McCanna Meeting - April 21, 2026: Homelessness Initiatives and DPW Controversy
McCanna Meeting - April 21, 2026
The April 21, 2026 meeting of McCanna (an association of neighborhood associations) was chaired by Pat Andrews, as the usual chair was absent. The meeting featured presentations on homelessness response by city officials and a detailed complaint about the Department of Public Works' (DPW) lack of community engagement regarding a traffic signal removal on 86th Street in Nora. Community announcements included a lawsuit against the city over a data center approval and a fundraiser for the cause.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Pat Andrews announced that Decatur Township has filed a lawsuit against the city over the recent MDC approval of a data center in the area. A fundraiser for the Protect Decatur Township Group will be held at Culver's near Kentucky and I-465 on April 27, 2027.
- During the homelessness presentation, several audience members raised questions about upstream prevention, education, financial literacy, landlord responsibilities, and community integration. One speaker (Norm Northside Community Council) questioned the sufficiency of affordable housing set-asides and the high cost of housing. Another speaker challenged the narrative that evictions are solely a landlord problem, citing tenant behavior and cultural issues. A third speaker asked about the criteria for targeting encampments and the role of volunteers in post-housing support.
- Ruth Hayes, President Emeritus of Nora Northside Community Council, and Matt, current president, presented a detailed complaint about DPW's plans to remove a traffic signal at 86th Street and the Monon Trail without prior community notification. They stated that the plan could devastate two commercial nodes, force extra driving, and harm businesses that had invested heavily. They noted that DPW claimed to have met with the community (which they said was false) and that the mayor had not responded to their protests. They also highlighted similar issues in Hallville regarding the 16th Street White River Bridge closing.
Discussion Items
- Homelessness Response: Chelsea Herring Cozy (CEO, Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention) and Andrew Mercury (Director, Office of Public Health and Safety) presented a comprehensive overview of homelessness in Indianapolis. Key data: On a single night in 2025, over 1,800 individuals experienced literal homelessness (75-80% in shelters, 20% unsheltered). Rents have increased over 30% in the last two years, and a $100 rent increase can lead to a 9% increase in homelessness. The housing wage is $26/hour. The Streets to Home Indy Initiative, launched in July 2025, aims to house 300-350 people off the streets within 12 months. So far, 135 people have been housed, 3 encampments permanently closed, and the average time to house is 26 days (vs. 100-150 days previously). The initiative is funded at $8.1 million (98.9% raised). The city is also building a Housing Hub (32 million, 150 beds) and expanding eviction prevention through the Indy Housing Stability Partnership. Winter contingency beds were increased, with 160 individuals housed during a severe cold period. The presenters emphasized a systemic, housing-first approach and noted that state legislation (Senate Bill 285) will criminalize homelessness starting July 1, 2026, making their work more urgent.
- DPW Controversy (Nora 86th Street): Ruth Hayes and Matt detailed that DPW planned to remove a traffic signal at 86th Street east of the Monon Trail, affecting two commercial complexes. They learned of the plan only on April 2, 2026, with construction scheduled to start April 14. No public notice was given, and the neighborhood council was not consulted. The plan would block left turns, forcing drivers to take circuitous routes. Business owners have obtained a temporary restraining order against DPW. The presenters called out DPW's disrespectful attitude and lack of accountability, comparing it to the 1970s when a mayor intervened to stop a similar destructive plan. They urged the public to be aware of DPW's pattern of ignoring neighborhoods.
- Data Center Regulation: Pat Andrews mentioned that DMD (Department of Metropolitan Development) has scheduled two one-hour virtual meetings for a draft data center zoning ordinance. He expressed concern that the outreach may be insufficient and urged vigorous public participation.
Key Outcomes
- No formal votes were taken. The homelessness presenters provided contact information for further engagement (chipindy.org, ophs.housing@indy.gov, Mayor's Action Center). They encouraged neighborhoods to report encampments via 311, donate moving kits, and volunteer for camp cleanups.
- The Nora Northside Community Council's presentation resulted in a public airing of the DPW dispute. A temporary restraining order is in place until at least the week following the meeting. The council urged attendees to contact the mayor and DPW to demand community engagement.
- The data center ordinance outreach is scheduled for the following week; the draft is not yet publicly available.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, welcome to the April 18th 2026 McCannna meeting. I'm Pat Andrews. You have the B team today because Kathy couldn't make it. So I will try to remember what she says at the beginning of every meeting that I've heard for years and years and years. McCannada 501c3 organization started in 72. Is that right, Bruce? Not sure. Something like 72. A long time ago. Far, far away, right here. And we are an association of neighborhood associations. So we have groups from all over the county that are members, which you can uh still give your $20 annual dues for your organization to renew or become a new member of McCann. I have forgotten everything else she says. So I'm gonna leave it at that. You're doing very well. Thank you. So mayor's neighborhood advocates not here. When the he or she comes, then we usually have a representative from the mayor's advocate group to make announcements. So when he or she comes, so we will fit them into the agenda. I was emailed the agenda, and I don't have printing capabilities, so um we will just go through how this what she has here. Um community announcements. Are there any things happening in your areas? Uh upcoming days like that would be of interest to the wider audience on Channel 16. That is what she says too. And it's very important that Channel 16 does a bang up job of making sure that the city government is accessible to everyone, even at 3 a.m. in the morning. So please take advantage of that, and uh we really appreciate uh them broadcasting our meetings. So are there any uh things coming up in your area that you want people to know about? Okay, well, I have a couple down in Decatur. Um Decatur Township um has filed uh to sue the city for uh the recent MDC approval of a data center down in our area. Uh so there is a fundraiser at the Culver's Kentucky and I-465 on April 27th that's being uh held by the Protect Decatur Township Group. Um, and anyone who uh goes by and uh can buy a meal or an ice cream and all of that will uh help contribute to the cause. So with that, that is all I have. Who's bringing that home stream? Who's the there are several people? There are people. Well, since they're not gonna broadcast for up for a bit, um yeah, the the Decatur Township Civic Council is one of the plaintiffs, and then some neighbors. So are there any other announcements? Okay, well, we'll go right along. Um the homelessness issue um is certainly been a problem uh for our community, the broad community for for years and years and years, and um it just feels like things are getting harder and harder for people. So uh Kathy did arrange both this month and next month to have folks who are averse on the the issues surrounding homelessness in Indianapolis come to McCannna and discuss the that from their point of view what's going on and how the community can step up. So with that, um I'm not gonna remember last names, but you can introduce yourselves again. So we have Chelsea from CHIP and we have uh Andrew from um public health and something from safety with the mayor's office. Okay, and they are gonna come up and tell us about these issues. Oh you have the laptop. No, I don't have a laptop, I don't bring a laptop. Oh yeah. Oh sorry. Yeah, we okay. Well, Jim will help you get all fixed up here.
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