Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting Summary – May 1, 2024

The Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) met on May 1, 2024, at 18:00 UTC (2:00 PM EDT) to address a full agenda. Actions included approval of eight policy resolutions in the consent calendar, two public hearings on tax abatements (SHEAR, Bela Solar), a continuation of a zoning case, and a contentious public hearing on the Crispus Attucks High School athletic field redevelopment request. Following testimony and deliberation, the Commission approved the Attucks project with a vote of 7-0-1 (with one recusal). The meeting concluded with the adoption of schedule changes for June.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved for the April 17, 2024 meeting; Commissioner James recused.
• Policy Resolutions (8): Approved as a group (7-0), with the exception of 2024-E021, which was approved 7-1 (Commissioner Moriarty dissented). Resolutions included:
  • 2024-R008 (real estate transfer for Monon Trail redevelopment)
  • 2024-E017 (payment of legal services invoices, 8250 Challenger Drive, Decatur Township)
  • 2024-E018 (six-year real property tax abatement for Advanced Accelerator Applications, 8250 Challenger Drive)
  • 2024-E019, 2024-E020, 2024-A17, 2024-A18 (read into record as part of the consent agenda)

Public Hearing: SHEAR Tax Abatement (2024-A009)

• Staff: Programme Manager Letitia Ramsey presented the amendment (extension of ERA to December 31, 2025; change to building A job creation schedule) with recommendation for approval.
• Outcome: Approved unanimously (8-0).

Public Hearing: Bela Solar Tax Abatement (2024-A016)

• Staff: Programme Manager Kathy Battle presented the request for five-year personal property tax abatement for Bela Solar, Inc., located at 1301 South White River Parkway East Drive, Council District 16.
• Outcome: Approved 7-0-1; Commissioner Dillon recused.

Continuances and Withdrawals

• 2024-ZON-025 (1101 and 1117 South Sherman Drive): Continued to May 15, 2024, pending receipt of executed commitments. Approved 8-0.
• 2023-APP-030 (5510 South Emerson Avenue): Acknowledged again for withdrawal (previously withdrawn April 17).
• 2024-ZON-015 (2053 Yandee Street): Continued to June 5, 2024, per automatic continuance.

Public Hearing: Crispus Attucks High School (2023-REG-027)

• Petitioner (IPS): Superintendent Dr. Alicia Johnson, Principal Lauren Franklin, student Elena Bibbs, and Technical Advisor Deb Koontz (JS Held) presented the case. They emphasized the urgent need for a regulation-size eight-lane track with a new athletic field, noting the current facilities have been unusable for over a decade and that multiple classes have graduated without use. They cited safety, student morale, and equity, and mentioned community outreach improvements, added fencing, cell tower relocation, and parking agreements.
• Remonstrators: Paula Brooks and Claudia Paul (residents of the adjacent Ransom Place neighborhood) argued that while they support the need for new facilities, they have serious concerns about the design, including east-west field orientation, solar glare, parking shortages, cell tower proximity (10-15 feet to playing field), and lack of a comprehensive master plan. They requested a 30-60 day continuance to improve the design.
• Staff: Program Manager (name unclear) recommended approval, noting the petition was amended (removed bleachers and bus parking), the cell tower relocation, parking meeting ordinance, and historic significance (Crispus Attucks HS and Flanner House Homes each on the National Register).
• Discussion: Commissioner Blackburn and Commissioner James expressed support for the project, highlighting the urgent need. Commissioner Murphy questioned cell tower location relative to Cathedral HS.
• Decision: Motion to approve. Voting: 7-0-1 (Commissioner James recused due to prior tour and relationship). Approved.

Additional Business: June Meeting Schedule

• Approved: Moved the second June meeting from June 19 (Juneteenth) to June 26, 2024, and scheduled a special meeting for June 26. Vote was unanimous (8-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved all consent resolutions, tax abatements, and continuances as listed.
• Approved the Crispus Attucks High School athletic field redevelopment petition (7-0-1, recusal).
• Approved the June meeting schedule change (8-0).
• Directed Dr. Johnson to continue working with the remonstrators and the community on the project.

Discrepancies Noted

• The agenda and minutes were not provided; summaries rely solely on the transcript. In the resolution reading, 2024-E017 was read as authorizing payment for legal services, but the consent list later included 2024-E018 as a tax abatement resolution; the transcript does not clarify the exact content of all resolutions beyond the reads. All actions were approved as presented.
• There is a minor typographical discrepancy in the transcript when Commissioner James is asked for a motion (the transcript reads 'Commissioner James' but it may have been intended for another commissioner); however, the vote outcomes remain clear.