New housing opportunity for lower-income homeowners on near north side

A new housing project will offer 33 townhouses for lower-income residents on Indianapolis’ near north side. The new Arnold Place development bears the name of long-time senior resident Albert Arnold.

Arnold has lived with his family in the Reagan Park neighborhood for nearly 70 years. Pastor Willie Sparks also lives in the changing area, and said at a groundbreaking this week the new housing opportunity is welcome.

“Because it’s going to make this neighborhood more vibrant, once we start bringing in younger people, moving into the condos we’re going to bring a lot of children too,” Sparks said.

The city of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership worked together to invest $12 million in the project using federal relief funding, tax credits and grant support from the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative.

Residents making 80 percent of the area median income will be able to apply for the homes.

The townhouses are part of a vision plan for the 25th and Monon neighborhood. Close to Martindale-Brightwood and development along the Monon, the plan also aligns with city goals to avoid displacement in older neighborhoods experiencing redevelopment.

Indianapolis City-County Council Vice President Zach Adamson said many Indianapolis neighborhoods are facing an affordability crisis.

“This issue is made worse by out-of-state investors purchasing homes, contributing to displacement and gentrification of our neighborhoods. This challenge impacts not only our low-income neighbors but also young professionals, seniors on fixed incomes and countless others,” Adamson said.

There are other brownfield properties targeted for redevelopment in the area that are owned by the city.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the Department of Metropolitan Development engaged with community leaders to help craft the development plan.

“The response was clear: development should promote safety, affordability and community,” Hogsett said.

Pricing for the two or three-bedroom homes will be announced next year.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.