When we started there resigning. Good evening. I would now call to order the Metropolitan in Economic Development Committee to order for Monday. APRIL 14th will begin introductions of my colleagues on front row. Thank you. MADAM Chair, Derek Kale District. 23. Thank you. MADAM Chair, Michael Paul Hart District 20. Thank you. MADAM Chair, Pollen, a district. 22, thank you. MADAM Chair, Brian Mowery District. 25, thank you. MADAM Chair, search for. Thank you. MADAM Chair, Kristin Jones District 18. Good afternoon. MADAM Chair run gives in District 8. Luis District 5. The first item on our agenda proposal. Number 102, points. Great Metropolitan Development Commission, MR. S if you would
like to come forward and share why interested in serving in this capacity. Yeah. Hi, everybody. I'm Greg West. So I've been nominated for this position. I thank you, John Show, who is known for quite a while for the nomination. And Michael Hart. I also spoke with Dan Moriarty and I had the pleasure of having breakfast with John Dillon and Briggs dollars recently about that. So grateful all you to bring it to this point. And for all that you do pare really in the city County Council done and for our city, I've got a servant's heart. I'm a volunteer. I love our city. I love to serve Moyes engaged in something about my professional south of that would be directly relevant things I think for the committee engineer, Realtor Community. I think I was born
in engineer and I went to Purdue and was in that field for about 20 years. I think the question's spring information information brings knowledge, knowledge brings empowerment empowerment to make the right decision. I call myself a reformed engineer. I'm not going to or anybody to death with a lot of questions. But I bring that methodology to the table to really inquire about things and understand them. I've been a real tour since 2009 before that my wife Janine was successful realtor at Re Max. We decided to build our own company in Decatur Township, where we live to a part of the community and and to give back, we're usually in the top 100 in Indiana. Realtors which sold over 2000 houses, probably less than 100 of those are commercial. But I
understand that it's always in the contract that there's a contingency with the sale and many times in a commercial deal. It's those contingencies. Bring here before this group before the mdc to decide whether those things that the buyer wants to do or a provable and but and viable in the city's eyes. And so that's a good process that I've been a part of. Community related things. I was involved in Citizens Advisory Committee in 2016 to recommend zoning changes and plans in Decatur Township. And I believe that group so part of the of this group. And I think that it's coming around again next year. Partnership in cdc. I down several times with Decatur Township against things, whether they were warehouses or asphalt plants. And I
decided when we be for something. So we started a partnership. Visited with people like a Dan Parker when he was with dpw. Big Daddy Fadi when he was a cfo for the city on tax base issues, developers to shake the bushes. And so we had some that morphed into a cdc and what the cdc did first and foremost was to find a company called Yardi in Cincinnati who came and consulted for us and involved to the whole community in Decatur Township. They envisioned the first 4 division in the past. The residents of Decatur Township. What do you want? What are you definitely not want. What would you like? What would it take for you to shop in Decatur Township? How can we build a and identity in
Decatur Township, a sense place. What are the things that Decatur Township brings to the table that we can build on. And so they designed for us. We had many meetings. We had music can and food to bring people out and tell us these things. The polls were quite extensive and they designed a Greenway project which connects America, lax Parkway to the West and Southport Road to the East with Southwest Way Park Southport Road to the and Southport Road to the to the east and having Southwest Way. Park is our main boulevard was shopping opportunities and all the things that people said they wanted. So it was a win on many levels and it's approved, except that is
waiting for federal funds because the cost of that road got so much that it's not feasible to pay for it with us. Local funds. So that's still a viable project that's underway. And then school started with the pto. When my youngest son came through, I was PRESIDENT At the grade school middle school high school levels in 2014, the school decided they needed more money. They were being held. Back really by the one percent tax cap income. They were robbing from Peter to pay Paul. They were using general funds to pay for local needs such as school building maintenance and to transportation costs, which come from property taxes. And they envision a referendum. They asked me, I agreed. I chair the referendum effort. Superintendent, Matt per
second at that time and I were like traveling show would go before anybody would see us. He would talk about the schools. I would talk about getting out the vote, kind of build a coalition under us with those people, we would go door to door and try to explain to people why it was good to pay more taxes. But it led to discussions about an understanding on my part to in discussions to people about the one percent, 2%, 3%. Decatur didn't have a lot of 3% money coming in. We won 2 to big win for the area. Huge win for the community schools. The biggest employer in Decatur Township, in the interest of time, star. There MAY be open it up for questions whatever you have questions. Comments from councilors. Thank you so much
for your presentation. Leader Thank you, MADAM Chair. I just want acknowledge my support and to show the qualifications of Grady's got a lot of history, a lot of knowledge. And he's he speaks the language of all the folks that come in here in front of nbc. I think you're great. You're great appointment. And addition to the nbc 5th. Cancer thank you. MADAM Chair Mission was thank you for your willingness to serve on really one of the more important commissions that we have here in the cnn app list also want to come. And I believe you might be a Perry Township resident. Now am I going agree for and even better. I think you might be a district. 22 resident, which is my district. It's exciting to see Southside being involved.
Know, we talk about really trying to make sure that these boards and commissions have folks from all across the county to make sure all residents throughout Marion County in Annapolis have a voice. And so it's great to see some of these worked in Decatur Township who lives in Perry Township brain. That depth of experience to the city and the county. So wish you the best. Great. Thank Cancer Evans. Thank you, leader the MADAM Chair. Apologize. I just want to echo some of what's already been said. I've found Gregg to be very good steward and representative of the communities. In my time when I used to represent some of the care township you live there. And I'm excited about having him. I think he's a bit more community oriented and brings
that to the table for us. Thank you to rob it. Thank you. MADAM Chair, I appreciate your service and interests around sport. As mentioned. It's a very important board. Not as for the Cure Township full, see what he says. Most pressing economic development needs. Obviously, nbc's not you know, organization that can work in everything directly. As far as when you're looking at, you know, before the board worsen. The priorities you think should be had from nbc. Thank you. Thank you for the question. I bring know agendas to the table. I have no axes to grind. I'm an open book. I I'm I'm here to help make the decisions as they come up. I understand the time not to visit with the petitioners beforehand to see the cases as they are
presented and so that's where that's where I'm meant. Thank absurd. Additional comments from counselors. Is there anyone audience that wishes to speak to propose a number 102. Cnn, a entertain a motion. The motion and probably moved. And second, all those in favor signify by saying aye, I those opposed same sign the motion carries. Thank you again for your willingness to consider that person. Had a few counselors that just arrive. If you want to introduce yourself. Thank you, MADAM Chair. I am Brand Illini from district 2 on the North side. Thank Chair John Barth represent District 7. Thank you. MADAM Chair Councilor Jared Evans representing District 17 on the far West Side. Thank you. Council the next item on our agenda. This
proposal, number 103, Rhea reappoint, MR. Craig, to the Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals Division 2 he is in the audience. If you like to share why you're in arrests it continue to serve in this capacity. Thank you, MADAM Or chairperson and I've been serving on the bza for long enough that I can't remember how long it I asked a counselor Jones as she can remember. She said it was at least 5 years because she's been counselor for 5 years. I think it's been about 8 years. I've been chairperson of either Division 3 or division 2 for that meant for the entire time. I continue to serve at the pleasure of the council on the request of of counselor mostly. I do it as a service to the community. I'm a licensed architect. I have a very good knowledge and
understanding of the zoning ordinance. Also have a lot of experience with the both real estate development and just land planning in general. Like I said, I do. It is a voluntary thing I enjoy doing Considered of a wonderful service that I can get to the city. I also should thank all the other members of the bza that I've served with their great. We have had some incredibly good numbers. I think that's important that we recognize that they do all of that voluntarily and I try to run a very fair meeting. I try to run a very well-run meeting. So that cherish everybody's time so that we can get them done as quickly as possible. But also as efficiently and as fairly as possible. Not much else to say that I'm a licensed Well over 50 know and have been been around for a while and have a
lot of experience real estate development and also architecture. Thank you so much. Questions comments to counselors council billion e Thank you, MADAM Chair. I just want to thank you for your long the service. He's a resident my district. If you wouldn't mind, be added as a co-sponsor. Thank you constantly think you. Additional comments counts for evidence. Thank you, leader. Just want to say quickly, Craig, I always look forward to your renomination coming before us. You're fine example. You know, the volunteering that you do for the on behalf of the city and you always do great work and chairing the board. Thank you. So thank you. Council haven't additional comments. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak to proposal?
Number 103. Seeing none. I'll entertain a motion. The motion has been properly And second, all those in favor signify by saying Aye. Those opposed same sign the motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, MADAM Chairperson. Thank you. Yes, you the next item on our agenda proposal. Number 104, reappoint area, McBride's Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals as alternate. If you want to share, why are interesting continue to serve? Thank you. Committee members. Thank counselor Lewis as well from the appointment here. I just want to kind of first start out with just saying, I do see this as a very big privilege to be able provide the service to the city and this volunteer capacity. This will be now my 3rd year as an alternate going on to zoning board. And I use my background
from the nonprofit sector as a nonprofit executive understanding and managing operations programs, the impact the lives of our citizens and our city. And I see the decisions that are made in this room is impacting those lives of the people that we serve. And I am happy to just play a small part and that process being able to volunteer my time and help make those decisions that will better. Our city because Indianapolis, I'd been a resident here for 10 years. I've been a lifelong Hoosier. Think it's one of the best cities in the country and want to continue to make it better. Thank you to the work that you all do and and the rest of the staff here at the city office does as well. I'll just say Being very conscious of how we make these decisions and understanding just like we've heard from some of the other appointments coming in with a clear view, looking at what the staff has to say,
providing unbiased opinion and decision on what happens to the city and the zoning is very crucial to this role previously. Lot of civic engagement regards to community Development board member as Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, local nonprofit. A lot of my time has been spent around child youth and family development, specifically mental health. So not in line specifically was owning but livelihoods and living situations impact those individuals that we see that come in here with these requests. So I would just I appreciate the composite there, allow any questions anyone might have at this point. Thank you, MADAM Chair, and thank MR. Deprive for willing to serve. So your alternative alternate is the alternate. So haven't had many board means. Is it true
against Seymour Collins in an overseas? Yes, yes, that's true. Have served to this serving tomorrow as well as an alternate be the 3rd. So not as many opportunity is, I would say, too, as well as an alternate coming through this last year, especially as the first year. Do have more opportunity, more flexibility with up my employment status. Now as well to continue to serve in in a larger capacity this upcoming year. Thank Additional questions counselors. Is there anyone audience that wishes to speak to propose numbers? 104. Cnn. Entertain a motion. There a second the moment properly moved and second, all those in favor signify by saying Aye. Those opposed same sign the motion carries. Thank you so much for willingness to serve the next item on our Dennis
proposal. Number 105, re nominate Charles Garcia for the appointment to the economic Development Commission, MR. Garcia was not available to attend the meeting this evening. However, his information is in our packets. He's attendant is fine. No issues with attendance. Questions, comments from counselors, cancer heart. And there's something that struck me and I it wasn't aware that we have this commission, but I was curious I don't know if anybody who knows today, but now with a new development of the in the Economic Inc, it's here in the city. How do these how these 2 boys going to work together is there overlap? Look to our team maybe help us through this process that share and s. Let's be but I can get you minute. Right on
that. I, too, would like that. It will get an at Committee to see how that overlap. Cancer Gibson I appreciate the question. Certainly leaders can to explain the difference between the 2 committees. But I do want to speak in favor Charles Garcia and his right, his reputation and and all he's done a city. And so MADAM Chair, move that we moved go ahead vote nomination evening. Is there a second? The motion and then asked, does anyone audience that wishes to speak to propose another 105. All those in favor signify by saying aye, those opposed same sign the motion carries and we'll make sure that we additional information prior to our next council meeting. And then last item on our agenda proposal. Number 101,
designates a portion of 25th street from North Hillside Avenue to North DR. Andrew j Brown and Root tries again. Doctor Andrew j Brown Avenue as Pastor Frank Alexander Memorial Way. And so this proposal, all the information has been submitted. The signatures were submitted it and so they've checked all the boxes to actually 3 name this portion of of 25th Street from North Hillside. Again Avenue to North Doctor Andrew j Brown Avenue. Council Gibson. Thank you, MADAM Chair. And you're right. Done all the due diligence in terms of making sure that they met the requirements for designation here and happy to be a sponsor of this proposal. He's actually in my district just want to speak briefly about of
the late Pastor Frank Alexandra, who most of you MAY know was a 40 years as a senior pastor for always is a Hope Baptist Church on East 25th Street. So he was there spread the gospel Jesus Christ for for many years. His outreach went way beyond the church and in an effort to make life better for all those who live in the surrounding. It area used use deeply rooted in the community. In effect, created 2 different community development. Corporations which in led to purchasing 185 unit apartment complex. In addition to that, he would is effort as they built a 70 units senior complex for seniors. And they were there. And in addition those the church in him and the cdc's provided social services for
youth employment training after school care, summers camps, all those good things and make sure our things to do in the community. All of which was in there Brightwood community. That is in addition to that, his outreach least end it internationally with his work with orphans and there. Many accomplishments outlined the draft proposal which you can see that he is certainly qualify for. It is designation with all Conversely more I propose that we Disney portions of East 25th Street from dr Andrew j Brown to Hillside Avenue as Pastor Frank Alexander Memorial Way. And MADAM Chair, if you willing, I like to call Bryant easily Sheriff Smith
mission as well. Good MADAM Chair, MR. Gibson, thank you so much. It's absolute honor to cut to come I represent the mine Mint Tea. My mentor, Pastor Frank Alexander as MISTER Gibson said, you know, some pastors, they have what we call the small River Ministries. And then you have some pastors who have a lake ministries who really affect the community. And then you have some pastors have ocean ministries who affect the globe. So we're just asking today just very honored. Just that to bring this presentation. Pastor Franken, sister Alexander, who was actually here has been so much involved in in our lives myself and the doctor, Tom,
easily, my wife in my family. So all we can to say is it's it's just an honor to, you know, be a part of the Indianapolis community. I'm actually from Rushville. And so he even come to Rushville. And so, yes, I do Mayor mother taught me lease LPs. So yes, I do job for 50 years, that's that's that's why we're here. So thank you so much. Thank you so much. Questions comments from counselors. Is there anyone else in the audience that wishes to speak to They are proposals. Good evening, state. Your name when you have 2 Minutes council's outgoing in my name is broad. So great. I am the PRESIDENT Ceo of the Christian Center. If you'll allow me a little bit of personal privilege only have 2 minutes, I do rise in support, very grateful to rise and supported us for a number
reasons, both professionally and personally professing. Actually, I was one of several thousands of young people who are able to gain pastor's 2 lives, spiritual guidance as tended to summer camp. I did not know that I would also to lead see where pastor was also one of my predecessors, one of only 6 executive directors of are Christians. So I'm very honored to be able to support effort in that regard. Most importantly, Edna Martin also represents works in partnership with the current coalition of community agencies, neighbors, stake holders, residents make up a resident along with group of stakeholders that are all working together to ensure overall quality of life. And in fact, as you MAY know, Brightwood recently complete and was certified officially by the city or Quality of Life
Plan, which outlines a five-year strategy that we believe with proper resource allocations work. The city, we will be able to meet positive outcomes for our families where this particular effort is applied, neighborhood revitalization, Arab unification, historical preservation are all things that are aligned and most strategies. And we believe memorializing Pastor Alexander on the 25th Street Corridor, which is starting to see a lot of positive activity, including as in the park, says their Flags of Family Center in Frederick Douglass have memorialize past Rollins. And there's absolutely fitting an individual who helped lead the spearhead community development efforts. So we
rise in support as a community. Are happy to ask answer any questions passes. Resume speaks for Thank you all for consideration. You so Additional. Comments. Good afternoon. Jane Regard interim ceo for and right across the center have to endure interactions with her connections with Pastor Eggs and My wife Reverend Jones ii Friesen was the executive minister for American Baptist Churches are greater Indianapolis. Had the pleasure of hosting multiple purging for Mark Association of churches, including Pastor Alexander's sister Shirley. I remember the very first time I happened to be directly across the table from Pastor Alexander is even sharing his his heart and his vision for work. Brightwood and the issues that he was facing as a pastor. In the end, the impact
that he hoped that his ministry was making in Mar del Brightwood beyond 10. And I was so touched with that. The depth of his passion and his love for the people in the community. Increased Senate now for the last 7 years at leadership and Legacy campus just to block south of Douglas Park often 25th Allston. One of the pleasures I had after past Charlotte Center passed away a sitter shortly approached us. Frank had a very extensive library that he always been a lending library for the many people that he mentors. Other pastors in the community. And very willing to accept that library. It's housed in our senior room at that campus and available pastors. Another lay people in the community to continue
pastor legs, her attention has impact in the community. So it's been a great honor to have those 2 intersections and my own personal life and professional life. And wholeheartedly as for your support for this cause, I find it interesting that the boundaries. Thank you, commissioner thank you. Additional comments. What state your name. My name is Robert Hawthorne. I'm actually the executive director of the hopes I community Senior Community Center but Gibson has talked about. I actually came to Indianapolis in 1987 and at the time of my girlfriend and passengers and will but was one of the pastors that meant toward me. They're each and in business and actually started them on
your plate with cdc back some years ago. And he's a person that really so had a vision and saw things for the community for the future. And one of the things I've always remember from him is he always told me just to look forward not to stay in the fight. You pointed a 10 year point to look out 10, 15 years because that's how long it takes to really change the community. And I think that a lot of us have learned that and we've stuck in this for long haul. And it's because of mentorship like his that has really gotten us to that point. And I really appreciate it. If you were given this honor, thank so much. Additional comments. Good afternoon, and honor to be here. Thank you for allowing me to speak. I listen to the people in all of the things the great things passed
through islands and he's done. All the buildings in the business is an honor that. But more importantly for me. Was I'm a brightwood product. Okay. Ips, Prada, Vietnam veteran. All of those things. But all of those things. That i've gone through, it was tomorrow foundation. That I built upon to help make me the man that I am. And that was teachings that I got from College Avenue Baptist Church and a waste of Hope Baptist Church. I was there when Pastor Alexander first came to the church. And he helped me grow. It's a positive young man because I grew up in an area. Was crazy. We all know about Brightwood. You know, the the the stories and you've But that's not what Brent Woody us. Brightwood accumulation of. A lot of good
people. They have great moral foundation. Pastor Alexander still stinks. I'm one of the products and there's a whole bunch of that a product of that. Okay. Taught we did to stay in the wall. So the church we got out, you're going to get out to get the community. We build relationships, not just within our church walls, but in our community. We did those things. Pastor Alexander has talk me. He taught my Son Inc. And he knew my grandchildren. So I've watched this whole think world. And it's far beyond what you see. It's invaded in the hearts and minds souls of those who came under his teaching. Under his tutelage under his mentor ship. It would be a dishonor.
And I'm not trying to tell you how to do but my goodness. To not do something to carry on that legacy. And in honor of what he's done. Thank you, Pat. Thank you. GOD bless Thank you for you. Time I had to come up so with these is taking it to head start and it start? Yes, MAY I don't know if this is officially record, but I would be remiss if I don't think all these fine man. Who came, I said, I don't need to say anything is the widow, wife because I was the one nagging him all the time. You never at home. But I want to publicly stand and thank Ron Gibson. And Brian easily who took the mantle and drove this effort forward I am privileged to know men and women. That has been invested
And I do see a legacy that's worth commemorating. I want to thank each one of you for your tireless work. You don't get. Yeah. Had a lot. But I want to publicly thank you. And I want to just turn and say thank you. Because without I'm old and I'm tired. I'm former educator. So I gave my best for 40 years in education. So but I could not have it could not have gotten to this point without those people who are behind me. So I want to publicly. With all my heart and sincerity. Thank each Any other comments, cancers. I entertain a motion. So. Been probably the second. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed same sign the motion carries. Congratulations. Is there any other?