Mayor’s communications strategist leaving city post
Robert Vane, Ballard’s deputy chief of staff and communications director, plans to start his own firm specializing in crisis and strategic communications. His last day with the city is Nov. 5.
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Downtown apartment developers take divergent paths to financing
J.C. Hart Co. spent more than a year securing a $5 million bank loan to expand an existing project; Buckingham Cos. turned to the city to finance its ambitious project just north of the Eli Lilly and Co. campus.
New parking meter plan could yield Indianapolis more cash
The revised plan calls for less money up front, more over the life of the contract and more flexibility to terminate the 50-year deal early.
City-County Council approves 2011 budget
The CIB’s $73.1 million budget, which included a $10 million payment to the Pacers for the operation of Conseco Fieldhouse, passed by a 15-14 vote.
Some council members still unsure about CIB budget
The Capital Improvement Board’s controversial spending plan will face its final trial Monday night as the City-County Council takes up the city’s $1.1 billion budget for next year.
Tax caps give township reform effort new life
A push to eliminate township government will return to the Statehouse next year—this time with a better shot at success. Township reforms, which have been vigorously debated but never passed, have been touted as a way to make government more cost-effective.
Prospects for City Market brightening at last
New tenants include fresh-item vendors such as a florist and produce shop, in addition to more healthful prepared foods such as juice, crepes and freshly prepared soup.
Demolition begins on vacant Speedway motel
The former Budget Inn property near Interstate 465 on the west side of Speedway has been the site of 40 police runs over the past six months.
OmniSource sues Brizzi over seized money
A recycling company is asking a Marion County judge to force Prosecutor Carl Brizzi to return more than $277,000 it says was seized as part of a trumped-up investigation.
Indianapolis wins state “Green Community of the Year” award
Mayor Greg Ballard has unveiled a number of green initiatives, ranging from widespread use of hybrid vehicles to making the City-County Building more energy-efficient.
CIB budget could face rough ride in council
Some City-County Council members are skeptical of the Capital Improvement Board’s spending plan for 2011 that includes $10 million for the privately operated Indiana Pacers.
Ailing library eyes new funding source
A state lawmaker is pushing for a law that would allow Indianapolis’ public library system to get a share of local income taxes. But some already are balking at the concept, saying it would divert money from other agencies that need it.
City not impressed with fixes proposed by Di Rimini developer
Developer Jeff Sparks met with city planners Oct. 1 to propose fixes to the apartment project at Capitol Avenue and St. Clair Street.
Fourth Artsgarden skywalk gets approval
Despite objections, the Metropolitan Development Commission agreed to provide $600,000 in city funds to help build an enclosed pedestrian walkway connecting the downtown PNC Center with the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
Firms with jobs ask for the moon; governments here show restraint
Businesses have always held the upper hand in negotiating for incentives with local government, but the past couple of years have given rise to the most intensely competitive economic development environment since the early 1980s.
Downtown tax district reaps unexpected windfall
The city has accumulated a $12 million surplus of funds from the downtown TIF district, raising questions from critics who wonder how the windfall came about.
Critics of parking proposal question $500,000 penalty
City leaders argue the termination fee would be paid only if the city breaks the 50-year agreement after the City-County Council signs off on the deal, not if the contract doesn’t win approval.
Reopening set for Moscow covered bridge
Organizers are planning a weekend ceremony to dedicate a rebuilt covered bridge in central Indiana that was destroyed by a tornado more than two years ago.
Democrats charge conflict in parking meter deal
A city lobbyist who also is registered to lobby for Affiliated Computer Services Inc., which was chosen to receive a 50-year lease deal to manage meter operations, says he was not involved in the deal.
GOP secretary of state hopeful quits town council
Charlie White says because of his statewide campaign and recent marriage he didn't realize that his new home was outside his Fishers Town Council district.