The Sunday Post - Jan 25, 2026: Land Use, YMCA Closure, and Public Safety Policy
- Michael-Paul Hart
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
A weekly report from Councilor Michael-Paul Hart — Building the Smartest City in America.
Volume 2, Issue 4
Comprehensive Planning Meeting: Why this matters more than people realize
If you care about what gets built in Indy, and where, you should pay attention to comprehensive planning.
This work is the “master playbook” that shapes future rezoning and land use decisions. When a petition comes forward, the Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) and other decision-makers often reference the comprehensive plan to decide what fits, what does not, and what standards the city should require.
Why timing matters
We may be heading into a year where multiple forces collide at once:
Potential data center development standards. I agree this is needed, but it is a major lift. It requires serious staffing, technical expertise, and clear public goals.
Major zoning conversations at the Statehouse. House Bill 1001 is in play right now, and it could shift how much control local governments have over zoning and housing approvals.
A likely 2026 zoning “book opening.” Indy does not update zoning rules constantly. When we do, it tends to come in big batches. With the comprehensive plan, potential data center standards, and possible state-level changes, I can see a major zoning update cycle emerging in 2026.
My advice
If we want Indy to become the Smartest City in America, we cannot treat planning like paperwork. Planning is how a serious city protects neighborhoods, attracts investment, and avoids expensive mistakes later.
What you can do: show up, read the materials, and send feedback early. The best time to influence a plan is before a rezoning hits the agenda.
YMCA closure: A real hit to the Eastside, and a bigger warning for Indy
This is not just a building closing. This is a community anchor disappearing.
Over the past few days, I have heard from residents who relied on the YMCA for:
youth programming and safe after-school time
providing meals for children over the summer
fitness and senior activity
family routines and social connection
I recorded a short video walking through what happened and why it matters. If you have not
watched it yet, I recommend it, because it explains the situation more clearly than a quick written summary can.
What I am working on now
The YMCA reached out to me weeks ago to help find a resolution. Since then, I have been looking for models that actually work long-term.
One strong example is Hancock Health, where they treat exercise like medicine through clinical exercise programs and wellness centers. Providers can refer patients into structured programs designed to reduce risk factors for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Hancock County has also climbed dramatically in health rankings over time, including reaching the top tier in Indiana in recent reports.
The bigger goal
My ask is simple: the YMCA should be willing to explore a real partnership model with health providers and public health leaders so we can build sustainable funding and expand preventative care.
If Indy wants to become the Smartest City in America, we have to treat health outcomes like a core performance metric, not a side issue. A smarter city is a city that helps people live longer, healthier lives.
As a city leader on the Council, I am working to connect the dots between what is working in Hancock County and what we can adapt here, so the Eastside is not left behind.
SB284: Why I went to the Statehouse to testify
This week I went to the Statehouse to testify in support of SB284, legislation focused on clarifying the role of civilian oversight boards versus the Chief of Police’s authority to set operational policy (general orders).
Here is the straight talk version:
policy for how officers operate day-to-day needs clear ownership
civilians should have meaningful input and visibility
oversight should be real, but it also has to be structured in a way that works operationally
I first learned this was becoming a serious issue through conversations with the Chief of Police in 2025. After that, I worked to address it locally, including proposing changes related to how our local board functions. That effort did not succeed at the city level, so I raised the concerns with state lawmakers who were hearing similar feedback. (View Local Proposal)
Senator Carrasco introduced SB284, and I showed up to speak directly to why this matters for Indianapolis.
If you want the full context, watch my video testimony, it explains the problem, the intent, and what the bill changes.
No parking on Brookville Road: moving from complaints to a fix
I have received a steady stream of emails about semi-trucks parking and staying overnight on
Brookville Road between 465 and Hunter Road.
I have also sent repeated notes to DPW and IMPD to push enforcement. The results have been inconsistent, and residents should not have to keep reporting the same problem forever.
The new approach
Instead of relying only on enforcement, I am pursuing a practical infrastructure solution:
install “No Parking” signage on the specific stretch where overnight truck parking is becoming routine
align signage with enforcement so officers have clear authority to act
create a consistent deterrent, not random one-off responses
SmartIndy Event: February 12, Save the Date
SmartIndy has an event coming up on February 12. Save the date now, and I will share full details soon.
If we are serious about building the Smartest City in America, we need more residents and leaders in the room, learning together, debating solutions, and turning ideas into measurable outcomes.
Thank you for reading Indianapolis City Council Updates and for supporting common‑sense leadership. Together, and with the community driving accountability, we are turning bold ideas into real‑world results.
Accountability, Transparency and Local Leadership
See you next week with more updates from the Neighborhood.
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