Indianapolis, IN

We answer your questions about the $410 million Indianapolis Public Schools ballot measure

Published

1 year ago

March 29, 2023

We answer your questions about the 0 million Indianapolis Public Schools ballot measure

Indianapolis Public Faculties will ask voters for $410 million to fund athletic fields, new home windows, recent sidewalks, and a model new 650-student elementary college after they head to the polls in Could.

District officers say the tax enhance can also be wanted to maintain district buildings updated. On common, the district’s buildings are 61 years outdated.

The referendum for capital bills is a part of the district’s Rebuilding Stronger reorganization. Along with upgrades at 23 faculties, the plan resurrects standalone center faculties all through the district, beefs up educational choices comparable to arts and pc science, and expands athletic choices for center college college students.

In January, the varsity board delayed a vote on a separate referendum for working bills that might pay for Rebuilding Stronger’s educational programming modifications.

The request for $410 million is about one-third of the district’s complete $1.2 billion in deferred upkeep wants.

In 2018, voters accepted a $52 million referendum for constructing security upgrades. In 2008, voters accepted a a lot bigger improve after they handed a $278 million referendum for capital bills to replace 32 faculties.

Now, a few of these upgrades from 2008, comparable to HVAC items and home windows, are in want of restore, mentioned Deputy Superintendent Andrew Strope.

“We have to replace these issues in order that college students have a secure and welcoming place to spend their day,” Strope mentioned.

For a lot of owners, the tax enhance would add a handful of additional {dollars} to their month-to-month tax invoice.

Right here’s what you must know:

Why does IPS want $410 million?

A 2020 district evaluation concluded that greater than 30% of its buildings are in “poor” situation. Which means the fee to renovate the constructing is between 30% and 40% of the constructing’s total substitute price.

IPS, like different college districts and public businesses, borrows cash for facility investments in cycles. The district pays off that debt over many years.

Facility wants, comparable to plumbing, roofs, or HVAC methods, should be changed on the finish of their life cycle. Pushing aside these obligatory upgrades, nevertheless, could make issues dearer down the street.

The aim is to attempt to not go away the subsequent technology with a giant price ticket, mentioned CFO Weston Younger.

“Proper now we’re working with a giant price ticket due to the numerous investments that had been mad within the 2000s,” he mentioned. “Little or no has been carried out as a result of all of it was new at the moment. Now we’re attending to the purpose of the cycle the place plenty of stuff is coming due.”

Which faculties will get enhancements?

The district has listed 23 faculties for enhancements, which differ based mostly on the constructing’s want.

At William Penn College 49, for instance, which means higher plumbing, new sidewalks, and classroom upgrades so the varsity can grow to be a STEM college as proposed underneath Rebuilding Stronger. The varsity is slated to obtain $9.5 million in enhancements, the district says.

At Thomas Carr Howe Center College, which closed in 2020, $39.8 million will put together the varsity to welcome college students as soon as once more in 2024. Which means enhancements to its softball and baseball fields, and fixes to its inside lighting, plumbing, fireplace alarm system, roof, and home windows.

5 of the 23 faculties are faculties inside the district’s autonomous Innovation Community. These faculties are in district buildings and are largely run by constitution operators.

See the total checklist of faculties and their enhancements right here.

Why is the district asking for more cash after voters accepted a capital referendum in 2018?

The district’s $52 million capital referendum from 2018, which 76% of voters accepted, was strictly for security and safety upgrades.

These upgrades, which will likely be accomplished by the tip of 2023, embrace improved door locks and outside lighting.

This a lot bigger $410 capital referendum addresses outdated constructing wants past security and safety measures, which the 2018 referendum didn’t tackle.

How a lot will the referendum price owners?

The district estimates that residents with a house worth of $138,500 — the median worth of houses inside IPS borders — will see an additional $3.18 monthly on their property tax invoice.

You possibly can estimate your month-to-month tax enhance utilizing the district’s calculator by coming into the gross assessed worth of your property right here.

Your gross assessed worth is the worth of your property earlier than any deductions, comparable to a homestead deduction. You will discover your gross assessed worth on-line by coming into your property tackle on town’s web site right here.

How does this have an effect on the district’s complete debt?

The district’s present tax charge for debt is roughly 52 cents per $100 of assessed worth.

A few of that stems from debt issued by way of earlier poll questions that voters accepted in 2008 and 2018. Debt from the 2008 referendum will likely be paid off in 2029. Debt from the 2018 referendum will likely be paid off by 2043.

The proposed referendum is about as much as substitute that older debt because it expires, whereas nonetheless sustaining a complete debt charge of not more than 52 cents per $100. The district anticipates paying off debt from the proposed 2023 referendum by round 2046.

What is going to the poll language appear like?

Adjustments to state legislation in 2021 requires the varsity district to explain the tax enhance as a share enhance on the poll query.

The poll query for Could says that the “common property tax paid to the varsity company per yr on a residence would enhance by 20.4%.”

The language means the portion of the common property tax invoice devoted to IPS will enhance by 20.4%. It doesn’t imply {that a} house owner’s complete property tax invoice will enhance by 20.4%. Many different taxing items other than Indianapolis Public Faculties, comparable to town’s public transportation system or the Indianapolis Public Library, additionally obtain a portion of the whole quantity proven in your tax invoice.

What if the capital referendum doesn’t go?

If the proposed referendum fails, it could take longer for these 23 buildings to obtain upgrades.

The district estimates it could take eight years to deliver all elementary and center college services to “good” situation, that means the buildings solely require routine upkeep.

But when voters reject the referendum, officers must use just a few different funding mechanisms that might seemingly take 14 to fifteen years to deliver these buildings updated, Strope mentioned.

“It is going to simply take rather a lot longer to make some very a lot wanted investments in a few of our services,” he mentioned. “This $410 million is a very large deal in relation to making a reasonably substantial funding that our college students deserve.”

When and the place do I vote for the IPS 2023 referendum?

Early voting begins April 4 on the Indianapolis Metropolis-County Constructing. Extra early voting websites open April 22.

On Election Day, Could 2, polls are open 6 a.m to six p.m., and Marion County residents can vote at any of the county’s voting facilities.

To search out voting middle areas for early voting and Election Day, apply for an absentee poll and to see a pattern poll, go to vote.indy.gov.

For extra particulars on the referendum, go to the IPS referendum web site right here.

Have a query that we didn’t tackle right here? Attain out and tell us.

Amelia Pak-Harvey covers Indianapolis and Marion County faculties for Chalkbeat Indiana. Contact Amelia at apak-harvey@chalkbeat.org. MJ Slaby contributed to this story.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indy promoter hopes education leads to a safer Indianapolis

Published

2 hours ago

August 1, 2024

Press Room

Indy promoter hopes education leads to a safer Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis event promoter Teddrick Hardy is disappointed that violence has become prevalent in the Circle City.

“It’s very frustrating because I’m going to like my eleventh year in promoting and myself, alongside other promoters, put a lot of work in having successful, safe and joyful events,” Hardy said.

WRTV

Over the past couple of months, WRTV has reported on numerous parties and gatherings that have been held illegally or without proper permits.

In some cases, these events have ended in violence.

“Our goal is to gather groups of people to come and see these establishments to spend money, to bring their friends out to celebrate,” Hardy explained.

Now, promoters like Hardy are learning from various Indianapolis government agencies to ensure events can continue in a safe manner.

On Wednesday, these agencies hosted an ask the officials event aimed at answering promoters questions on how to properly organize and operate events.

“We all want safe events,” IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams said. “We all want people to come and have a good time. It’s a part of what I did when I was young, and it’s important that we educate promoters on what that looks like.”

Hardy is hopeful the event will lead to safer events being held in Indianapolis.

“I want to see Indianapolis become a better place,” he said.

The full Ask the Officials meeting can be viewed here.

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Indianapolis, IN

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse to open Indiana location this week. What to know

Published

10 hours ago

August 1, 2024

Press Room

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse to open Indiana location this week. What to know

A high-end steakhouse with a name that’s a mouthful is making its debut in Indiana.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse will open in downtown Indianapolis at 14 W. Maryland St. on Aug. 2, serving hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood.

It’s the first traditional steakhouse chain operation to open in downtown Indy since Tony’s landed at 110 W. Washington St. in 2018.

Harmony Steak House, a Japanese concept, plans to soon open a restaurant at 220 N. Meridian St.

Who owns Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse?

The Houston-based brand was founded in 1981 with the first Del Frisco’s opening in Louisville, Kentucky.

Since 2019, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse has been owned by Landy’s Inc., which also operates Mastro’s, Morton’s The Steakhouse and The Oceanaire Seafood Room fine dining chains; Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Joe’s Crab Shack and McCormick & Schmick’s casual restaurants; various hotels and Golden Nugget casinos.

Other Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse restaurants are in Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Maryland; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Fort Worth, Texas; Houston, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Plano, Texas; San Diego, California; and Washington, D.C.

$5 cocktails and bites: P.F. Chang’s has a new happy hour menu

Management is Indiana grown

Alan Forman is general manager at the Indianapolis restaurant.

He grew up in Middletown, Indiana, and worked at The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Indianapolis, as well as local Olive Garden restaurants and Morton’s The Steakhouse in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Del Frisco’s steaks and butter cake

Del Friso’s specializes in USDA Prime beef, so expect the likes of 45-day, 16-ounce dry-aged Prime ribeye ($90); 32-ounce Tomahawk ($130); and three-ounce Japanese A5 Wagyu steaks ($80).

Its signature dessert is a butter cake served warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and caramel sauce ($14).

Drinks at the Del Frisco’s in Indianapolis

The wine list is huge, with 700 selections to start.

A bar on the first floor, hosting live music, has a shelf dedicated to bourbon and one that is filled with tequila.

Breakfast deal: Perkins offers classic meal for under $5

Dining space is over two floors

Total seating at the restaurant is 204, including 34 seats on the patio.

The main dining room is on the second floor, accessible via stairs or elevator. Private dining areas are available.

Each Del Frisco’s is decorated to reflect its host city. At the Indianapolis restaurant, the design is industrial and the art is racing themed.

Indianapolis dining: Wing Zone Hot Chicken & Wings opens with 18 flavors. Find out where

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse dress code

An upscale dress code is enforced at Del Frisco’s.

No:

Beachwear
Gym attire, including sweatpants, sweatshirts or hoodies
Athletic apparel
Jerseys
Hats
Beanies
Bandanas
Ball caps
Oversized, baggy clothing
Tank tops
Sleeveless shirts
Excessively revealing clothing
Clothing with offensive language
Clothing emitting offensive odors

Does Del Frisco’s deliver?

Delivery from the Indianapolis restaurant will be available through third-party services 30-60 days after the opening, management said.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Indianapolis hours

Del Frisco’s, Double Eagle Steakhouse, 14 W. Maryland, will operate Monday through Saturday 4-10 p.m., and Sunday 4-9 p.m. On Sept. 2, hours are 4-9 p.m.

The restaurant will be open 365 days a year, and will host private events during lunch hours.

Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com:@cherylvjackson.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis-area restaurants that opened and closed in July

Published

17 hours ago

August 1, 2024

Press Room

Indianapolis-area restaurants that opened and closed in July

August’s arrival marks the end of summer vacation and the start of a new school year. The ever-churning cycle of endings and beginnings is nothing new to Indy’s dining scene, which welcomed a fresh crop of eateries while saying good-bye to others last month.

For the third consecutive month, a beloved neighborhood spot said farewell after a 20-plus-year run. Meanwhile, regional chains expanded throughout the Circle City and the North Perry neighborhood received an infusion of Filipino flavor. Here are the restaurants that came and went in July — plus one to kick off August.

Restaurants that opened in July

Mambo’s Cheesesteak Grill, Salesforce Tower

111 Monument Circle Suite 120, mamboscheesesteakgrill.com, opened July 9

While the closure of City Market shuttered the original Mambo’s, the cheesesteak outfit has maintained booths at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and The AMP at 16 Tech. Last week it opened a new brick-and-mortar location in Salesforce Tower. Situated next to the recently closed Yolk location, Mambo’s brings its renowned cheesesteaks and other sandwiches to the corner of Pennsylvania and Ohio streets.

His Place Eatery

1411 W. 86th St., (317) 7990-3406, hisplaceeatery.com, opened July 10

The popular Arlington Woods soul food spot opened its second location at the corner of Ditch Road and West 86th Street in St. Vincent-Greenbriar. The menu at His Place is stuffed with smoked meats, fried fish and classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, candied yams and mashed potatoes.

Kyuramen x TBaar Mass Ave

530 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 961-8888, kyuramen.com, opened July 10

Kyuramen, a New York-based chain with nearly 40 locations nationally, opened its first Indiana restaurant on Mass Ave. The Japanese-American eatery sells ramen, omurice and tempura among other Asian-inspired dishes. Joining Kyruamen in the space is TBaar, a bubble tea chain with over 40 United States locations.

Yollie’s Filipino American Kitchen

4141 S. East St., (317) 455-5123, yolliekitchen.com, opened July 23

Cook Yollie Olivares hands a dish to a customer Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Yollie’s, a new restaurant at the Philippine Cultural Community Center in Indianapolis.

The flagship restaurant of Indianapolis’ Philippine Cultural Community Center, Yollie’s brings traditional Filipino flavors to the Circle City. Dishes like tangy chicken adobo, peanut butter-stewed kare kare and banana blossoms in coconut milk offer familiar flavors to Hoosier Filipinos and a chance for others try something new.

Wing Zone on Keystone

5527 N. Keystone Ave., (317) 419-3604, wingzone.com, opened July 24

The Gainesville, Florida-based chicken joint opened its first Indiana location on Keystone Avenue in Millersville. Wing Zone, which sells fried chicken, sandwiches and salads in addition to wings, has nearly 30 locations nationwide.

Java House, Simon Building

225 W. Washington St., javahouse.com, opened July 25

The Carmel-based coffee shop’s twelfth café opened on the ground floor of the Simon Building. Java House offers a variety of sweet signature lattes alongside juice, lemonade, tea, black coffee and select food items.

More coverage: Java House bringing another coffee shop to downtown Indianapolis

California Burger

2831 E. 38th St., (317) 426-3021, californiaburgerinc.com

Speedway-based California Burger’s third location opened in the Meadows neighborhood Aug. 1, serving free ice cream cones for its first six hours of operation. The smashed-patty purveyor also has a location in Castleton, which opened in summer 2021.

Restaurants that closed in July

MOTW Coffee Castleton

6706 E. 82nd St., closed early July

Carmel-based MOTW (Muslims of the World) Coffee announced the closure of its Castleton location with a note posted to the shop’s front door. The note from the MOTW staff attributed the closure to the end of the store’s lease and said the location would move to Illinois. On June 23, MOTW announced on Facebook the opening of its Naperville, Illinois location, the chain’s second in the Prairie State. MOTW still has three Indiana locations: Eagledale, Fishers and Carmel.

Rene’s Bakery

6524 Cornell Ave, closed July 14

After more than 20 years in Broad Ripple, this beloved bakery announced it “will most likely be closed indefinitely” amid owner Albert Rene Trevino’s ongoing health concerns. Rene’s opened on Cornell Avenue in 2004 and sold a variety of pastries while amassing a loyal customer base throughout its neighborhood and beyond. That community showed out in full force when Trevino’s daughter Olivia launched a GoFundMe to help pay for her father’s medical bills — the fundraiser has netted more than $85,000.

Full story: Rene’s Bakery ‘most likely’ closed after 20 years

Did we miss an opening or closing in your neighborhood? Contactdining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@indystar.com. You can follow him on Twitter/X @bradleyhohulin.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis-area restaurants that opened and closed in July 2024

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