved multiple resolutions and heard public testimony regarding the Broad Ripple Park Family Center bond.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of minutes from November 15, 2023 (7-0).
- Resolutions 2023 R036, 2023 E046, 2023 BB007, and 2023 P018 approved (7-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Michael McKillop, representing Midtown Indy and other community organizations, spoke against the use of Midtown TIF funds for the Broad Ripple Park Family Center purchase. He argued that the proposal violated the intentionality of the TIF district, was rushed without community review, and would concentrate 95% of TIF funds in Broad Ripple, draining equity from the last 11 years. He requested the commission honor the community's long-standing process and not oppose the purchase but seek alternative funding. The commission acknowledged his concerns but noted the City Council's unanimous 24-0 vote in favor.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 2023 A042 (Patch Washington Street LLC): Continued to December 20, 2023, due to councilor concerns.
- Resolution 2023 A041 (DJ BCG Monon 22 LLC): Continued to December 20, 2023, because principals were unavailable.
- Resolution 2023 A043 (CTC02 LLC at 910 South Post Road): Approved for up to 7 years of real property tax abatement. The project involves a 69,000-square-foot industrial building, a minimum of 14 jobs at $18/hour, and a partnership with Warren Central's apprenticeship program. The applicant noted it is a speculative project but with strong clawback protections.
- Resolution 2023 A044 (Garage Door Doctor LLC and Five-Star Property LLC at 808 South Post Road): Approved for 5 years of real property tax abatement. The tenant (Garage Door Doctor) will occupy the building, moving 48 existing jobs and creating 30 new jobs. The project is not speculative.
- Resolution 2023 BB008 (Broad Ripple Park Family Center bond): Approved (7-0) after extensive discussion. Joe Glass (Indianapolis Bond Bank) explained that the $26 million bond is needed to purchase the facility by year-end to avoid escalating costs (purchase price increases $1 million annually and rent of $958,000 would be due in 2024). The bonds will be paid by Midtown TIF revenues and other park revenues. Despite opposition from community representatives, the commission passed the resolution, noting the City Council's unanimous support.
- Resolution 2023 BB009 (Near East Side infrastructure bonds): Approved (7-0) for $19 million in bonds to improve infrastructure at 10th Street and Rural Street, including stormwater, pedestrian, and traffic safety improvements.
- Continuances:
- 2023 APP030 (Haven Health Management): Continued to March 6, 2024, to allow the petitioner to file a new rezoning petition to clarify permitted uses.
- 2023 CAP856 and 2023 CVR856 (Thompson Road properties): Continued to January 17, 2024, to allow additional information requested by staff.
- 2023 ZON08 (Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Haverstick Road): Continued to January 17, 2024 (vote 6-1, with Commissioner Garver dissenting). The petitioner requested additional time due to a delayed closing caused by the Archbishop's father's death. The commission warned that if not ready on January 17, the petition would be pulled.
- No Appeal Docket: 2023 ZON055 (8550 East 21st Street) approved (7-0).
Key Outcomes
- All resolutions were approved as noted, with majorities of 7-0 except one continuance (6-1).
- Continuances were granted as requested, with explicit warnings about readiness for future hearings.
- The commission emphasized accountability for tax abatement clawbacks, particularly for speculative projects.
- The Broad Ripple Park Family Center bond received strong community opposition but passed due to city council support and financial urgency.
Meeting Transcript
The Metropolitan Development Commission. We appreciate you being here and your participation. We are informed today that Deputy Mayor Scarlett Andrew will be leaving the city December 15th. I just wanted to comment what a great, great career she's had with the city, representing the MDC, representing the mayor's office. She's been a joy to work with. She has been tireless in her efforts to promote the city. It would be our honor for you to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance this morning. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America into the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, Indivisible Liberty, and Justice for all. Thank you. Moving forward, members of the commission, you received minutes for November 15, 2023, last Thursday. You've had an opportunity to review those minutes. Are there any additions and deletions? And I will remind everyone that several people were not here. So recuse yourselves from the vote since you were not here. Any additions or deletions? Hearing none. Do I have a motion to approve the November 15th 2023 Commission meeting minutes? Thank you. You have a second? Second. All those eligible to vote say aye. Aye. Aye. Uh Commissioner Ash will be recuse. Thank you. Commissioner James B. Recused. Thank you. Commissioner Moyarty to be excused. Thank you. Commissioner Murphy is recused. Thank you. Nancy, do you have those? Thank you very much. Moving forward. We have several uh resolutions to be read into the minutes. Six of which stand for public hearing. Nancy, please. Thank you, President Dillon. 2023 R036 resolution authorizes the extension of the term of this agreement with Stevenson Legal for imminent domain services to December 31st, 2024. Resolution 2023 E046. This resolution amends resolution number 2018 E045 of the Commission, which pledged consolidated TIFF revenues on a junior to junior subordinate basis to bond anticipation notes and bonds for ILMAR Ilmar LLC Hotel Project at 17 West Market Street and the KG 2020, excuse me, KG220 LLC Mixed Use Project at 220 North Meridian Street. The bond anticipation notes have been issued and will be retired with the bonds on or about December 12, 2023. This resolution amends resolution number 202018 E045 to permit the bonds to be purchased by a purchaser payable solely from a junior to junior subordinate pledge of TIFF revenues from the projects only with the backing of a taxpayer agreement. The resolution also permits the bonds to be sold without a reserve requirement, as the proposed purchaser of the bonds has indicated it will not require a reserve. 2023 A041 for public hearing. Recommend approval of 10 years real property tax abatement. 2023 A042 for public hearing. Recommend approval of up to seven years real property tax abatement.
openpublica.com