Metropolitan Development Commission - May 20, 2026 Meeting Summary
Metropolitan Development Commission - May 20, 2026 Meeting Summary
The Metropolitan Development Commission met on May 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM with a quorum present. The meeting included approval of minutes from May 6, 2026 (7-0-1, Commissioner Schumacher recused), discussion of continuances, approval of policy resolutions, and public hearings on two major development proposals. The meeting adjourned after a unanimous vote.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes from May 6, 2026 approved 7-0-1 (Commissioner Schumacher recused).
- Seven petitions of no appeal were approved unanimously (2026 MOD 002, 2026 ZON 020, 2026 ZON 021, 2026 ZON 026, 2026 ZON 028, 2026 ZON 031, 2026 REG 029).
- Four policy resolutions (2026 R015, 2026 P004, 2026 P005, 2026 P007) were approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jesse Baum (representing Stringtown Now, a registered neighborhood association) requested a continuance for case 2026 C VR 803 (Pastor and Salsi site), arguing that a traffic study was required per DMD planning manager's confirmation and that approval without it would violate public health, safety, and welfare standards. The request died for lack of a motion after the petitioner's attorney objected and the city councilor opposed.
- During the Stringtown hearing, remonstrator Jesse Baum detailed community opposition, citing lack of meaningful communication, demolition by neglect of existing homes, traffic and safety concerns, and environmental impacts. He presented a petition with over 35 signatures and argued the project violates multiple zoning and comprehensive plan standards.
Discussion Items
-
Continuances and Withdrawals
- Item 2026 A019 (ordinance amendment) was continued to June 3, 2026 after a staff request and unanimous vote (8-0).
- Item 2026 ZON 026 was initially requested for continuance by staff but retracted after the attorney confirmed commitments had been submitted.
- Item 2026 R015, P004, P005, P007 were approved as resolutions without public hearing.
-
Public Hearing: 2026 C VR 803 / CVC 803 (Union Holdings 3 LLC)
- Petitioner (Misha Rabinowich, attorney for Annex Group): Requested variances for height (50 ft vs. 35 ft permitted), floor area ratio (1.88 vs. 0.80), livability space ratio (0.07 vs. 0.75 required), and vacation of three alleys to develop a 242-unit affordable housing project at 1437-1533 Salsi Street, 1422-1528 Astor Street, and 219 Keeney Street. The $70 million investment would include 258 structured parking spaces, 44 on-street spaces, 96 new trees, a fitness facility for IMPD use, and a community storage area. Petitioner emphasized support from Stringtown Neighborhood Association and City-County Councilor Kristen Jones.
- Remonstrator (Jesse Baum, Stringtown Now): Opposed the project, arguing that the density (71 units/acre vs. 8-15 recommended in the Near West Land Use Plan), height, and parking variances are excessive; that the developer's Union at 16th property has crime and management issues; that five heritage trees would be removed; and that the project would worsen traffic, heat island effects, and pollution. He stated the community supports affordable housing but not this scale.
- City-County Councilor Kristen Jones (District 18): Supported the project, highlighting community benefits agreement including financial contributions for neighborhood improvements (e.g., air conditioners, roof repairs), IMPD fitness room, and security measures. She noted that the project evolved through months of feedback and that she had attempted to meet with Stringtown Now but they canceled.
- Staff (Kathleen): Recommended approval, citing consistency with the Near West Neighborhood Land Use Plan which calls for a shift in use and purpose-built multifamily. Staff acknowledged concerns about height but noted the building is stepped down on the west and another review (Regional Center) will occur. The vacation motion included a June 3 hearing on assessment of benefits.
- Vote: Variances approved 6-1-1 (one no, one recusal). Vacation approved 6-1-1.
-
Public Hearing: 2026 CZN 814 / CVR 814 (Damien Center)
- Petitioner (Joe Calderan, attorney): Requested rezoning from MU1 TOD and MU2 TOD to D9 TOD and a variance of development standards to reduce parking from 21 to 10 spaces for a 39-42 unit permanent supportive housing project at 1438 East Washington Street. The site is 0.389 acres adjacent to the Damien Center's new building. Petitioner noted support from staff and Holy Cross neighborhood, and commitments to submit final site plan and pedestrian safety plan.
- Staff: Supported, noting compliance with the comprehensive plan (Village Mixed Use) and TOD Strategic Plan.
- Vote: Rezoning approved 8-0; variance approved 8-0.
Key Outcomes
- Stringtown Development (Union Holdings): Variances and alley vacation approved (6-1-1 each). The project will proceed subject to a traffic study commitment and further review for the Regional Center overlay.
- Damien Center Development: Rezoning and parking variance approved unanimously (8-0). The project will move forward with final site plan and pedestrian safety plan requirements.
- Policy Resolutions and Petitions of No Appeal: All approved unanimously.
- Ordinance Amendment 2026 A019: Continued to June 3, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you. Is there any more second? I wasn't going to use your meeting. Thank you though. Thank you. I guess it's a good one. No, I think that's a good thing. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It's one o'clock and we have a quorum. Let me call the May 20th, 2026 meeting of the Metropolitan Development Commission will now come to order. Shannon Norman is here today, and I have asked her to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Shannon's last day is May twenty-eighth. She has been an exemplary employee for the city of Indianapolis. Shannon, everybody rise for the pledge. Please lead us. 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, Shannon, and good luck to you. Moving forward, members of the commission, last week you received the minutes from the May 6, 2026 meeting. Are there any additions or deletions to those minutes? Hearing none, Commissioner Hergett, I'll accept the motion to approve. So moved. Thank you. Commissioner Lyle, I'll take a second. Second. Let me call the roll. Lyle, yes. More area, yes. Murphy. Murphy, yes. Robinson. Robinson, yes. Schumacher. Schumacher recused because I left before the meeting was over. Thank you. We recuses. West. West, yes. Dylan is a yes. The minutes passed seven to zero with one recusal. Moving forward. Are there any continuations withdrawal special requests that we'd like to address? Letitia. Thank you, President Dylan and members of the commission. I am Letitia Ramsey, the compliance manager for the Economic and Sammensteen DMD. I am requesting that item twenty twenty six-a-A019 be tabled and set after the acquisition of the current tenant of building to be finalized. Thank you. In consultation with our council, I can just table it myself as chairman as a point of order. It's done. Tabled. Thank you.
openpublica.com