Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - January 2, 2025
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Metropolitan Development Commission Meeting - January 2, 2025
The Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) met on January 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM to approve minutes, resolutions, continuances, a no-appeal docket, and a contested zoning and variance petition. Commissioner Lyle was welcomed as a new member.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of minutes from December 18, 2024 (Commissioner Lyle recused).
- Five resolutions were adopted: 2025 R001, R002, R003, P001, and P002. All passed 6-0 except 2025 R002, which passed 5-1 (Commissioner Moriarty voted no on R002, yes on all others).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No separate public comment period; testimony was given during the contested hearing.
Discussion Items
- Continuances: Several petitions were continued to future dates: 2024 MOD022 and 2024 ZON080 to January 15, 2025; 2024 ZON124 (due to lack of internet) to January 15; 2024 ZON097 to March 5; 2024 ZON050 to February 19; and 2024 ZON127 (signage issue) to January 15. All were approved unanimously.
- Withdrawal: 2024 ZON100 (3550 Division Street) was withdrawn by the petitioner.
- No-Appeal Docket: Five petitions were read. Four were approved 6-0. The fifth, 2024 ZON133 (Butler University's Ross Hall conversion to a boutique hotel), was approved 6-0 after a presentation from petitioner Michael Lofton, who noted neighborhood support.
- Contested Hearing: Petitions 2024 ZON096 and 2024 VAR013 (companion) for 6158 West 10th Street. Petitioner John Cross and Shannon Adair (Homes in Motion, LLC) requested rezoning from D3 to C1, a variance for a 6-foot fence, outdoor storage of four trailers, and a garage expansion. Remonstrator Carrie Dremman (Vice President Secretary, Mount Auburn Neighborhood Association) opposed rezoning, citing concerns about precedent, property value, and the petitioner's history of building without permits. Staff supported rezoning but opposed all variances. The commission voted on the entire package after the petitioner agreed to a commitment (denial of right to apply for increased zoning) requested by the remonstrator. The vote passed (implied by the president's comment to "get your permits in order").
Key Outcomes
- Minutes approved, all resolutions adopted, and continuances granted as listed.
- 2024 ZON133 (Butler University) approved 6-0.
- 2024 ZON096 and 2024 VAR013 approved (with commitment to deny future zoning increases). The petitioner was directed to obtain proper permits for any future construction.
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to the January 2nd, 2025 Metropolitan Development Commission meeting. Please welcome our new Commissioner, Commissioner Lyle. Commissioner, we're glad to have you on board. It's the first of the year, and evidently Nancy Secretary didn't pay the heat bill, so we're gonna have to let it warm up here for a second. Counselor, would you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance since your friend from Bullard University is not here? Yes, sir. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Thank you, Council. Moving forward, Commissioners, you were supplied with the minutes from December 18th of 2024. Commissioner Lyle, you'll have to recuse yourself from a vote on those minutes. You've had an opportunity to review them. Do I have any additions or deletions? Hearing none, I'll accept the emotion to approve. Thank you. I have a second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed. Nancy show Commissioner Lyle is recused since he was not here. Nancy, please read our five resolutions into the record, please. Thank you, President Dillon and Commissioners. 2025 R001. Metropolitan Development Commission authorizes the Department of Metropolitan Development to amend and reinstate an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Capitol Improvement Board. 2025 R002. Metropolitan Development Commission authorizes the Department of Metropolitan Development to acquire property and pay up the average of two fair market appraisals to acquire and potentially dispose of the property at 51 South New Jersey Street to facilitate redevelopment in the downtown area. 2025 R003 authorizes DMD to amend agreement with RHC Shelby Street LLC development to reflect City MD M D's role as developer to authorize acquisition of additional real estate necessary to the project and to reimburse RHC for remaining amounts due. 2025 P001 authorizes the Department of Metropolitan Development to enter into an agreement with the Marion County Well Field Education Corporation to provide for services to conduct general well-field education and to register and provide targeted education for businesses that pose a potential risk to groundwater for a period of three years ending December 31st, 2027 for an amount not to exceed 110,000 per year. 2025 P002 authorizes the Department of Metropolitan Development to enter into an agreement with Mundell and Associates to provide for services of the technically qualified person, TQP, as required by the consolidated zoning and subdivision control ordinance of Indianapolis, Marion County, for a period of three years ending December 31st, 2027 for an amount not to exceed $90,000 per year. This ends the reading of the resolutions. Thank you, Madam Secretary. We have five resolutions on the agenda today that do not stand for public hearing. I therefore will take all five together in one vote. Commissioner Robinson, can I have a motion to approve? So move. Thank you. Commissioner James, can I get a second? Second. Let me call the roll. James. James, yes. Lyle. Lyle, yes. Moreity. More areas and no on 2025 R002. More is a yes on all remaining.
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