The Sunday Post - March 1, 2026: Pennsy + Panda: Eastside Momentum
- Michael-Paul Hart
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
A weekly report from Councilor Michael-Paul Hart — Building the Smartest City in America.
Volume 2, Issue 9
YMCA Update: United Way Response
I am still having active conversations about the YMCA situation, and I appreciate everyone who
has reached out.
A reader asked if I could contact the United Way. I did, and I want to share their response with you here.
A few important facts as you read it
The YMCA owns the Ransburg building free and clear
Nonprofits do not pay property taxes on their real estate
What I am working on
I have already made connections between the YMCA and community groups who are interested in utilizing the building for community purpose after March 31.
If you are reading this and you know an organization that could be a fit, send them my way. I will connect them directly with the Y.
Protecting A Major Eastside Asset: A Focus on The Pennsy Trail
The Pennsy Trail is one of the most important community assets we have on the Eastside.
It should feel clean, safe, and maintained. It should also look like an asset that attracts new investment and new development up and down the corridor.
What I am doing
I am scheduling a coordinated stakeholder meeting from German Church to Franklin Road with:
Property owners
Nearby businesses
City departments responsible for maintenance and right-of-way
Partners connected to the trail and nearby facilities
The goal is simple: take a hard look at what is happening on the trail, identify what needs fixed, and assign responsibilities.
Why this matters
If we want smart growth on the Eastside, we have to protect the assets that make smart growth possible.
Trail systems are not “nice to have.” They are quality of life infrastructure. They influence:
Safety and perception
Development interest
Neighborhood pride
Long-term property investment
Health and Wellness
A funding detail people should know
When VMS (City Tow Yard) was negotiating with the City, I pushed for a dedicated funding line item for the Pennsy Trail.
That commitment is $10,000 per year.
One year has passed, and I have been in discussions with the City about how to use those funds.
Some of the cost estimates I was shown were higher than expected (See Below).
So here is the direction I gave:
Hold the funds this year
Let them build
Aim for a bigger impact project when we can combine it with partner investments
My take
If Indy wants to become the Smartest City in America, we need to manage public assets like we actually care about them. That means clean, well-lit, maintained, and measurable progress.
Zoning Watch: Panda Express Is Back On Track For East Washington
Good news for the Eastside.
Earlier this week, a hearing was held for the Panda Express petition on East Washington Street.
The surprising part: the City planning staff recommended denial until the day of the hearing.
That kind of disconnect is exactly why I stay engaged in these cases. The MPO amended their position in front of the hearing examiner. When common-sense projects stall, it slows down investment and tells the Eastside to wait. We are done waiting.
What happened on this project:
I heard from many of you right away. I immediately started coordinating with:
The attorneys on the case
The development team
Local stakeholders who care about corridor quality
I also sent a direct letter that made the case clearly: this corridor needs investment, jobs, and the right kind of growth.
The result
The hearing examiner approved the petition.
That means we are one step closer to a new Panda Express on Washington Street.
My take
A “smart city” does not make it harder to build quality, responsible development in areas that need it most. If Indy is serious about being the Smartest City in America, we should be able to say “yes” to projects that improve a corridor and bring amenities closer to residents.
SmartIndy Update: Zoom Call Next Week
Next week, I am hosting a one-hour SmartIndy Zoom call to share:
Key wins from 2025 that are carrying into 2026
What we are building right now
Our March through May activity plan
If you care about Indy’s future, this is a good call to join.
FOR QUESTIONS, OR TO RSVP, CONTACT:
Why it matters
SmartIndy is about measurable progress, not slogans.
If Indy is going to become the Smartest City in America, we need:
Strong neighborhoods
Smart growth
Safer streets
A city that uses data to measure what is working, and what is not
I am using my platform to lead that conversation countywide and bring more people into the work.
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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.
