Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis City-Council proposal to re-establish Economic Enhancement District
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis City-County Council plans to introduce a proposal next week to revise the Downtown Economic Enhancement District to accommodate recent legislative changes made during the last general assembly.
On July 8, the district aims to address safety, cleanliness, and homelessness with consistent, targeted funding and high-quality service for fee payers, according to a release.
“As Indianapolis proudly hosted the swimming Olympic trials, it highlighted our city’s dedication to showcasing world-class events and fostering community spirit right here in downtown Indianapolis,” said Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili. “An Economic Enhancement District is pivotal in keeping that momentum moving forward every day of the year. This initiative strengthens downtown’s appeal and reinforces our ongoing commitment to maintaining its safety, vibrancy, and cleanliness for residents, visitors, and businesses.”
Last year, the Indiana General Assembly granted the Indianapolis City-County Council the authority to establish an Economic Enhancement District. The Council approved the initial establishment of the EED in December.
The Indiana Governor Assembly enacted changes to the EED this year. Those changes include:
- Removes the Mile Square boundary requirement but requires any newly drawn district to remain an equal square on all sides.
- Multi-family property/apartment buildings would be exempt from paying an EED fee but allow for an opt-in for these properties to pay into, and receive services of, the EED.
- Single-family homes (who previously would pay a flat $250) are also exempt from the EED.
- The Governor would receive one more appointee making it a 5-4 state-local board and 6 votes are required for any action.
- Codifies in state code the $5.5 million EED budget that was passed by the City-County Council.
- Removes “activating and promoting public events”, “creating innovative approaches to attracting new businesses”, and “planning improvement activities” from the list of permitted uses of EED dollars.
- The EED cannot be renewed after a 10-year lifecycle and any bonding or other agreements cannot extend past the 10-year window.
According to a release, the new boundaries for the proposed Economic Enhancement District are:
“North border and the East border are I-65. The South border is primarily South Street, and the West border is primarily Blackford Street. The rate a property owner can be assessed within the district will be capped at .168%, remaining consistent with the district fee structure passed last year.”
Funds collected by the district would fund the following projects:
- 7-day-a-week cleaning crew to perform tasks like power washing, graffiti removal, litter abatement, etc.
- Beautification initiatives include plantings, painting, and mulching.
- Off-duty foot and bike patrols to supplement police presence and provide direct outreach resources to property owners.
- Safety ambassadors for additional street-level presence.
- Homeless Street Outreach team members are dedicated to connecting individuals to services, addressing issues, and coordinating with public safety agencies.
- Investments in downtown crime-fighting public safety technology.
- Last dollar in funding for a low-barrier shelter.
The projects are focused on the cleanliness, safety, and experience of downtown Indianapolis.
“Building on the tremendous momentum downtown Indianapolis has gained in recent years, the re-establishment of the Economic Enhancement District will further enhance our city’s vibrancy and appeal,” said Taylor Hughes, Vice President of Policy & Strategy at Indy Chamber, in a release. “Working together with local businesses, community organizations, and government entities represents the collaborative effort to strengthen the heart of our city and allows us to ensure that every stakeholder has a voice in shaping the future of Indianapolis.”
A public hearing for the proposal is scheduled for July 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana State Police have arrested a man in connection with two attacks, including one deadly, near Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis earlier this month.
29-year-old Michael Willis is facing two counts of attempted murder. Police say that the attacks happened on June 19 and June 26, both happening on N Senate Ave. near Monument Circle.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by News 8, on June 19, Willis was walking in the area near Monument Circle around 2 a.m. when he approached a person laying down and repeatedly stomped on them. Police say that this first victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The first victim died on Sunday due to their injuries sustained from Willis’s attack, documents say.
Police also say that on June 26, Willis attacked a different person at the same location near Monument Circle. Police believe that the second victim was repeatedly kicked and stomped on while they were lying down as well. This second attack also took place around 2 a.m.
Indiana State Police detectives shared surveillance photos of Willis from the attacks with other police agencies in an attempt to identify him. Police say Willis was identified by a Greensborough Police Sergeant after Willis had asked the sergeant to use his cell phone.
Police then approached Willis and detained him. Police say that when Willis was detained, he was wearing the same clothes that were seen in the surveillance footage of both attacks. Officers also noticed blood on Willis’s socks.
In an interview with detectives about the July 26 attack, Willis at first said that he was only “nudging” the victim. Police say that according to Willis, he was trying to wake the victim up because he was concerned about them.
Later in the interview, Willis admitted to attacking both victims. Willis said that he was frustrated that he had been homeless and unemployed for around the past 6 months. According to police, Willis also said that the people in the area were “mean and rude” to him.
Police say that Willis told detectives that he was the only person involved in these attacks.
Willis is currently in custody of the Marion County Jail.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana is under a heat advisory with temperatures in the 90s throughout the week.
Many cooling centers will open throughout the state for those that need to find relief from the heat. Hoosiers looking to find cooling centers in their area can contact Indiana 211. To learn more, call 211 or (866) 211-9966.
Avaliable cooling centers can also be found by clicking here.
Marion County
For those living in Indianapolis, Indy Parks has several cooling centers across the city.
Those Cooling Centers are:
- Broad Ripple Park Family Center
- Brookside Park Family Center
- Christian Park Family Center
- Frederick Douglass Park Family Center
- Garfield Park Burrello Family Center
- Krannert Park Family Center
- Grassy Creek Environmental Education Center
- Pride Park Family Center
- Rhodius Park Family Center
- Riverside Park Family Center
- Stanley Strader Park Family Center
- Washington Park Family Center
- Windsor Park Family Center
- Watkins Park Family Center
- Thatcher Park Family Center
For addresses and hours of operations of these cooling centers, click here.
Beech Grove will also have two cooling Centers for residents starting Monday, June 29. Those hours and locations are:
- Beech Grove Senior Center, 602 Main St
- 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave
- 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Other Central Indiana Cooling Centers
For addresses and hour of operations of cooling centers below, click here.
Marion
- St. Martin Community Center
- Grant County Family YMCA
- Grant County Rescue Mission
Kokomo
- The Kokomo Rescue Mission
- The Excel Center in Kokomo
Peru
- Community Resource Center
- Miami County Courthouse
- Miami County Health Department
- Miami County YMCA
- Peru City Hall
- Peru Public Library
- Peru Schools Administration Building
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — The National Weather Service out of Indianapolis has issued a Heat Advisory for all of Central Indiana and a High Heat Warning for parts of northern Indiana. The Advisory and Warning will go into effect at 12 PM on Monday and will run through 8 PM Thursday.
WRTV
A Heat Advisory means that temperatures in the 90s with dew points in the 70s, will lead to Heat Index values reaching 106. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Stay cool:
Drink plenty of fluids, check up on relatives and neighbors, and stay in an air-conditioned room when possible. If outside for extended periods of time, make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade as much as you can.
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