RACE: Zoning overhaul might not go far enough
Indy Rezone won’t change the city’s timid approach to planning.
City Government
Articles
Cops to valets: Park cars, not traffic
Indianapolis police are keeping an eye on downtown valets, whose habit of blocking traffic lanes has prompted complaints. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department issued a stern reminder to all valet operators on Jan. 31, the week after the opening of The Alexander Hotel in CityWay at Delaware and South streets.
Carmel puts 7-acre parcel up for grabs
Carmel is finally ready to redevelop the former Party Time Rental site on Range Line Road, a property in which the city has invested $4 million.
Site swaps could clear the way for $43M Mass Ave project
City officials are working on a deal that could result in a new headquarters and downtown station for the Indianapolis Fire Department, a fresh user for a vacant former car dealership, and long-awaited groundbreaking on a $43 million apartment and retail redevelopment on Mass Ave.
Ballard plans new redevelopment effort for Market Square site
Mayor Greg Ballard, in his annual State of the City speech scheduled for Friday, plans to call for new proposals for the downtown site that previously was home to Market Square Arena. The city expects the proposals to include a high-rise building with a major retail component.
Councilor’s party switch shrinks Democrats’ edge
City-County Councilor Jose Evans, twice elected as Democrat, announced Tuesday he would become a member of the Republican Party and caucus with Republican councilors, taking the Democratic majority from 16-13 to 15-14.
Charter schools bill would strip Indy council’s authority
A bill moving through the state legislature would remove the City-County Council’s ability to veto mayor-sponsored charter schools.
Mayor ups push to reform schools, hopes to halt family flight
Concerned that a shortage of high-quality schools is fueling a loss of population in Marion County, Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration and a series of community groups have drawn up a preliminary plan to help replicate the city’s most successful schools.
Ballard postpones India trip
Trade mission will be rescheduled following bomb blasts that killed 11 in sister city.
City reports rise in parking meter profit, revenue
Indianapolis estimates it earned about $1 million more from parking meters in 2012, with meter revenue almost doubling from the previous year, the Department of Public Works announced Thursday.
Ballard: Don’t measure trade missions by new jobs
About to embark on his eighth trade mission since 2008, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is committed to keeping up the city’s international profile, regardless of whether that results in a major economic-development deal.
Lawsuit filed over Ballard’s redistricting plan
Three Democratic members of Indianapolis' City-County Council are suing to overturn a redistricting plan passed by the council's former Republican majority.
Ballard won’t levy charter fee, despite fiscal squeeze
Mayor Greg Ballard is nationally recognized as a rigorous charter authorizer, picky about which schools open and willing to shut down the under-performers. But there is a cost to the city’s education work and Ballard may have to consider how much of it can be supported by the city’s maxed-out general fund alone.
Senators look to sunset city’s ticket, excise tax hikes
Legislator says the recent tax increases aren’t being used for the purpose intended when such increases were authorized in 2009.
Is Indianapolis becoming too expensive for conventions?
A recent tax increase coupled with cut-rate competition from other cities has Indianapolis-area convention and meeting officials fretting about losing a longtime cost advantage.
Digital billboards gaining local support
Clear Channel Outdoor, which owns most of the billboards within city limits, has lined up two city-county councilors to sponsor a bill that would loosen a decade-old ban on digital billboards.
City may borrow to pay Bisard litigants
Bond issue might cover $2.3 million owed to two people injured in 2010 crash involving officer.
Downtown green space dedicated to former mayor Hudnut
Mayor Greg Ballard announced Friday that Capitol Commons will be rededicated in honor of William Hudnut, the Republican who began the push to revitalize downtown during his four terms as mayor from 1976 to 1992.
Founder returning to lead city’s environmental office
Anna Jetmore-Vargas, who started the office in 2008, had most recently worked at the environmental consulting firm Kerameda Inc.
Democrats alter City-County Council posts, GOP member steps down
John Barth replaces Brian Mahern, a fierce opponent of some of Mayor Ballard’s policies, as council vice president.