The City-County Council’s Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee on Monday approved a proposal to change the city’s restrictions on billboards. The move is part of a compromise after state lawmakers nearly passed a similar provision into law this year.

A measure from state lawmakers would have allowed owners of billboards to relocate them without receiving a city permit. When that proposal was introduced as an amendment to a transportation bill in January, local groups including Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis, or HUNI, came out against it. The measure was eventually withdrawn.

Shannon Norman, principal planner for code revision, said state lawmakers instead gave the Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration the task of meeting with representatives of the billboard industry to find a compromise on relocation and Indy’s current standards.

Norman told the council metropolitan and economic development committee Monday that Proposition 349 is that compromise. The change gives advertisers the option of relocating signs, Norman said, but upholds the long-held restriction that there cannot be new billboards inside of the Interstate 465 loop. That restriction was established in 2002 and most recently affirmed in a 2019 council vote.

Members of neighborhood advocacy groups like HUNI and the Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations have long been against the proliferation of billboards in the center of the city.

Norman said the city measure maintains that goal, but gives billboard owners more leeway to relocate signs.

Mainly, the proposal states that companies may relocate billboards that are within the Interstate 465 loop from one placement to another on the same parcel of land without obtaining a permit. Outside the loop, signs can be relocated to different parcels without obtaining a permit. In both cases, the billboards cannot be enlarged.

Representatives from both groups representing neighborhoods spoke favorably of the proposal, which aims to maintain local control where state lawmakers were planning to intervene.

“It protects from rampant proliferation of billboards while reiterating the importance of certain development standards that impact the aesthetics and the quality of life in our community,” Pat Andrews of the Alliance of Neighborhood Associations, told the committee.

The full City-County Council will vote on the proposal Dec. 2.

On Sunday afternoon, the Indianapolis Colts were reassured when the 2023 fourth-overall selection Anthony Richardson had a breakout performance against the New York Jets. In a recent article from ESPN detailing the biggest questions and takeaways from every week 11 contest, the Colts’ entry does a deeper dive into Richardson’s shining showing. The simple question is, “Did quarterback Anthony Richardson show progress in his return to the lineup?”

It was not perfect, but Richardson took a step in the right direction after two weeks on the bench. He was more rhythmic in his passing, more accurate with his throws and more in command of the offense. His final numbers — 20-of-30 for 272 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions — were a mixed bag. But he didn’t turn the ball over, which had plagued him earlier in the season.

– Stephen Holder | ESPN

Richardson was electric, especially as the game was coming to a close when Indianapolis needed plays to win. Most notably, Richardson took over in the red zone during the fourth quarter to catapult Indianapolis to a late lead over the Jets.

Holder continues in his breakdown of Richardson.

The other variable of note was coach Shane Steichen’s adjusted playcalling. The offensive play selection seemed to mesh better with Richardson’s skills, including a significant increase in designed quarterback runs.

– Stephen Holder | ESPN

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As Stephen Holder mentions, Shane Steichen implemented plenty of runs and emphasized that often. While there were junctions in the game where Steichen should have started throwing a bit more, the result is all that matters. Jonathan Taylor struggled on 24 carries with just 57 yards (2.4 average), but Richardson led the ground attack with 2 touchdowns on 10 carries and 32 rushing yards (3.2 average).

The Colts have a tough matchup as they’ll defend home turf against the red-hot Detroit Lions. If Richardson can carry over the momentum from defeating New York on the road, the Colts will have a chance to stay close to the Lions’ super-powered offense led by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Richardson’s prep this week will be key to building off a fantastic game that was the best of his young NFL career. We’ll see what happens as the week unfolds following a much-needed win to push Indy to 5-6.

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Indiana Department of Transportation construction crews are continuing work on completing the I-69 Finish Line project. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the week ahead smoothly.

Reminder, the southbound U.S. Highway 31/East Street entrance ramp to westbound Interstate 465 will remain closed into late 2024.

The entire intersection of Epler Avenue and State Road 37, between old Belmont Avenue and State Road 37, closed for reconstruction Tuesday, Nov. 12, and will remain closed for up to 45 days. The Epler Avenue and Belmont Avenue intersection will be open during this closure. 

Wednesday, Nov. 20

• I-465 eastbound will be reduced to a single travel lane between Harding Street and Bluff Road on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. so crews can shift traffic onto new pavement.   

Friday, Nov. 22-Monday, Nov. 25

• For this weekend, expect ramp closures and a single travel lane on westbound I-465 between Kentucky Avenue and I-70, starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, through 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25. This double lane closure is needed to safely shift traffic onto new pavement.
• The Kentucky Avenue entrance ramp to I-465 westbound will be closed during the double-lane closure. 

Find current Indianapolis traffic condition

Drivers are advised to use 511.in.org to plan their trips.

INDOT Trafficwise Map

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.