City not impressed with fixes proposed by Di Rimini developer
Developer Jeff Sparks met with city planners Oct. 1 to propose fixes to the apartment project at Capitol Avenue and St. Clair Street.
Local Government
Articles
Fourth Artsgarden skywalk gets approval
Despite objections, the Metropolitan Development Commission agreed to provide $600,000 in city funds to help build an enclosed pedestrian walkway connecting the downtown PNC Center with the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Firms with jobs ask for the moon; governments here show restraint
Businesses have always held the upper hand in negotiating for incentives with local government, but the past couple of years have given rise to the most intensely competitive economic development environment since the early 1980s.
Downtown tax district reaps unexpected windfall
The city has accumulated a $12 million surplus of funds from the downtown TIF district, raising questions from critics who wonder how the windfall came about.
Critics of parking proposal question $500,000 penalty
City leaders argue the termination fee would be paid only if the city breaks the 50-year agreement after the City-County Council signs off on the deal, not if the contract doesn’t win approval.
Reopening set for Moscow covered bridge
Organizers are planning a weekend ceremony to dedicate a rebuilt covered bridge in central Indiana that was destroyed by a tornado more than two years ago.
Democrats charge conflict in parking meter deal
A city lobbyist who also is registered to lobby for Affiliated Computer Services Inc., which was chosen to receive a 50-year lease deal to manage meter operations, says he was not involved in the deal.
GOP secretary of state hopeful quits town council
Charlie White says because of his statewide campaign and recent marriage he didn't realize that his new home was outside his Fishers Town Council district.
Proposed city parking deal would bring 200 jobs
A proposal to lease the city’s parking meters for 50 years would require the vendor to bring 200 jobs to Indianapolis for at least seven years. The salaries and benefits would range from $16,000 to $95,000 a year.
City’s parking deal similar to much-maligned Chicago pact
Officials promoting a 50-year lease of Indianapolis’ parking meters have taken pains to point out the differences between their proposal and a controversial 75-year parking meter lease in Chicago. But a close look at both contracts shows Indianapolis’ pact largely uses the Chicago template.
Former councilman indicted in strip club case
Federal officials on Thursday charged a former City-County Council member in an extortion scheme to use his official position to grease the wheels for opening a strip club, taking $6,000 in exchange for the help.
City finance chief to leave post for state role
City Controller David Reynolds, who started with the city when Mayor Greg Ballard took office in January 2008, has accepted a job as senior fiscal analyst for the Indiana Senate’s Republican majority caucus.
Conseco Fieldhouse to get new video signage
The new “video ribbon,” which could cost up to $1.6 million, will be paid for with funds from the Capital Improvement Board. It will be installed around the entire upper fascia of the arena between the second and third levels.
Brizzi controversies loom over prosecutor’s race
Democrat Terry Curry and Republican Mark Massa say restoring trust is job one for the next Marion County prosecutor.
Downtown merchants want parking plan revoked
About 80 downtown business owners and employees have signed a petition urging Republican Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration to nix major plans to revamp metered parking in Indianapolis.
Traffic-signal maker flashing red over Indianapolis contract
Domestic vendor who thought “buy American” provision would help it win contract loses out to Taiwanese supplier.
CIB approves 2011 budget
Including debt obligations, the CIB’s total budget for 2011 is expected to be $104.4 million. The City-County Council is set
to receive the budget at its Sept. 20 meeting and could approve it Oct. 25.
City parking agreement to receive first scrutiny
Indianapolis’ Department of Public Works Board and its City-County Council Rules and Public Policy Committee both will meet
on Monday to consider the long-term deal. It would need approval from the City-County Council before taking effect.
CIB’s 2011 budget slated to grow by $10 million
Capital Improvement Board president says initial $10 million payment to the Indiana Pacers is not only reason for the larger
budget. Rather, she insisted it’s largely due to $5 million in renovations slated for Conseco Fieldhouse and other CIB-operated
facilities.
City chooses firm to oversee parking-meter operations
The city has entered into a 50-year lease agreement with Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services Inc. The
city will receive $35 million upfront and a share of revenue to make sidewalk and street repairs. Parking meter rates are
expected
to double in some areas.