INDIANAPOLIS – Lift Indy is a comprehensive community development investment program aimed at propelling revitalization in Indianapolis neighborhoods. The Near Eastside’s 10th street corridor is located just east of downtown and is the 2019 Lift Indy investment area which will receive an anticipated $3.5 million over the next three years.
Since 2017, the City of Indianapolis has designated a new Lift Indy area every year through a data-driven and competitive process. The selected area will receive significant funding from two U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants — the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Two other Lift Indy neighborhoods have been named, Monon16, and the Old Southside.
The public funds will go to support the growth of economic opportunity, the development and preservation of quality affordable housing, infrastructure, availability of social services, and many other aspects that improve the quality of life.
“We are ecstatic to be named a Lift Indy neighborhood by the City of Indianapolis. This designation builds upon the work of our remarkable community partners, including the East 10th Street infrastructure improvements and the Lilly Endowment’s investment,” said James Taylor, CEO of the John Boner Neighborhood Centers. “With today’s announcement, we have the opportunity to fulfill many aspects of the vision that residents created for East 10th Street in the neighborhood’s quality of life plan.”
To identify the Lift Indy areas, the City of Indianapolis used data provided by the Reinvestment Fund and DMD’s Long Range Planning Division to determine a neighborhood where a multi-year commitment of funding would drive market activity and further neighborhood investment. The city looked at several factors, including potential project partners currently invested in the area, strong market potential, neighborhood-driven vision, and whether the project aligns with the neighborhood Quality of Life Plan. They also looked to see if the project includes shovel-ready, tangible projects.
The project team will be led by the John H. Boner Neighborhood Center, Near Eastside Area Renewal, Englewood Community Development Corporation, Indy East Promise Zone, Near Eastside Quality of Life Plan, and Chuck’s Coney Island.
