Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - December 4, 2024
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Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - December 4, 2024
The Metropolitan Development Commission held a public meeting on December 4, 2024, to consider policy resolutions, zoning petitions, and a public hearing on a modification of commitments. The meeting included approvals of routine items, a contentious amendment to a tax abatement resolution, and a compromise on a commercial space requirement for a self-storage facility.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the November 20, 2024 draft minutes without changes.
- Approved eight policy resolutions (2024 R033, R034, E040, E044, E046, C006, C007) with a vote of 6-0, except for 2024 E044 which passed 5-1.
- Approved eight petitions of no appeal (2024 APP 020, 021, ZON 087, 113, 121, 129, CAP 840, REG 055) by a vote of 7-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jen Higginbotham (Principal Planner, Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization) opposed the modification of commitments for 25 McLean Place, arguing that retaining 10,000 square feet of commercial space is critical to support the transit-oriented development (TOD) overlay and the Red Line BRT system. She emphasized the long-term vision for walkable urbanism and the substantial public investment in transit.
- Phil Votar (Interim Director, Near North Development Corporation) expressed support for the petitioner's request, noting the soft retail market in the area and the quality of the existing self-storage facility.
- City Council President Vop Osley supported the petitioner's request, citing the lack of leasing interest over seven years and the need for practicality, while reaffirming his support for the TOD overlay.
Discussion Items
- 2024 R033 and R034 (Sherman Park property transfer): Deputy Director Jenny Foltz and Piers Kirby explained that 7.5 acres of Sherman Park would be transferred to the state of Indiana in exchange for city-owned property at 401 North Randolph Street. The current zoning is CS, and the state will determine future use. The commission approved these resolutions.
- 2024 A041 (Peregrine Energy Solutions tax abatement): The petitioner sought a five-year personal property tax abatement for a $144 million battery energy storage facility at 4025 West 86th Street. Staff recommended approval. President Dillon expressed frustration that the resolution came before the commission before regulatory approvals from MISO and the IURC were secured. He moved to amend the resolution to make approval contingent on those regulatory approvals. The amendment passed 7-0, and the amended resolution was approved 7-0. Dillon warned that if commitments are not met, the project would be dead.
- 2024 ZON 112 (continuance): Petitioner David Gilman requested a continuance to revise the site plan and zoning class. Staff recommended continuing to January 15, 2025. The motion passed 7-0.
- 2024 ZON 099 (continuance): Staff requested a continuance to December 18, 2024, to finalize commitments. The motion passed 7-0.
- 2024 MOD 017 (modification of commitments for 25 McLean Place): The petitioner, Illinois Street Self-Storage LLC (owner Greg O'Harron), requested termination of commitments requiring 10,000 square feet of commercial space, citing seven years of unsuccessful marketing. Staff recommended denial, offering a compromise of 4,000 square feet. The petitioner proposed 2,000 square feet. After testimony from the remonstrator, City Council President, and staff, Commissioner Murphy moved to approve the modification but with the condition that 2,000 square feet remain reserved for commercial uses. The motion passed 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- 2024 R033 and R034: Approved 6-0 (property exchanges).
- 2024 A041: Amended to require regulatory approvals from MISO, IURC, and AES, then approved 7-0.
- 2024 ZON 112: Continued to January 15, 2025, by a 7-0 vote.
- 2024 ZON 099: Continued to December 18, 2024, by a 7-0 vote.
- 2024 MOD 017: Approved as amended, reducing the commercial space requirement from 10,000 to 2,000 square feet, with the remaining 8,000 square feet allowed for self-storage. Vote: 7-0.
Meeting Transcript
I wonder if I have to make it brand so I think we'll just see that I will have to see our look when you're in here because I think it ends up because I think you might have any direction. You should be trying to look at these things. Sorry. Um I actually have to keep just going to say that shouldn't be a problem. Okay. Um the story went up already. I was just like seems like the petitioner wants to continue it again about I asked about that and back. Uh so I just I am seeing if I can do that. Okay. Yeah, yeah. So you're gonna be working on this. Yeah. Yeah, do you are we uh wondering if we're meeting our station? Yeah. Come on, yeah, we are. Yeah. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to the Metropolitan Development Commission public meeting of December fourth, twenty twenty-four. Please rise. Members of the Commission, you received your November 20th, 2024 drafted amendments last Thursday for review. Are there any additions or deletions to those minutes? Hearing none, I'll accept the emotion to approve. Thank you, Commissioner Murphy. I'll take a second. Thank you. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed. Moving forward, Nancy, we have eight policy resolutions on the agenda today, one of which stands for a public hearing, which we'll have several comments about. Would you please read these into the minutes? Yes, thank you, President Dillon and Commissioners. 2024 R033 DMD is authorized to transfer certain property at Sherman Park to the state of Indiana in exchange for certain city owned property. 2024 R034. DMD is authorized to acquire the property at 401 North Randolph Street from the state of Indiana in exchange for certain city owned property. 2024 A041 for public hearing. 2024 E046. Resolution to provide the Indianapolis Housing Agency for public housing improvements and related administrative and operating expenses. Allocating $64,000,336 of opioid said settlement funds to the Damien Center for Master Leasing. 2024 C007, Indianapolis Foundation Award of $2 million for the Housing to Recovery Fund. This ends the res reading of the resolutions. Thank you, Nancy. We received a handout, and I apologize. We've been scrambling to get through funerals this week. That's why the pre-meeting had to kind of get canceled here. Commissioner Murphy, you have a couple questions on us. Yes, and I would actually invite Deputy Director Jenny Foltz up to speak more to the specifics of this petition. Thank you, Executive Director. Welcome, Jenny. Hi, Commissioners. Yes, um, Commissioner Murphy.
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