Council votes for new TIF funds and expresses opposition to HHS lawsuit

The Indianapolis City-County Council held a full meeting Monday night.  The council heard a number of special resolutions at its monthly meeting.

One recognition honored the Damien Center for its 35 years of work to end HIV/AIDS in Indianapolis. 

Another resolution opposes a lawsuit before the United States Supreme Court brought by the Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation.  The suit could take away the right to bring lawsuits against the state and municipalities that provide government assistance programs.

Democrat Councilor Crista Carlino said the council wants to make their opinion heard before the case is heard before the highest court.

“The Supreme Court has demonstrated that it will not hesitate to overturn long standing legal precedents that ensure access to individual civil rights and liberties,” Carlino said.

The council also moved a proposal to set aside money for legal counsel in state public nuisance laws that include bad-acting landlords.

Democrat Councilor Dan Boots said this issue has been a long struggle for Marion County.

“I encourage our city to be very aggressive and take these parties to court and make them accountable and protect the citizens of our city,” Boots said.

Councilors also approved proposals to create new TIF districts for development projects. One on Meridian Street that includes affordable housing and another fund for a new boutique hotel project.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.