Crass Parking Ploy Reframed as "Innovative Modernization"

Does the 25th floor really believe we'll buy this load of bullfeathers? This Indianapolis Observer hopes a huge citizen turnout will quash this monster before it's implemented.

Here's the press release, straight from the Mayor's Office (bold face added by yours truly):

INDIANAPOLIS – The City-County Council Rules and Public Policy Committee will continue its review of Mayor Greg Ballard’s parking proposal during their regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Sept. 28. The committee will discuss the proposed ordinance and hear updates on the parking modernization effort from Mayor (sic) Michael Huber and Deron Kintner, Indianapolis Bond Bank Executive Director.

WHAT:
Council Rules and Public Policy Committee Meeting

WHERE:
Room 260, City-County Building

WHEN:
Tuesday, Sept. 28
5:30 p.m.

The City has been undergoing a bid process to determine opportunities for efficiencies in the present parking system to include curbside meters and garage parking. On Aug. 20, Mayor Ballard announced the ACS team as the proposed operator of the parking system. If approved by the Council, ACS will provide the City with a $35 million upfront payment, then a continuing stream of revenue from parking meter proceeds and violations. It is anticipated the City will collect approximately $400 million in ongoing revenue share over the length of the agreement as compared to an estimated $37 million if the city were to do nothing.

This innovative public-private partnership will provide a $35 million upfront payment that will be directly invested in improving the City’s infrastructure in the downtown and Broad Ripple areas, along with an increased revenue stream over the life of the agreement. In addition, the proposal will also modernize the City’s parking meters with new meter technology, increase convenience by allowing users to pay with a credit or debit card and spur economic development.

By modernizing the City’s parking system, residents, employees and visitors of downtown and Broad Ripple will have a better parking experience. New multi-space meter technology will enhance quality of life, making parking more convenient for customers by accepting credit cards and increasing available space. Convenience and turnover are key elements of creating a vibrant economic environment.

For more information about the public parking system initiative and to view all submitted proposals, please visit www.indy.gov/parking.

Indianapolis to Finance...What?

According to IBJ.com, "An upscale Dolce hotel and 75,000-square-foot YMCA are among the tenants slated for a $150 million mixed-use development being built on 10 acres of land Eli Lilly and Co. owns near its Indianapolis headquarters.

"The development, details of which were announced at a Monday morning news conference, also include plans for 320 high-end apartments and 40,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space.

"The city plans to fund the project by issuing bonds...."

Wait! Hold it right there!

The city? The city plans to fund the project? That means you 'n' me, folks! Why do we want to build a hotel and YMCA for Lilly employees?

We can't even keep our libraries open!

More here and here.

Maybe the Parking Meter Sale Won't Happen?

Fox 59 tried to set up a "Face Off" on the issue of the ACS deal, notes Indy blogger Paul K. Ogden. However, no administration official or council Republican would participate.

Art in the Garden

When many people think "garden art," they probably think of gazing balls, garden gnomes, wind catchers and plastic flamingos. The Indianapolis Zoo’s Hilbert Conservatory’s new fall show "Art in the Garden" is sure to change this way of thinking. From today through 14 November. Zoo visitors can get into one of the hottest trends in gardening.

For the show, local artists were asked to create original pieces of art based on their interpretation of "art in the garden." Selected pieces are displayed among the plant material and floating throughout the vertical space of the Hilbert Conservatory above visitors’ heads. Imagination knows no limit when it comes to creating pieces that are unique, appropriate for the elements and emblematic of the combination of art and nature.

Zoo visitors can also check out the 3.3 acres of the DeHaan Tiergarten outdoor gardens, which are home to outdoor art pieces such as limestone sculptures, fonts and ponds, hand-cast bronze animals, metal sculptures, interactive limestone art and more.

This event is free for members and included with regular Zoo admission.

The artists who contributed to this show include Matt Warren, Joanie Drizin, Donna Johnson, Mirvia Sol Eckert, Hector Del Campo, Maryellen Cox and Brian Callahan.

Fire Danger Means No Open Burning

Mayor Greg Ballard signed an executive order yesterday banning open burning in Indianapolis and Marion County.

Under the mayor's order, all open burning in Indianapolis and Marion County is prohibited until further notice.

About half of Indiana's 92 counties, including all in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, have adopted burning bans because of the prolonged dry spell.

An Evening at the President's Table

“The President’s Table”, a special four-days-only exhibit, opens next Monday at the President Benjamin Harrison House, 1230 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis. Hours from 28 September through 1 October are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors will view exhibit as part of mansion tours.

The exhibit showcases United States Presidential artifacts from the personal collection of Barry H. Landau, a Presidential historian and author of The President’s Table – Two Hundred Years of Dining & Diplomacy.

Landau will be the featured speaker at “An Evening at The President’s Table” (part of the Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series) at 4:30 p.m. 30 September. The reception, dinner and program with Landau takes place at the Harrison Home and the Conrad Indianapolis.

Recognized as one of America’s foremost experts on the Presidency and White House protocol, Landau will regale guests with stories of the rich, famous and politically connected at this special fund-raising event. Reservations are required; call 317:631-1888.

Today is Fiesta Time in Indy