Smoking ban opens new doors to Visit Indy
New convention prospects are talking to the city’s marketing agency after passage of the city’s expanded smoking ordinance last year.
Local Government
Articles
T2 Systems loses tax break over technicality
The software developer moved across town to a new address in 2012, which nullified its agreement with the city—although it's still on track to meet its goals for new investment and hiring.
IBJ rolls out politics website
The central Indiana business news authority has elevated the idea behind its popular Forefront section and created a website similarly focused on commentary about politics, policy and government.
Redevelopment commission for Carmel in turmoil
The city's big-spending redevelopment commission, which helped fund some of Carmel's most ambitious projects, now is facing a tight budget, a staff exodus and brow-raising audit.
Central Indiana trustee pleads guilty to taking $270,000
Sandra Norman was charged with stealing the money by writing checks to herself, friends and her boyfriend since she became trustee in early 2011.
Preservationists float ideas for reusing City Hall
An upscale hotel, a brewery and an event center were among the proposals suggested by members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The group is holding its annual conference in Indianapolis for the first time.
Indiana’s long fight for less government has politicians protecting own
Economists and politicians on both sides of the aisle have argued for years that streamlining government in Indiana could save millions of dollars, but vested interests and fear of change have stymied real reform.
Marion County, Simon tangle over value of malls
A years-long fight between Marion County and mall developer Simon Property Group Inc. has moved to the Indiana Tax Court as a judge weighs vastly different estimates of the values of Lafayette Square Mall and Washington Square Mall.
Indiana to seek better future deal on Amtrak line to Chicago
Indiana lawmakers said Wednesday they plan to re-examine a deal that will keep the Amtrak line between Indianapolis and Chicago running for at least another year.
Dems, mayor reach budget deal that includes more police on streets
The agreement funds a $15 million budget shortfall for 2014 and could result in a net gain of 80 police officers by 2015. The City-County Council overwhelmingly approved the budget Monday evening.
Developer seeks tax break on $16.2M apartment project
Indianapolis-based Herman & Kittle Properties Inc. would save $452,000 in property taxes on the development, slated for 22.5 acres on the southwest side.
Council to weigh probe of public safety lease deal
The City-County Council will decide Monday whether to create a committee to scrutinize the Regional Operations Center, which Public Safety Director Troy Riggs vacated in September over safety concerns.
White River path nears completion after $2.7M investment
The 4-mile stretch of the Wapahani Trail will connect White River State Park to a multi-use path on Raymond Street near Eli Lilly and Co.’s 255-acre private park.
Candidates scarce so far for Fishers’ first city election
Only two contenders have thrown their hats in the ring, with 10 positions open and just seven months to go before the fledgling city’s debut election. Lack of defined district boundaries is a hurdle.
Former City Hall could reopen for planning work
The city’s development director hopes to launch a countywide planning effort, and he wants it to take place on the first floor of the vacant, century-old building at 202 N. Alabama St.
Councilor takes aim at Browning’s Broad Ripple apartment project
At-large City-County Council member Zach Adamson says that even if the apartments-and-grocery project gets an OK from city development officials on Wednesday, he might force an additional hearing.
City planning division takes budget hit, cuts five staffers
Indianapolis will rely more on public-private partnerships to hammer out long-term goals for neighborhoods, after laying off half its long-range planning staff.
City-County Council, Ballard still split on budget
The Indianapolis City-County Council approved one piece of Mayor Greg Ballard’s budget proposal Monday night, but they’re no closer to agreement on the whole $1 billion spending plan.
Fishers plans new development on train-station site
Incentive deals are on the table to keep two high-potential businesses in Fishers, and the town is poised to pull the trigger on redevelopment of the Fishers Train Station property—where one of the firms could occupy third-floor office space.
City votes to end tax break for tech staffing firm
The Metropolitan Development Commission voted Wednesday to cancel a tax abatement for Indianapolis-based tech staffing firm BCForward, since it didn’t hit job-creation targets laid out in a 2009 economic development agreement.