INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Retention ponds are a common feature in neighborhoods across Indiana, but they can pose a deadly danger to children. Two Indianapolis children have drowned in retention ponds in just the past month. Many communities are asking whether enough is being done to prevent these tragedies.

The Lawrence Fire Department was on the scene when a 19-month-old toddler was found in the retention pond at the 7000 block of McIntosh Lane on Indy’s northeast side. Adrian Douglas Breed Jr. later died in the hospital.

“It’s a tragic event, the family lost their son,” Marc Hickson of the Lawrence Fire Department said.

Democratic Senator J.D. Ford tried pushing for legislation to mandate safety barriers around neighborhood retention ponds in 2025. It required homeowners’ associations with children ages 1-4 to put up at least a 4-foot-tall fence or barrier, but it didn’t get a hearing.

“Unfortunately, this is the second child in a retention pond in central Indiana in just one month. At some point, we have to ask what we can do to stop families from experiencing the same, and that’s why we tried to pass this bill to help avoid families from experiencing the headlines.”

In 2009, former Republican State Senator Richard Bray also introduced a bill aimed at allowing the construction of safety barriers around retention ponds. That failed to become law.

Since those attempts, there have been no statewide laws for barriers around retention ponds in Indiana.

“It’s about asking adults, neighborhoods, and policymakers to make these environments safer. There is a petition out there, and I think second to that is to reach out to your state representatives and state senators and voice concerns about this type of issue,” Ford said.

Until a new law passes, the Lawrence Fire Department is urging parents to learn CPR and to teach their kids to swim. Hickson believes a safety barrier can prevent additional deaths.

“Just not apartment complexes, but anywhere, where there’s a body of water. It would be great if it were enclosed so access wouldn’t be as easy to get into.”

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Advocacy groups supporting homeless populations are warning about the potential effects of a new law banning camping in public areas.

Senate Enrolled Act 285 now makes it a misdemeanor to camp, sleep on or use public land as long-term shelter.

JJ and Jennifer Goodall have been homeless on and off for the last eight years.

“It makes me wonder what’s going through people’s heads now,” JJ said.

Under the law, someone caught camping on public land would first receive a warning and information about available resources.

They would have 48 hours to leave at least 300 feet away. They then could face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Sanctuary Indy is a nonprofit with a mission to help solve homelessness throughout Indianapolis. Founder Michelle Shelburne says the SEA 285 is a step in the wrong direction and effectively criminalizes homelessness.

“I know a lot of individuals through our street outreach that will be filling up our jail system to be arrested,” Shelburne said. “Then [they have] nowhere to go. I don’t see that as a viable solution for our housing crisis.”

The Goodalls’ struggle is amplified because JJ can’t work. He takes care of Jennifer full-time. She lost vision in both of her eyes years ago.

Earlier this year, they were connected with Sanctuary Indy’s support services, including nutritionists and a financial advisor.

“We were living in the dumpster area of the Dollar Tree,” Jennifer said. “Stacy, their outreach advocate, came by and started talking to us, and it just all happened from there.”

Part of the nonprofit’s work includes developing Circle City Village, a housing complex for homeless people and families.

Later this year, the Goodalls will be among the first residents to move into six tiny homes for couples and individuals.

Plans for the village’s second phase include five duplexes for ten families.

“They lifted us up and gave us a lot of hope right now, so we’re holding on to that right now,” JJ said.

They know people who rely on public spaces for shelter. Both are worried about what the new law will mean for others in their situation.

“There’s no real safe place that you can sleep, especially if you’re outside,” Jennifer said. “To do that to those people who are already down as far as they can possibly get is not right.”

According to data from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Marion County is short 33,600 housing units for households at or below 30% of the area median income.

Shelburne is urging lawmakers to see the real people impacted.

“We need more help starting from the ground up,” Shelburne said. “Not coming up with band-aid solutions that are just going to increase our crisis.”

The first phase of construction on Circle City Village is scheduled to be completed this summer.

INDIANAPOLIS — People who live and drive in Marion County will pay more to register their vehicles starting next year after the City-County Council approved changes to vehicle fees Monday night.

The new plan replaces the current vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax structure with flat annual fees.

Most vehicles will have a $100 registration fee each year. Vehicles subject to the county wheel tax will pay a $240 annual fee. People will only pay one of the fees depending on their vehicle type.

The changes begin Jan. 1, 2027, and are expected to raise about $356 million over the next five years for road improvements across Marion County.

Supporters say the additional money will help pay for repairs and other transportation projects. The plan is also expected to help Marion County receive additional state funding for roads.

The proposal has faced opposition from some local leaders and residents who say raising costs is difficult as people continue to deal with higher prices for everyday expenses.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett previously opposed the increase, saying he did not believe residents should have to pay more through a tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements.

The City-County Council approved the changes Monday night after the proposal moved through committee last week. The new fees will be collected when people renew their vehicle registrations beginning in 2027.