Zionsville sticks with big-box ban despite growth push
Even as retail development continues to proliferate just outside Zionsville’s borders, town officials say they remain committed to an 8-year-old zoning ordinance banning big-box stores.
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Prominent criminal lawyer: Airport site for complex ‘cannot work’
A spokesman for Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard said the airport site hasn’t officially been selected, although it did score highest among sites the city evaluated.
Proposed criminal justice complex draws five bidders
In the meantime, city officials are arranging to meet with lawyers, judges and residents who are concerned about moving jails and courts from downtown’s core.
Companies rethink hiring policies for former criminals
State and local lawmakers around the country, including some in Indianapolis, are supporting efforts to increase the hiring of ex-offenders.
City committee again delays vote on MSA tower’s financing
Members of the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee said they needed more information on Flaherty & Collins’ proposed $81 million high-rise project on the former Market Square Arena site.
Airport site identified as ‘preferred’ for criminal-justice complex
An airport location and the former GM metal-stamping property near downtown are the top two sites listed for a Marion County jails-courts complex in a market survey of 14 potential sites conducted for the city by real estate services firm CBRE.
Indy political, business leader Beurt SerVaas dies at 94
SerVaas was elected to the City-County Council in 1962 and served for more than 40 years, including 27 as council president. He was one of the architects of Unigov, the consolidated city-county government plan credited with revitalizing Indianapolis.
Sheriff’s challengers prepare for high-profile political fight
Marion County Sheriff John Layton faces heavy criticism from two challengers, Republican Emmitt Carney and Democrat Mark Brown.
Mass-transit bill clears Senate committee, with changes
A mass-transit bill for metro Indianapolis cleared a key Senate committee Tuesday morning, but left open many questions about how such a system would be funded. An amendment to the bill nixed the use of light rail.
Cold prompts shutdown of local government Tuesday
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard said City-County government will be closed Tuesday due to the forecast of “dangerously cold temperatures.” He also imposed a two-hour delay for local government on Wednesday.
Ballard, Curry split on gun-violence bill
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry opposes a measure that would create a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence for crimes committed with a firearm. Mayor Greg Ballard and his public safety director support it.
Indiana business tax changes still worry some mayors
Some local-government officials around the state remain concerned about changes Indiana lawmakers are considering to the state's property tax on business equipment.
City, state to scrutinize charter curriculum that questions evolution
A Texas-based education organization with approval to open two Indianapolis charter schools teaches creationism and Christian-based character virtues, according to an article by Slate.com. It has prompted an expedited review of the group’s curriculum by Indianapolis and state education officials.
City close to maxing out $7.3M snow-removal budget
The city spent about 70 percent of its annual budget on just the first 10 days of the year. With the Department of Public Works’ Indy Snow Force scheduled to work on the latest snowfall through 11 p.m. Tuesday, the city is nearing its cap.
Councilor gives panhandling proposal more time
The sponsor of a panhandling ordinance plans to pull it from City-County Council consideration for a second time Tuesday night. Councilor Jeff Miller said he’ll reintroduce it in February with easier-to-understand language.
Design of new downtown fire station to get first review
Construction of the new fire station on East 10th Street would help clear the way for a $43 million apartment and retail project on Massachusetts Avenue where the Indianapolis Fire Department’s headquarters now stands.
Foes of $25M Broad Ripple project go to court
The local group wants a judge to overturn the city’s decision to grant zoning variances for the apartment-and-retail project. In the meantime, developer Browning Investments is moving forward with its plans.
Website operator for cities expanding
An Indianapolis company that manages websites and processes payments for dozens of cities and towns plans to raise $2 million to grow.
U.S. Attorney Hogsett ends mayoral run speculation
The former Indiana secretary of state said he intends to remain in his position as the top federal prosecutor for much of the state through 2016.
Some attorneys not sold on proposed justice complex
Moving the Marion County Jail, courts and other criminal justice functions to a consolidated site outside of downtown could gut businesses in the Mile Square and play havoc with legal offices, attorneys say.