INDIANAPOLIS — The city recently announced $190 million in upgrades to City-County facilities, to kick off a broader “Circle City Forward” public investment initiative. The initiative is designed to jump-start the economy damaged by the pandemic by driving public investment into neighborhoods.
A variety of projects, located across numerous City-County Council districts, comprise the initial $190 million package. It will be financed by offsetting the expiring Pension Relief Fund property tax levy with the County Cumulative Capital Development Fund tax levy. This is available after the 2005 Pension Relief bonds are paid off this year. The rate shift will decrease the average tax burden of Indianapolis homeowners.
The package includes major parks investment, including: $20 million for Frederick Douglass Park and its Family Center facility, as part of its centennial celebration; $11 million for upgrades to Riverside Park; and $7 million each for Krannert Park and Grassy Creek Park. It also involves new public safety facilities, including $30 million for a modern Forensics Crime Lab; a new $40 million Youth and Family Services Center to replace the Juvenile Detention Center; and $16 million for an upgraded coroner facility. A $7.5 million new fire station will replace the current one in Broad Ripple. Rounding out the projects are $18 million towards a facility for Animal Care Services and a new $9 million Solid Waste Garage to replace the current 70-year-old building.