INDIANAPOLIS — Jordan Gleason says one of the top concerns on his neighbors’ minds is the Irvington Plaza Shopping Center.
“It’s a huge amount of asphalt that just sits here and does nothing for our community," the Irvington Development Organization President said. “When you’re driving in from 465 into our community, this is one of the first things you see. It’s not representative of the community we’re trying to build.”
On Monday, the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee unanimously approved a proposal that could help redevelop the area known as Brookville Road-Irvington Plaza.
City-County Councilor Jason Larrison says this area of his district could use the boost.
“It used to have a Marsh grocery, a pharmacy but it hasn’t had those in a very long time. There are a few tenants who still occupy out there but for the most part it’s an underused space and it’s ripe for redevelopment," Larrison said.
In 2019, the Department of Metropolitan Development worked with the community and Urban Land Institute to understand the future potential of the 15 to 20 acre site on Indy’s east side.
Based on the study, the Urban Land Institute recommends a mixed use area with approximately 400 units of apartments and townhomes and 60,000 square feet of commercial or retail space.
“We want green space. We want community space, community programming. We want a mix of housing options on the transit line, including options that are affordable and workforce housing and we know that folks wanna walk to high quality amenities," DMD Interim Director, Rusty Carr, said.
The proposal establishes a new tax increment financing (TIF) district designated as the Irvington-Brookville Road Allocation Area.
Carr says any new taxes generated on those development sites would be kept in a fund that is to be used only in those geographic bounds.
“What we’re doing is creating a financial tool that allows us to keep new taxes in the neighborhood and that can serve as a catalyst for a really transformative development for Irvington the community and the plaza specifically," Carr said.
Once the TIF is approved, it would last anywhere from 25 to 30 years, depending on if debt was issued behind it.
The proposal will move to city-county council for a vote on April 3.
If council were to approve it, it would go to the Metropolitan Development Commission in May.
-
New Lawrence bookstore makes reading affordable while tackling literacy hap
As Red Dog Books brings low-cost books and volunteer opportunities to the community, local nonprofit RISE INDY highlights the urgent need to improve literacy rates across Marion County.
Alleged Monon Trail attacker charged in reported 2016 child sexual assault
The man charged in connection with two Monon Trail sexual assaults has now been charged in a 2016 child sexual assault case in Lawrence.
Dollar For helps connect Hoosiers to hospital financial assistance programs
Hospital financial assistance, also known as Charity Care, is available in Indiana. The issue is that many Hoosiers are unaware.
Mental health groups push suicide prevention on awareness day
Families and mental health advocates are recognizing World Suicide Prevention Day by committing to take action to prevent future suicides.
