Seen one of these signs? There are plenty around town. Here are a few notable projects slated for
Metropolitan Development Commission hearings:
Locally based Herman & Kittle Properties Inc. is proposing a four-story
apartment building at the northwest corner of Meridian and 34th streets and renovation of 19-unit Vernon Apartments. The $8.3-million
project would replace a vacant one-acre lot across the street from Shortridge Middle School. Plans call for 52 apartment units
in a 58,000-square-foot building. The developers are seeking zoning variances for setbacks, open-space and parking. A hearing
is scheduled for Feb. 20.
UPDATE: The not-for-profit Julian Center is partnering with Herman & Kittle on the project, which will be
called Thirty Four North.
A proposal for a new Kroger and gas station along 86th Street at the Monon Trail is scheduled for a final hearing at
1 p.m. today. Plans call for a 65,000-square-foot grocery store and fuel center on 5.8 acres that now feature single-story
office buildings. The project, proposed by Elkhart Realty LLC, would include access to the Monon Trail and a rest stop. Despite
opposition from some Nora residents, the planning department is recommending approval of the project.
The Indianapolis Colts plan to add a "training, weights and therapy" facility to their complex on West 56th Street. Additional
parking and a storage building also are planned. The MDC is scheduled to approve the addition this afternoon.
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I can think of a lot of things about these projects that are more important than their setbacks. Some people need to get over the fact that Indianapolis is never going to look like Manhattan.
34th and Meridian area. They are currently re-habing the long
vacant apartments at 34th and Central (Fairfield). Many of the
long-time residents of that area are being displaced by Fall Creek
Place and other high-end realty that is coming into that area.
Most people are WAY over that, but they still don't want their city to look like Suburban hell. It's unattractive and piss poor use of land.
I saw one of these signs in front of the McMansion that was built in Fountain Square.. I was hoping it was a proposal to tear that thing to the ground and build an appropriate home on the lot.
Regarding Meridian, the building setback is probably near the same as its northern neighbors. That stretch of Meridian has as its distinguishing feature mid-rise residential buildings with front lawns. Up to the street would be out of character for that important historic area.
Unfortunately, the parking standards and livability space ratio (yard) requirements in our zoning ordinance can encourage piss poor use of land in urban redevelopment areas.
And as Dave said, why are we concerned about whether the Kroger or Colt's wieght facility butt up to the street?
Have you posted anything on the proposed mixed use project at 49th and College? I have heard bits and pieces, but no prelim designs or anything. Did I miss it?
In related news, the DMD needs to get a better scanner.
I even hope its a big suburban style store w/ plenty of parking for people.
What's next, a strip mall on the opposite corner, featuring a check-cashing store, nail salon, cell-phone store, Chinese buffet and Don's Guns?
Apts. north to 38th are basically good, solid structures- I live in one of them, a 1928 Stallard & Associates property, well-managed and one of several they own on both sides of Meridian up to 38th. Stallard deserves credit for toughing it out here in the Hood. The operative words are locked, gated parking and tenants constantly aware of what's around them. A lot of lead flies through the air down here.
A big shame is the abandoned and rotting Witham Hospital @ 32nd. What a crime, w/ all the pinhead real estate salespeople in this city, that no one can do anything w/ that property.
And 86th & the Monon area really needs a grocery store with a Marsh within a few hundred yards? Right! Like there's tons of extra grocery dollars to be spent and there aren't enough grocery stores nearby? Gimme a break. You wonder who in the hell makes these marketing decisions sometimes, don't you?
DMD is generally head and shoulders above other city departments regarding accessibility of staff and up-to-date information available on its website.