The Fishers City Council unanimously put its stamp of approval on the economic development plans for IKEA’s planned store in the city. The package waives fees worth $1.6 million. Mayor Scott Fadness once again emphasized that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will not be utilized in this plan. The mayor told council members there will be no tax abatement unless the city fails to meet its deadline in completing road projects.
Those commenting on IKEA’s economic development package worried most about traffic. Greg Purvis said the IKEA store is a “good first step” in developing that area of the city, but raised concerns about tax abatement costs if the road projects are unexpectedly delayed and raised the issue of additional traffic. Steve Mathys was concerned about traffic, but also had questions on the speed of approving the project, asking for a delay. Another speaker says 106th Street area will “get blasted” and added this doesn’t appear to be a well thought-out plan.
After the public hearing, Mayor Fadness said nearly all the concerns raised at the public hearing are issues he and his staff have considered and will try their best to address. He says the city will keep a “mindful eye” on how the area around IKEA develops.
In other city council news from the November 16th session….
–The city moved toward final approval of a sewer rate increase for Fishers city customers. Most of the city’s customers are in Delaware Township. HSE Utilities serves most Fall Creek Township residents. The increase would be $5 per month for most residential customers served by the city. HSE Utilities will be charged the extra amount for having Fishers treat their sewage, but HSE must go to the state for any residential or commercial rate increase request. Fishers may increase rates by approval of the city council. An attorney representing apartment complex owners argued at the public hearing that the city had not complied with state law in the rate increase process. The city attorney did not agree, and Mayor Fadness told the council his staff would ensure due diligence is completed by the time the rate increase is up for final approval at the next city council session.
–Council members approved a $1 million bond to be used for road maintenance, which will be paid back in full next year. This tactic allows the city to fund needed work while not impacting the city’s share of the tax rate.
–AT&T in Indiana was presented a community partner award for its support of Launch Fishers.
–A Messenger of Peace Award was presented to local boy scouts by the city.
–It was graduation night for members of the Fishers Citizens Government Academy.
–It was announced that the Grand Opening of Flat Fork Creek Park, which has been under construction for some time at 101st and Cyntheanne Road, will happen December 3rd. That will be of particular interest to snow sledding enthusiasts, because the new park will feature a 50-foot ADA compliant sledding hill.
