May City Council Update
May City Council Updates
A newsletter updating you on what’s happening in Noblesville
My Contact Info:
317-445-1045
awsmith@noblesville.in.us
Before we jump in — Old Town Residents: the Street Department will be coming through next week to sweep the streets next week! Make sure to move your cars into driveways (if possible!) during the daytime. Major weather events could change this schedule, but the Street Department should be able to stay on track.
Monday, 5/22/23: East/West streets north of Conner and east of 10th
Tuesday, 5/23/23: North/South streets north of Conner and East of 10th
Wednesday, 5/24/23: East/West streets south of Conner and east of 10th
Thursday, 5/25/23: North/South streets south of Conner and east of 10th
Friday, 5/26/23: West of 10th Street
Duck Race: I'm Heading Into The Dunk Tank!
Have I voted some way that has made you mad? Angry about traffic? Did you get a parking ticket in the last four years and want payback?
Send me into the dunk tank for a good cause! On Saturday, June 3rd, I'll be in the dunk tank during the Main Street Duck Race at Noon, allowing folks like you (and my wife!!) to dunk me in the water for a good cause. Bring a few bucks and send me flying. See you there!
Orange Cones Ahead: Construction Updates
Speaking of traffic, construction season is underway and we're going to have lots of it over the next few months. Each month, the City will have an updated map for distribution detailing the traffic detours and projects you should be aware of. I've included this month's map below and will keep those circulating every month as we move through summer and fall.
These are the projects you'll most likely see moving:
State Road 32 & River Road Roundabout (River Road closed to North-South access)
Pleasant Street Detours (COMING SOON)
The next major phase of the Pleasant Street project will be to construct the roundabouts on 8th Street.
This part of the project will require a full closure of 8th Street south of downtown starting this month and will last through October.
I've included a closure map below.
The Riverwalk Trail is currently closed from Division Street to Vine Street to construct the connection to the Midland Trace Trail and a pedestrian tunnel underneath the new Pleasant Street. This section of the trail is anticipated to be closed until November 2024.
The Pacers Come to Noblesville
Earlier this month, the City of Noblesville announced an investment on Noblesville's east side to continue driving economic development near Exit 210 and Hamilton Town Center.
In the agreement, we're committing to partner with the Pacers to construct a complex that we'll be able to rent out to many organizations to build revenue, the first of which will be the Pacer’s G-League team.
What's the Pacers' end of the agreement? The Pacers will be playing in the city-owned building for 40 days out of the year, committing to $1 Million/year over a 10 year period in revenue via rent ($500,000/year) and sponsorship/naming rights ($500,000/year with any amounts over 500,000 split 60/40 in the City’s favor). The other 320+ days of the year, the City will be able to bring in revenue through trade shows, events with organizations such as LiveNation, youth sports etc.
How much of my tax dollars will fund this building? Zero. While our studies show that the operating revenue from the complex will offset a portion of the building's construction, any additional revenue will come from successful commercial development on the east side. No "single family residential" tax revenue will be used in funding this complex.
Okay, but what about the roads in the area? Great question — and one that I had early on too. The City's Capital Improvement Plan targets several upgrades to Boden Road including a roundabout at 166th, Boden itself, and improvements up to a roundabout at SR-38 in the next few years. It's in the works!
Behind the Paywall: My IBJ Op-Ed
I wrote an Op-Ed in the IBJ that summarized my questions on our relationship with the Pacers and why I ultimately supported the agreement. The IBJ plans to release the Op-Ed soon, but I'll share it here with you too.
Earlier this month, I stood in a grassy field next to Rick Fuson, CEO of the Indiana Pacers, and Chris Jensen, Noblesville’s mayor, as we collectively announced a new $36.5 million multi-use complex on our city’s east side. The building will be home to many events, the first of which will be the Indiana Pacers’ NBA G-League home games. It’s a boon for Noblesville, Hamilton County, and central Indiana.
While the price tag is not insignificant, the facility is well worth the investment. Not only does the city have the financial capacity to comfortably fund the project, we can do so without putting undue burden on taxpayers. In fact, because of prudent financial management, we are able to maintain our city’s tax rate, responsibly push forward on important projects like Innovation Mile, and strategically protect capacity for projects in the future too.
Notably, the Pacers have skin in the game as well. They’re contributing $1 million per year over a 10-year period in this partnership with Noblesville. For a tenant that will be in the city’s building 40 days out of the year, the Pacers’ financial commitment illustrates their belief in the potential of this relationship and that they are excited to be a part of our community.
As the council considered this partnership, we pressed the mayor and the Pacers with important questions, and they answered them thoroughly. In Noblesville, the mayor and council collaborate on these types of projects precisely because it strengthens the overall product and best makes the case for others in the development community seeking to invest in Noblesville too.
All of us, the mayor and the council especially, see how important Exit 210 is to the future economic growth of central Indiana. To date, the East side of Noblesville is the second-highest sports destination, one of the top five most visited areas, and home to 37% of all overnight stays in Hamilton County. With Hamilton Town Center to the south, this arena to the north, and Ruoff Music Center in between, this 3.5-mile stretch is quickly becoming a sports & entertainment corridor that will attract visitors, and the dollars they bring with them, from around Indiana and the Midwest.
And while there’s still work to do, with more investments to make in the future, it’s clear that this move is a slam dunk for Noblesville.
Trail Connectivity: River Walk, Midland & Nickel Plate
Part of the Pleasant Street project connects three of the city's River Walk, Midland, and Nickel Plate Trails. Below is a picture of the new pedestrian tunnel that will go under Pleasant Street east of the White River.
Breaking the Mold on New Development
As Noblesville grows, private development will play a key role in building the vision the City sets for its future. Each month, I'll share some of the examples of new development I've seen around the country that I believe we should look to as examples down the road.
In downtown Columbus, Ohio, Edwards Companies recently developed a “neighborhood launch” alongside architect Brian Kent Jones. These condos add character to the neighborhood, fit well with the street trees there, and the best part — it replaces a parking lot. Development can be good if you approach it with guardrails to make your community stronger!
Noblesville "In the News"
Here are a few stories you may have missed on Noblesville over the past month:
WRTV: Noblesville to implement White River traffic restrictions
Current: Noblesville resident continues family passion of agriculture
Inside Indiana Business: Noblesville-based Helmer Scientific acquired by Trane
IndyStar: Massive split-level $32 million roundabout planned in Noblesville
The Times: SMC, City Plant Tree for Earth Day