Metropolitan Development Commission Public Meeting - April 2, 2025

The Metropolitan Development Commission held a public meeting on April 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The commission approved minutes, handled continuances, passed three resolutions, approved five zoning petitions without appeal, denied one, and conducted a public hearing on a rezoning petition for 7500 South Sherman Drive. The petition was approved 7-0.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the March 19, 2025 meeting were approved by a vote of 5-0 (Commissioner Lyle and Morerity recused themselves).
• Petition 2025 ZON O5 was withdrawn by the petitioner.
• Petition 2024 CVR 853 was referred back to the Board of Zoning Appeals for adoption of negative findings, approved 7-0.
• Three resolutions were approved unanimously (7-0):
  • 2025 R014: Authorizes DMD to enter into an agreement for planning services for the former Indiana Women's Prison Site.
  • 2025 R015: Authorizes an agreement with Shrewsbury's and Associates LLC for owner's representative services for the Indianapolis City Market Campus Project.
  • 2025 P004: Rescinds 2024 P010, reappoints Judy Wirtz Hall as Marion County Hearing Examiner, and sets compensation limits.
• Five zoning petitions of no appeal (2025 ZON002, 2025 ZON007, 2025 ZON009, 2025 ZON011, 2025 CZN802) were approved unanimously (7-0).
• Petition 2024 CZN853 was denied unanimously (7-0) as recommended by staff and the hearing examiner.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Remonstrator Mary Jo Kennelly (7332 Poppy Seed Drive, McFarlane Farms resident of 34 years) opposed the rezoning as presented. She cited concerns about increased traffic on interior neighborhood roads due to interconnection with surrounding subdivisions, safety for pedestrians and cyclists, drainage issues, and the loss of wildlife habitat. She presented a petition with over 600 signatures and additional signatures from McFarlane Farms residents. She requested denial to allow further study of traffic, drainage, and eagle nest presence.
• Remonstrator Jocelyn Apis (431 Terragon Drive) expressed that she is not opposed to development but raised concerns about impervious surface coverage (79% of the parcel would be impermeable), stormwater runoff, flooding risks, impact on wildlife (deer, cranes, herons, and the endangered Indiana bat), and lack of infrastructure to support the development. She urged the commission to consider long-term environmental impacts.
• Petitioner Russell Brown (attorney) presented the case for rezoning, emphasizing the cluster development design, preservation of wetlands and woodlands, 50% open space, and 14 commitments addressing rental restrictions, buffering, architectural standards, and tree preservation. He testified that no eagle nests were found on the site, confirmed by DNR and on-site inspections.
• Traffic Engineer Steve Farabach testified that the development would add minimal traffic to major intersections (AM peak 3.1% or less, PM peak 2.8% or less) and would not negatively impact the street system.
• Arborist Judd Scott testified that after two site inspections and coordination with DNR, no eagle nests were found; a previous DNR sighting was based on an incorrect address.
• Staff recommended approval, citing consistency with the comprehensive plan (suburban neighborhood, 2-5 units per acre) and the developer's preservation of natural resources.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing on 2024 ZON 144: The petition sought to rezone 61.55 acres at 7500 South Sherman Drive from DA (agricultural) to D3 (residential) for a cluster subdivision named "The Trees at Southport Crossing." The proposed development would have 137 lots, 2.22 units per acre, and preserve approximately 8 acres of wetlands and 3 acres of trees. The petitioner argued it was an infill development consistent with surrounding neighborhoods. Remonstrators argued that the connection of multiple neighborhoods through the development would increase internal traffic, pose safety risks, and exacerbate existing drainage problems. The commission questioned both parties on traffic, open space, eagle nests, and homeowner association governance. After rebuttal, the commission voted.

Key Outcomes

• Petition 2024 ZON 144 was approved by a vote of 7-0, subject to 14 commitments submitted by the petitioner. The commission encouraged the petitioner to work closely with the neighborhood.
• The meeting was adjourned after the vote.