INDIANAPOLIS–Indianapolis parks and facilities like the juvenile center at Keystone and 25th St., will get upgrades, replacements and updates as part of a new economic program called “Circle City Forward”, that was announced Monday by Mayor Joe Hogsett. The price is about $190 million.
The mayor said at a Monday news conference that the projects will not cost Indianapolis homeowners any more in tax money, but will instead pull from money “financed by offsetting an expiring pension relief levy, with our county cumulative capital development levy”.
LISTEN: Hogsett’s Circle City Forward Announcement
In English, it means the city already has the money. The City-County Council has to approve the proposal. They get their first look at it Monday evening.
“The pandemic is not over, nor will it be for many months,” said Hogsett.
But, he said the plan he’s putting forth will help with economic recovery now.
He made the announcement at Frederick Douglas Park, now 100 years old, which will get upgrades to parking and the playground and a new family center as part of the improvements.
Hogsett said the economic boost will come partially from the jobs created by projects at parks all over the city, and at government facilities, which include $30 million for a new forensic center; $40 million for a new youth andf family services center, replacing the aging juvenile center at Keystone at 25th; $16 million for a new coroner facility and $7 million to replace the fire station in Broad Ripple, which Hogsett described as outdated and inefficient.
The city’s animal care facility will also be replaced. Hogsett said it was never meant to be permanent at its current location.
“Thirty years later we will finally invest $18 million in the construction of a new building to better meet modern standards of animal care,” said Hogsett.
Hogsett said the new projects will provide opportunities for women and minority contractors, keeping in line with a disparity study completed one year ago, and keeping a commitment by the city to try and utilize those contractors.
“We cannot wait for the pandemic to end before we look to the future,” he said.
Until passed by the council, “Circle City Forward” is a proposal.
