INDIANAPOLIS — Monday night was the second Indianapolis City County Council meeting of the year.
Almost every seat was full in the audience, with many coming to hear public comment surrounding a controversial north side project.
It involves the former Willows Event Center in the 6700 block of Westfield Boulevard.
For years, the developers have tried to turn the area into apartments and townhomes, but neighbors fought back. Neighbors cite concerns over the size of the project, saying it’s too dense for the area.
In December, the Metropolitan Development Commission approved the project.
The vote was then delayed when the petition was called down for a public hearing by Councilor Brienne Delaney, who represents the district. The developer has since scaled back its plan for its project called “The Elements.”
Monday night, Council President Vop Osili said the two parties reached a last-minute agreement so public comment was no longer needed.
The council then voted unanimously to approve the zoning petition.
“I want to thank both parties for working literally up until the last minute during this meeting to try to come to an agreement,” Delaney said.
The council also passed three proposals.
One of them requires the Fatal Crash Review Team to start reviewing serious bodily injuries in addition to fatal crashes.
“Addressing pedestrian safety goes beyond preventing fatal crashes,” said Councilor John Barth, District 7. “Tonight’s bipartisan passage of Proposal No. 22 is a part of the Council’s continued efforts and commitment to pedestrian and bicyclist safety. By considering both fatal incidents and serious injuries, holistic initiatives can be taken to reduce crashes, making streets safer for everyone.”
DPW is tasked with figuring out a process to determine which nonfatal crashes will be reviewed by the team. The change will take effect in 2025.
“Indy DPW is looking forward to working with the City-County Council to explore any and all ways to increase safety on our roads,” said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget. “We welcome this measure as the next evolution of the Fatal Crash Review Team and look forward to continued prioritization of safety with the council and in all of our work at Indy DPW.”
A bill at the Statehouse that could put an end to IndyGo's Blue Line project is also weighing heavy on councilors. Senate Bill 52 looks to ban dedicated bus lanes.
"A big community that I represent, the Irvington neighborhood, was unfortunately this year used as the ammunition for this bill,” said Councilor Andy Nielson, District 14.
Last month, Nielson testified against Senate Bill 52. He hopes those at the Statehouse will listen to those on the local level.
"We are taking the concerns of individuals seriously and I would just ask the general assembly to continue to listen to us and trust that we know what's best for our city,” he said.
Senate Bill 52 is scheduled for a hearing in the House on Tuesday.
It also looks to reverse the city’s “No Turn on Red” law downtown that was approved by the council last summer.