Indy Update - July 20 2025: From Talk to Action—Smarter Policy, Safer Streets, Stronger Direction
- Michael-Paul Hart
- Jul 20, 2025
- 2 min read
By Minority Leader Michael-Paul Hart
Working to Make Indianapolis the Smartest City in America
East-Side Jobs & Trees: English Avenue Win
What happened?
Council’s Metropolitan Development Committee approved a tax abatement for a modern light-industrial project on English Avenue (District 20).
As part of the deal, the developer will invest $447,000 in community incentives
District 20 - Eastside Flatwoods
Where the money goes:
Community Asset | Amount | Why it Matters |
🌳 Urban Forest Preservation Fund | $300,000 | Kick-starts a dedicated fund to conserve urban forests, beginning with the 100-acre East-Side Flatwoods, old-growth forest older than the nation itself. |
🛠️ Walker Career Center (Warren Twp.) | $147,000 | Funds for trade programs so our students graduate job-ready. |
Smart City Takeaway: When we tie new development to quality assets—green space and workforce training—everyone wins.
🌳 Growing the Urban Forest Fund 🌳
This week I met with four fellow councilors to lock in bipartisan support for the Urban Forest Preservation Fund. Protecting the East-Side Flatwoods isn’t just about trees; it’s about attracting new housing and retail along E. Washington Street by giving families a place they want to live next to.
Next step: drafting the ordinance language—stay tuned. Smarter Policy Safer Streets Stronger Direction
🚨 🚨 Public Safety Update: Curfew + Parental Accountability 🚨 🚨
Wednesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting drew fire—from the FOP to the Prosecutor’s Office—but the updated curfew ultimately passed. Key takeaway:
My caucus will roll out a comprehensive public-safety package in advance of the August Council meeting, with parental accountability front and center. Smarter Policy Safer Streets Stronger Direction
Fresh Life for the RoomPlace Building
Franklin Township Community Center Vision
Met with grassroots leaders in Franklin Township to brainstorm a new community center.W e reviewed TIF and EID tools—local dollars we can bond against for construction
Long game: Secure stable local dollars, then leverage state & philanthropic funds.
Data-Center Hearing Delayed to Aug 20
The Metropolitan Development Commission postponed the hearing. My position is unchanged: any incentive package must deliver real tax revenue, high-wage jobs, and infrastructure upgrades. Full statement here ➜
SmartIndy Momentum 🚀
🚨🚨Roundtable Report: 🚨🚨 Our public-safety roundtable findings are compiled and ready. Sign up for SmartIndy to get the full report delivered to your inbox
How You Can Help Build the Smartest City in America
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Attend: August 12th Kick Off Event
The pdf map of the Data Ctr from July 20 is incorrect. The map shows the area bordering E. Raymond St to Troy Ave. Instead it should be Troy Ave to Vandergriff. The area does not include anything north of Troy Ave.