The Latest Scoop: Building Bridges, Balanced Budgets, and Businesses to Celebrate
Three things you need to know as a fan of Noblesville
It’s been a busy month in Indiana’s 9th1 largest city. We’ve met twice since my last update (October 29th and November 12th) and have a meeting scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday (agenda available here).
We’re also getting ready for Christmas in downtown Noblesville. Between ice skating at Federal Hill (pictures below!), Lights over Seminary, and the Holiday in Lights (Night) Parade it will be one to remember!
Remember that the parade route will be shortened slightly since it’s a night parade. It will start at 16th and Harrison; travel south on 16th Street to Logan; turn right on 9th; and turn right on Harrison and end in Ivy Tech’s parking lot.
I also recently spent part of a morning on a MIBOR Realtor Association panel talking about housing in Hamilton County. We touched on measures the statehouse can deploy to ease the property tax burden, Noblesville's efforts to make quality housing more affordable, and the ways we can help homebuyers build equity. Thank you to friend of the newsletter and Noblesville resident, Chris Oukada, for the invite!
As we get ready for Thanksgiving, I also wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for reading and for giving me the opportunity to advocate for Noblesville on our Council. Noblesville has an incredible story that I’m grateful to tell.
Happy (early) Thanksgiving,
Aaron Smith
317-445-1045
Helpful Information on Development in Noblesville:
A previous op-ed I shared on the balance we should strike between progress and preservation: “The Active Pursuit of Preservation”
My take on housing development in Noblesville, “Let's Talk About It: Apartments, Condos, and Single-Family Homes in Noblesville”
#1) We passed a balanced budget
Last month, the Council approved Noblesville’s $127.7 million budget for 2025 that:
Keeps the tax rate steady for the sixth consecutive year
Commits 15% of annual revenue towards our rainy day fund (3% higher than the State mandate)
Allocates more than 50% toward public safety
And invests in long-overdue infrastructure projects around Noblesville
Important funded projects include:
A new police headquarters (will begin construction in mid-2025) at the former Firestone factory site
Extension of the Midland Trace Trail and development of Innovation Mile
Strategic investments in Pleasant Street improvements
For more on these impacts, click below!
#2) Road & Infrastructure Projects Are Making Progress
There are a lot of infrastructure upgrades taking place in many corners of Noblesville. Here’s a highlight of the larger projects in the queue:
⏩ Allisonville & 146th
Project Lead: Hamilton County
Goal: Ease both north/south and east/west traffic along the 146th Street Corridor
Status:
The temporary stoplight that is in place will continue to guide traffic north and south.
The next traffic phasing switch is anticipated to occur in December.
Bridge crews are continuing work on the widening of the eastbound bridge over the White River. The contractor is continuing to work on storm sewer installation, sub-grade preparation, and paving operations. Bridge and MSE wall construction at the intersection is ongoing between the eastbound and westbound travel lanes.
The contractor is working on the roundabout construction and installing barrier wall within the construction zone. The contractor anticipates working on seeding and sodding in the coming weeks.
⏩ Little Chicago Bridge
Project Lead: City of Noblesville
Goal: Increased pedestrian connectivity and bridge rehabilitation. In partnership with Hamilton County, the approximately 50-year-old existing bridge over Morse Reservoir will be significantly rehabilitated for good long-term maintenance and widened to accommodate the new trail.
Status: A full closure of the roadway began May 16, 2024 and work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
✅ SR-38/Boden Road
Project Lead: INDOT
Status: Substantially Complete
✅ SR-32/Conner Street
Project Lead: INDOT
Status: Substantially Complete
✅ SR-38 at Oakmont/Whitcomb Ridge
Project Lead: INDOT
Status: Substantially Complete, Finishing Touches Coming
⏩ Pleasant Street Extension
Project Lead: City of Noblesville
Phase One Status: The new roundabout at the intersection of 10th Street and Pleasant Street was recently opened to traffic. Phase 1 also included the new bridge over the White River, a roundabout at River Road and Pleasant Street, and two roundabouts along Eighth Street.
Phase 2 Status: This phase will include widening existing Pleasant Street from 11th Street to 19th Street to four lanes and reconstructing the roundabout at 19th Street to a two-lane roundabout. Pleasant Street from 13th Street to 16th Street is anticipated to close mid-January, weather permitting. Until this closure, Pleasant Street will remain fully open from River Road through State Route 37 to Union Chapel Road.
Phase 3 Status: This phase includes new road construction from River Road to the intersection of Hague Road and State Route 32. As part of Phase 3 construction, crews will build a new bridge over Cicero Creek and a roundabout at the intersection of Hague Road and SR 32. The roundabout will be constructed in coordination and partnership with the Indiana Department of Transportation and will include a closure beginning in summer 2025.
Need to jog your memory on what Pleasant Street will look like once completed? Click here or on the link below!
#3) Celebrating New and Retiring Downtown Businesses
As downtown Noblesville continues to evolve, we're seeing an exciting mix of new establishments, while saying farewell to longtime business owners who have served our community for generations.
Bar Ellis, a new restaurant at 841 Conner St., is set to open by year's end, bringing a fresh dining concept to our downtown scene. Lisa Wampler and Chamron Baird are creating an establishment focused on elevated American cuisine with both dinner and late-night offerings.
The venue will feature live entertainment and downtown’s first rooftop patio.
With Chef Bill Wampler, formerly of 10 West, at the helm, Bar Ellis promises to offer everything from casual bar fare to upscale date night dining.
After 45 years of serving our community, Adriene’s Flowers at 1249 Conner St. will close its doors as owners Stephen and Moffett Craig retire at year's end.
The Craigs, who have owned the full-service florist shop since 1989, have been integral members of our business community, providing flowers for countless local celebrations, proms, weddings, and community events.
The Craigs are actively seeking new owners who will maintain the shop's presence in Noblesville. Interested parties in continuing this legacy business can contact them at 317-773-6065.
Before you go, a few trending stories:
Here are a few stories you may have missed on Noblesville over the past month:
Hamilton County Reporter: Don’t miss last Noblesville Flower Market of the year
Current: Noblesville Fire Department to hold annual food and toy drive
Hamilton County Reporter: Santa House on the Square returns to Noblesville
Current: Sisters look to expand bakery, floral business beyond Noblesville kitchen space
Hamilton County Reporter: Noblesville Creates thanks community for its support at 12th Annual Anniversary Gala
Hamilton County Reporter: Noblesville Grinders win first state championship
Current: Noblesville Schools Superintendent Hile delivers State of the Schools address
Noblesville is growing — and quickly. In 2021, the IndyStar shared an article that listed Noblesville as the 10th largest city in Indiana. Since then, we’ve eclipsed Lafayette as the 9th largest. We have a bit to go until we get close to Hammond at 77k.