Indianapolis To Invest $190 Million In Facility Upgrades

Significant upgrades for numerous Indianapolis public facilities were announced Monday.  More than $190 million in investments is planned for the new Circle City Forward initiative.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the plans for the public improvement projects at Frederick Douglass Park Family Center. A total of $45 million is going towards parks projects, 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
• $7 million each for Krannert Park and Grassy Creek Park

The initiative also involves new public safety facilities:

• $30 million for a modern Forensics Crime Lab
• $40 million Youth and Family Services Center to replace the Juvenile Detention Center
• $16 million for an upgraded coroner facility
• $7.5 million new fire station will replace the current one in Broad Ripple

Other projects include $18 million for an Animal Care Services facility and a new $9 million Solid Waste Garage to replace the current 70-year-old building.

Officials say the improvements will help communities by increasing services, creating jobs and improving quality of life.

In a written statement, City-County Council President Vop Osili said the upgrades are needed in Indianapolis.

“This $190 million package is an opportunity to act on priorities Councillors have heard from constituents, with development that impacts our neighborhoods, boosts our local economy and improves the quality of life and delivery of city services for our residents,” Osili said.

The spending will be offset by an expiring tax levy for pension debt with property tax levies.

The proposal for financing will be introduced to the Indianapolis City-County Council for consideration.