When property tax caps officially became a part of the Indiana Constitution in 2010, the biggest concern raised by local governments centered on how basic services, like public safety and public works, would be funded. After all, the property tax is the financial lifeblood of local Indiana government entities.
Lindsey Erdody has a front page story in the November 30-December 6 edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal with a thoughtful exploration of how these tax caps have impacted the availability of moderately-priced housing in Hamilton County. Corby Thompson is President of Boomerang Development, a business involved in the development of subdivisions throughout Hamilton County, including Fishers. Thompson told IBJ the need for local governments to have higher-priced housing in order to generate enough property tax revenue is “…a little frustrating.”
“We’re at the point now where we can’t develop new housing for people of modest or below-modest incomes,” Thompson told reporter Erdody.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness is quoted in several parts of the story. He bemoans the impact to local governments of the homestead deduction because his city needs “as much assessed value as possible.”
Fadness says the Fishers City Council doesn’t evaluate housing developments by comparing the tax revenue expected with the city’s cost of services, but he and council members are generally aware of the balance required to keep the books balanced.
Some Hamilton County officials told IBJ the area could be saturated with homes costing $200,000 to $400,000. Fadness seems less concerned about that in Fishers, because the city contains older housing inventory along with the latest developments.
You can read Lindsey Erdody’s story at this link. (Note: IBJ limits the number of free accesses to its stories if you are not a subscriber)
This is the time of year I look back at what I am thankful for. Once again, the list is long.
Number one is the fact that I have a wonderful wife and two great daughters (picture above). How my wife puts up with me, I will never know. I’m just glad she does. My twin daughters have grown into outstanding young women. I am so proud of them.
My mom is 85 years old and is in amazing health. I thank my lucky stars every day that I am able to talk with my mom anytime. She is a treasure.
As the oldest of six children, I am blessed to have 3 brothers and 2 sisters, all first class people. Then we go to the nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Every one of my relatives is special in their own way. I am so fortunate to have them all.
I learned a long time ago one can never take good friends for granted. I cherish every friend I have. If I haven’t been in touch lately, don’t be afraid to make the first move, you know where to find me. Retirement has been busier for me that I had expected (and that is not a bad thing).
Since I’m posting this piece on my Fishers news blog, I must mention the number of wonderful people I have come to know in covering news in and around Fishers. There are people in and out of government and those involved in the many non-governmental organizations around town, and I have had the pleasure of knowing every one of you. I love spending time with you all.
Finally, I must thank all of you for reading. When I started writing this news blog in 2012, I had no idea whether anyone would have an interest in reading a Web site devoted only to news items in Fishers. After just a few months, I began to sense an audience is out there. I placed a counter on this site and discovered the pages viewed were in the hundreds many days, and in the thousands monthly. That’s what keeps me motivated to continue this endeavor as a volunteer operation. It’s all of you taking the time to read this news blog. As long as people are reading, and I am able to continue, LarryInFishers will enter its 5th year in 2016.
I have a few ideas on expanding what I do. Nothing to announce yet, but if it works out, look for that in early 2016.
In the meantime, enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. We are entering a very special time of year.
The Fishers Board of Works and Safety approved a curb cut at 12890 E. 96th Street, east of Geist Reservoir. The board allowed the action despite a staff report saying the sight lines for 96th Street at that location could be dangerous for drivers.
The landowning couple had purchased the parcel in the 1990s with the plan of eventually building a house at the location. Without approval for this curb cut for a driveway, their parcel would be landlocked, preventing their house from being built on that tract. The couple would be out about $200,000 without the curb cut, since the land has no other use, per the couple’s attorney. The land is just south of 96th Street, in Hancock County, but since 96th Street is on the southern border of Hamilton County, Fishers has jurisdiction on the street.
“This is clearly a difficult situation, given the nature of the topography here.” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. The mayor says he understands the safety issues, but is also sympathetic to the land owners.
Fadness and Jeff Lantz voted to approve the curb cut. Board member Jason Meyer was not present at this meeting.
In other actions at the November 23rd board session…..
–A curb cut and storm water connection were approved by the board. The proposed cut is located approximately 1,865 feet west of Atlantic Road and 560 feet east of the existing Britton Falls entrance. The storm water connection will be near the same location.
–Approved a utility agreement with INDOT to relocate wastewater treatment facilities to allow the 106th Street I-69 interchange, and awarded a bid for construction.
–Approved a construction contract for the Fall Creek Trail in the Geist area. The bids received earlier were rejected as too high and way over budget, while the bid awarded falls within the dollar figures appropriated for the project. Mayor Fadness says this will be a “popular amenity” once completed.
–The board approved 5 purchase orders to complete the city’s part of the renovation project at the new Launch Fishers building.
Fishers has had another busy week. Let’s recap the major developments.
Mayor Scott Fadness was joined by Hamilton Southeastern School Superintendent Allen Bourff and Representatives of the Community Health Network to announce the Fishers Mental Health Initiative. You can read more about this ambitious program at this link. Getting this program off the ground has been a priority for Mayor Fadness since he first assumed office on January 1st.
Mayor Fadness plans another in his series of Mayor’s Night Out events. This one will be held at Lantern Road Elementary School cafeteria, 6:30pm, on December 1st. The mayor normally makes a presentation and answers questions from the public.
Fishers City Controller Oscar Gutierrez is smiling this week, as the city went from a credit rating of “AA” to “AA+” from the bond rating company, Standard and Poor. The better the city’s credit rating, the less interest the city must pay when incurring debt.
Launch Fishers has always been known to provide one of the fastest wireless Internet connections around. Once Launch moves into new digs late this year or early in 2016, the first-class Internet connection should be even better. The new Launch Fishers building has been certified as being AT&T Fiber Ready. It is just the second site in Indiana to receive this certification, and the first coworking space. Launch Fishers provides space for start-up small businesses.
The IKEA store coming to Fishers in 2017 continues to draw media interest. The latest is a front page story by Chris Sikich in Saturday’s Indianapolis Star. Sikich focuses on the city’s gamble that the road infrastructure to help support IKEA’s added vehicular traffic will be completed on time. If not, Fishers would be required to hand IKEA a $1.5 million tax abatement. This story can be accessed at this link.
Lindsey Erdody has a story in the latest edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal about the city’s planned efforts to jump-start commercial and residential activity along Allisonville Road in Fishers, between 96th Street and 126th. You can access her story at this link.
What is next for Fishers? There are rumors of more announcements pending in the coming weeks. We will see.
Note: Links to stories in the Indy Star and IBJ may be limited if you are not a subscriber.
The latest print edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) features a front page story from North of 96th reporter Lindsey Erdody on the future of Allisonville Road in Fishers, particularly the stretch from 96th Street on the south end to 126th Street on the north part.
Part of her article centers on the failed plans for Riverplace, an ambitious residential and commercial plan that never got off the ground. The same developer still owns the property at 96th and Allisonville. The story explores what may yet develop on that piece of land.
Mayor Scott Fadness and City Councilman Rich Block are quoted in the story on how the city’s move toward a comprehensive plan may include ways the city can encourage development along what had been a busy corridor. That area of Fishers has seen a commercial and residential slump in recent years.
The mayor doesn’t plan to have the city become directly involved in development, such as buying land. But Block says the plans to develop part of the Metropolitan Airport property can pave the way for more jobs in that area of the city and could provide commercial and residential development in that area.
Lindsey Erdody did a nice job on this story. If you don’t already subscribe to the IBJ, look for this issue on a newstand and buy this week’s edition, if you have any interest in the future of the Allisonville Road corridor in Fishers.
UPDATE: You can read the story at this link, but be aware that you are limited on the number of stories you can access per month if you are not an IBJ online subscriber.
Even as winter weather settles into the Fishers area, Thanksgiving week will remain a busy one for city road crews. Below is the list of road construction projects for the work week beginning Monday, November 23rd…..
Periodic lane restrictions will be in effect on Allisonville Road between 116th Street and East Street beginning Saturday, Nov. 21st. Restrictions will be in place for two weeks while a median is being removed. During this time one northbound lane and one southbound lane of Allisonville Road will be affected.
LANTERN AND COMMERCIAL INTERSECTION
Our crews are working hard, but Lantern Road between 116th Street and Commercial Drive will have lane restrictions for the remainder of November. Please pay attention to signs displayed in the area and use caution while traveling.
LANTERN ROAD & 116TH STREET
On Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Wednesday, Nov. 25, lane restrictions will be in place along 116th Street and Lantern Road between the house of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
MINDEN & PENNINGTON ROAD LANE RESTRICTIONS
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 24th, periodic lane restrictions will be in effect for Minden and Pennington Road just south of 131st Street. Restrictions will allows crews to install a new storm sewer.
MUNICIPAL DRIVE
Municipal Drive between 116th Street and Commercial Drive will have lane restrictions for the remainder of November. Please pay attention to signs displayed in the area and use caution while traveling.
104TH STREET
Restrictions have been lifted along 104th Street west of Cyntheanne Road, but motorists are encouraged to travel with caution while shoulder work continues.
116TH STREET
Lane restrictions will continue between Cameron Drive and Wainwright Drive. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while approaching lane restrictions and construction crews.
126TH STREET
A new subdivision is coming to 126th Street, and while restrictions have been lifted, motorists are encouraged to travel with caution while shoulder work continues. Shoulder work is ongoing along 126th Street east of Cyntheanne Road.
There is something special about the aroma of a real Christmas tree in your home during the holiday season. With the recent popularity of artificial trees, it is harder to find the real thing.
In Fishers, you can find an old fashioned tree, courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 109. It all starts the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday. The location will be the Marsh Grocery Store on 96th Street. Scotch Pine and Frasier Fir trees will be available.
Scouts will be on duty Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and weeknights from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Scouts will be on hand to assist with tree selection and loading. The lot opens on Black Friday with special hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Look for the yellow Boy Scout bus in the lot on the north side of 96th Street.
Marsh is partnering with the local Boy Scout troop at the new 96th Street location this season. If scouts are not on duty, customers may purchase a tree anytime during normal Marsh store hours.
Local Publisher Tom Britt left) discusses the Fishers Mental Health Task Force Report with Mayor Scott Fadness
Mayor Scott Fadness started the news conference on mental health by reviewing some events in Fishers during the last week. One woman was found outside a building, having just ingested a large number of pills trying to end her life. A 13-year-old girl was described as out of control, refusing to take her medication after a violent outbreak and police considered her to be a danger to herself and her family. A juvenile took prescription medications in an attempt to end his life.
Mayor Fadness wanted to remind Fishers residents our suburban city is not immune to these sorts of events. They happen every week.
When Scott Fadness assumed the office of mayor on January 1, 2015, one of his first actions was to create the Mental Health Task Force. It joined together a number of people from around the Fishers community, including local school officials and health professionals.
The city hall event November 17th was to unveil the task force report.
The mission statement is “to develop a community that embraces mental health treatment before crises occur, protect the welfare and safety of Fishers residents and take a systemic approach to mental health challenges in the community.”
There are six basic recommendations from the task force to improve mental health in Fishers. Here’s a summary of each.
–An education program will be launched for members of the Fishers Police and Fire Departments. Community Health will partner with the city to provide this training.
–There will be a quarterly review of police and fire response to mental health runs in an effort to learn more about what is happening in the community. Once again, Community Health will partner with the city in analyzing the data.
–The city will look to partner with behavioral health providers at Community’s Health Network, and will explore ways to get the full benefit of Aspire Indiana, an area non-profit community health center.
–A plan will be developed for the Hamilton Southeastern School System. This plan will include training to help identify mental health issues and ensure students are given the opportunity to receive necessary help and treatment for mental health issues. The plan calls for an annual checkup on how the schools are doing with the mental health initiative.
–There will be a youth training plan developed with Fishers Public Safety officials.
–A public relations program will be launched, which will include a pre-campaign survey among Fishers residents to determine a baseline measurement for community awareness. That will be followed with another survey after campaign actions have been completed, to determine the program’s effectiveness and look for additional community needs.
There are two other important recommendations in this report.
There will be a remodeled paramedicine program for first responders in Fishers. The Fire and Emergency Services department has successfully reduced hospital readmission of congestive heart failure patients by providing direct follow-up through a new community paramedicine program though a partnership with Community Health Network. The task force hopes to use this program as a model to get mental health patients the follow-up care and support they need.
Community Health will create an Intensive Care Coordination pilot program for youth discharged from mental health inpatient services. Young people will have an Intensive Care Coordinator when they leave the hospital to support follow-up care. Community Health Network says it is interested in working with the staff at Hamilton Southeastern Schools and Fishers public safety officials to promote a successful transition after a mental health patient is released from the hospital.
The task force intends to continue its work, citing a fact that cannot be ignored – suicide is the second leading cause of death among Hoosiers ages 15-34. The report contains an annual checkup to review what is happening with the many moving parts in the task force’s work.
More details on the Mental Health Task Force report can be found at this link.
HSE Schools Supt. Allen Bourff (left) talks with Fishers City Councilman Todd Zimmerman at the City Hall event
Mayor Scott Fadness speaks to members of the city council on the IKEA deal
The Fishers City Council unanimously put its stamp of approval on the economic development plans for IKEA’s planned store in the city. The package waives fees worth $1.6 million. Mayor Scott Fadness once again emphasized that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will not be utilized in this plan. The mayor told council members there will be no tax abatement unless the city fails to meet its deadline in completing road projects.
Those commenting on IKEA’s economic development package worried most about traffic. Greg Purvis said the IKEA store is a “good first step” in developing that area of the city, but raised concerns about tax abatement costs if the road projects are unexpectedly delayed and raised the issue of additional traffic. Steve Mathys was concerned about traffic, but also had questions on the speed of approving the project, asking for a delay. Another speaker says 106th Street area will “get blasted” and added this doesn’t appear to be a well thought-out plan.
After the public hearing, Mayor Fadness said nearly all the concerns raised at the public hearing are issues he and his staff have considered and will try their best to address. He says the city will keep a “mindful eye” on how the area around IKEA develops.
In other city council news from the November 16th session….
–The city moved toward final approval of a sewer rate increase for Fishers city customers. Most of the city’s customers are in Delaware Township. HSE Utilities serves most Fall Creek Township residents. The increase would be $5 per month for most residential customers served by the city. HSE Utilities will be charged the extra amount for having Fishers treat their sewage, but HSE must go to the state for any residential or commercial rate increase request. Fishers may increase rates by approval of the city council. An attorney representing apartment complex owners argued at the public hearing that the city had not complied with state law in the rate increase process. The city attorney did not agree, and Mayor Fadness told the council his staff would ensure due diligence is completed by the time the rate increase is up for final approval at the next city council session.
–Council members approved a $1 million bond to be used for road maintenance, which will be paid back in full next year. This tactic allows the city to fund needed work while not impacting the city’s share of the tax rate.
–AT&T in Indiana was presented a community partner award for its support of Launch Fishers.
–A Messenger of Peace Award was presented to local boy scouts by the city.
–It was graduation night for members of the Fishers Citizens Government Academy.
–It was announced that the Grand Opening of Flat Fork Creek Park, which has been under construction for some time at 101st and Cyntheanne Road, will happen December 3rd. That will be of particular interest to snow sledding enthusiasts, because the new park will feature a 50-foot ADA compliant sledding hill.
Fishers Citizen Government Academy graduates receive their diplomas
