Fishers Finalizes Annexation of Southeastern Hamilton County, Adds 3,000 New Residents

The City of Fishers has completed the annexation of 960 parcels in southeastern Hamilton County, formally adding approximately 3,000 residents to the growing community and solidifying its status as the fourth-largest city in Indiana, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

The annexation process, which began in June 2024, received unanimous approval from the Fishers City Council in January 2025.

“It’s exciting to fulfill this component of our long-range annexation plans and officially welcome our newest Fishers residents to our community,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “We look forward to serving this area and bringing efficient delivery of services and a high quality of life for thousands of residents who call southeastern Fishers home.”

The annexed area is roughly bounded by 113th Street to the north; the Hamilton-Madison-Hancock county lines to the east; the Rossana Village subdivision and parcels west to Flat Fork Creek Park on the southern border; and Cyntheanne Road, Luxhaven subdivision, and Geist Park on the western edge.

Prior to annexation, Fishers already provided zoning oversight, sanitary sewer service, and Fire/EMS services to the area through a contract with Fall Creek Township. With the annexation complete, residents will now see a phased rollout of full city services.

As of June 1, 2025, the following services are being extended to the annexed area:

  • Fishers Parks: Access to programming and resident discounts

  • Fishers Health Department: Public health services and resident support

  • Engineering Department: Inclusion of roads, bridges, and sidewalks into city infrastructure planning

  • Fishers Police Department: Emergency dispatch and patrol services

Later this fall, Public Works will assume responsibility for road maintenance, snow removal, and right-of-way services such as fallen tree and dead animal removal.

On January 1, 2026, the transition will be complete with the launch of citywide trash and recycling services through Republic Services and stormwater utility service provided by Fishers.

The annexation marks a significant milestone in Fishers’ continued growth and municipal development, expanding both its footprint and the reach of city-provided services.

HSE Board to see laptops, custodial contract and other issues

Three committees of the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board met this week to prepare for the board’s regular monthly session, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m.

One of the key items on the agenda is the proposed purchase of 678 new Dell laptop computers. While the retail price for each unit is $899.99, the school district secured a discounted rate of $725.99 per laptop. The total cost will be covered using bond proceeds.

Also on the agenda is a new custodial services contract. Unlike previous one-year agreements, the proposal calls for a three-year contract. Facilities Director Matt Rapp told board committee members that 10 vendors submitted complete proposals, and a recommended selection has been made by a school district committee. While the final cost of the contract was not yet available, Rapp said he will provide that information at Wednesday’s meeting.

Board members will also consider a $378,000 project to rebuild two chiller units at Fishers High School. According to Rapp, the rebuild is expected to extend the life of both units by an additional 10 to 12 years.

Rapp also updated the committees on a wide range of summer construction projects currently underway at several HSE school facilities.

“If you drive by our buildings, you are going to see a lot of activity,” said HSE Superintendent Patrick Mapes.

Wrong-Way Driver Pursuit on I-69 Ends in Arrests, FPD Uses Drone and PIT Maneuver

Two Indianapolis residents—one an adult and one a juvenile—were arrested early Wednesday morning after leading Fishers Police on a pursuit that began with a wrong-way driver near I-69 and 96th Street.

Just after 2:00 a.m. on June 4, a Fishers Police Department officer observed a vehicle traveling the wrong way on an I-69 exit ramp. The officer activated emergency lights to stop the driver and alert nearby motorists. The vehicle then turned onto the interstate in the correct direction, prompting a police pursuit.

According to police, the driver refused to stop and continued for about a mile before officers were able to execute a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) to stop the vehicle.

Following the stop, two suspects fled on foot. Officers quickly apprehended one of the individuals—a 17-year-old juvenile from Indianapolis. The second suspect evaded officers briefly, but was later located hiding in a tree line with the help of a Fishers Police drone. A K9 unit from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office assisted in taking the suspect, identified as Adolfo Florentino, 21, of Indianapolis, into custody.

Both suspects are facing multiple charges:

Adolfo Florentino

  • Resisting Law Enforcement (fleeing after being ordered to stop)

  • Possession of Methamphetamine (under 5 grams)

17-Year-Old Juvenile

  • Resisting Law Enforcement (fleeing after being ordered to stop)

  • Resisting Law Enforcement (forcibly resisting and creating substantial risk while operating a vehicle)

  • Possession of Methamphetamine (under 5 grams)

  • Possession of a Schedule II, III, or IV Controlled Substance without a prescription

  • Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License

Fishers Police expressed appreciation to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and the Westfield Police Department for their assistance in the incident.

Fishers PUD Committee Rejects Proposed Motor Suite Complex

PUD Committee (L-R) Shawn Curran, Howard Stevenson, Pete Peterson, Megan Baumgartner & Drew Bender

A proposal to build a “motor suite” complex on Sunlight Drive—just north of 96th Street and east of I-69—was unanimously rejected by the Fishers Planned Unit Development (PUD) Committee on Wednesday afternoon. The developer had pitched the project as a secure facility where car enthusiasts could store and showcase their prized vehicles.

After a presentation by city staff and the petitioner, the first sign of opposition came from Fishers Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner, who expressed concerns about the project’s compatibility with the area. Fishers City Councilor Pete Peterson offered stronger criticism, saying the proposal was “a giant miss for me” and did not align with the city’s vision for that location. He also questioned whether the land would need to be rezoned for the intended use.

Baumgartner emphasized the high value of the parcel and questioned whether a motor suite represented the best use of the property.

The committee ultimately voted 5-0 to reject the plan.

City officials noted that the developer has two options if they wish to pursue the project further: resubmit a revised version to the PUD Committee or appeal the decision to the Fishers Plan Commission.

While the motor suite proposal was denied, two other items on the agenda received unanimous approval. The committee greenlit The Crossings, a retail and restaurant development featuring two buildings expected to house eateries near the Fishers Event Center. A proposal for a new medical office building on Jack Walker Lane—north of the Southeastern Parkway roundabout near 156th Street—was also approved.

New HSEA President set to take office July 1

                                    Tyler Zerbe

The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) will have a new president as of July 1 .  As I reported here on May 21, Tyler Zerbe will become president of the local teachers union, replacing Abby Taylor, who completes 2 terms as president at the end of June.

In an e-mail exchange, Taylor tells LarryInFishers that with a daughter entering her senior year in high school, it is time to focus on her family responsibilities.

“Leading one of the state’s largest teachers’ unions is a responsibility I have never taken lightly,” Taylor writes. “It requires dedication, time, and energy—just as my family does. I’ve come to realize that I cannot give my full attention to both, and in order to honor my commitment to each, I must make space for one.”

Tyler Zerbe was elected by the HSEA membership to lead HSEA as its president, as of July 1.

Geist Half Race Series Returns This September with Courses for All Levels

As runners across the globe mark Global Running Day, the City of Fishers is encouraging Hoosiers to start preparing for the return of Indiana’s premier waterfront race. The 17th annual Geist Half Race Series is set to take place on Saturday, September 13, offering a range of race distances suitable for all levels of runners and walkers.

This year’s race features a challenging half marathon route with 800 feet of elevation, winding across Geist Reservoir’s scenic waterfront bridges and through wooded hills. For those seeking a slightly less rigorous option, the 10K offers the same picturesque surroundings with reduced elevation. The 5K welcomes walkers, families with children, and first-time racers.

All participants will receive a race shirt, a finisher medal, and a drink ticket valid for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the post-race celebration. The official race shirt was designed by Laila Lewis, a recent Fishers High School graduate and track athlete, whose artwork was selected through a community vote earlier this year.

Following the race, the after party will be held along Olio Road near 116th Street. Beverages will be available from MashCraft Brewing, Athletic Brewing, and Java House. Back for a second year, Hero Hut will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast to raise funds for veterans and first responders. Breakfast tickets are priced at $10 and can be purchased onsite or in advance.

Registration for the race is now open at FishersIN.gov/GeistHalf, where participants can also find free training plans and full event details. Race fees will increase after 11:59 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24.

The City of Fishers is also accepting applications for half marathon pacers. Selected pacers will receive free race entry. Applications are open through June 30.

Volunteer opportunities are available for those who want to support the race-day experience. Around 350 volunteers are needed to assist as course marshals, aid station attendants, and medal presenters. Interested individuals can register at VolunteerFishers.com.

This year’s race is supported by several sponsors, including IU Health (Official Medical Provider), The Tot Spot Too, LLC (Start/Finish Line Sponsor), and WTHR-Channel 13 (Race Bib Sponsor).

Change in Traffic Switch Scheduled for 146th Street and Allisonville Road Intersection, now Starting June 9

Motorists traveling through the 146th Street and Allisonville Road area should prepare for temporary closures and lane reductions beginning the evening of Monday, June 9, as crews implement a new phase of construction.  The change had originally been set earlier, but weather forecasts resulted in new plans.

According to a government announcement, the phase switch is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. Monday, and will involve movement restrictions lasting into early Tuesday morning.

Here is the expected schedule and impact:

  • 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., June 9: One lane of traffic in each direction on 146th Street will be closed within the construction zone. Crews will place temporary pavement markings and adjust barrier walls during this period.

  • 10:00 p.m., June 9 to 5:00 a.m., June 10: All ramps between 146th Street and Allisonville Road will be fully closed. One lane will remain open on 146th Street using the bridge over Allisonville. Northbound and southbound Allisonville Road will also be reduced to one lane under the bridge. A short closure of Allisonville Road around 10:00 p.m. is expected as crews remove a traffic signal.

  • 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., June 10: Ramps will reopen, but the north and south entries of the roundabout will be closed briefly for final pavement markings. Vehicles using the northeast and southwest ramps will only be able to turn right onto Allisonville Road during this time.

  • 6:00 a.m., June 10: All lanes and movements are scheduled to fully reopen.

Officials urge drivers to avoid the area if possible during the overnight work and to use caution if traveling through the construction zone. Delays are expected, particularly during the lane and ramp closures.

The traffic changes are part of the ongoing infrastructure improvement project in the are

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for The Union, New Development near Fishers Event Center

Ceremonial ground-breaking for The Union

You may have noticed construction activity next to the Forum Credit Union headquarters, just a short distance from the Fishers Event Center. That site is the future home of The Union, a major new development by Thompson Thrift. On Wednesday morning, city officials, Thompson Thrift representatives, and other stakeholders gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness addressed the crowd, expressing his enthusiasm for what this development represents. He pointed to the growing synergy among The Union, the neighboring Fishers District, and the new Event Center as a sign of the city’s unique momentum.

“This is going to be a place like no other in the state of Indiana,” Fadness said. He praised Thompson Thrift Managing Partner Ashlee Boyd for his vision and collaboration in bringing both Fishers District and The Union to life.

Boyd spoke about the decade-long process to get the project underway, which included early negotiations with residents of the longtime Springdale Estates neighborhood. He also thanked city officials for their continued support in making The Union a reality.

Representatives from two restaurants slated to open in The Union—Everbowl and Oakmont—also offered brief remarks.

The Union will feature:

  • 57,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and entertainment space

  • 70,000 square feet of Class A office space

  • A 135-room AC Hotel

  • A central event plaza designed as a gathering space for both residents and visitors

Confirmed tenants so far include:

  • Everbowl (superfood bowls and smoothies)

  • Oakmont (modern American cuisine)

  • Piedra, an upscale Mexican restaurant

  • Niku Sushi.Kitchen.Bar, offering contemporary Japanese cuisine

  • Kitchen Social, an internationally inspired polished-casual concept

  • Racha Thai, a Thai dining experience

  • Renova Aesthetics, a medical spa

  • Sweathouz, a wellness facility focused on health and recovery treatments

The Union is scheduled to open in 2026.

Mayor Fadness talked about the long road to this project
Thompson Thrift Managing Partner Ashlee Boyd explained the 10-year history of The Union

Traffic Restrictions Coming to 146th Street and Allisonville Road June 5–6

(NOTE: Hamilton county Highway Dept. has delayed this project to June 9th…an updated story has been posted)

Local drivers should prepare for traffic delays and lane restrictions at the busy intersection of 146th Street and Allisonville Road as road crews implement a new construction phase beginning the evening of Thursday, June 5.

The phase switch is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, with lane closures and ramp shutdowns continuing into the early morning hours of Friday, June 6. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes or use extreme caution when navigating through the area.

Here’s what to expect:

  • 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., June 5:
    One lane of both eastbound and westbound 146th Street will be closed within the construction zone to allow crews to place temporary pavement markings and adjust barrier walls.

  • 10:00 p.m., June 5 – 5:00 a.m., June 6:
    All ramps connecting 146th Street and Allisonville Road will be closed. However, one lane in each direction will remain open on 146th Street using the overpass bridge. Similarly, one lane in each direction on Allisonville Road will be open beneath the bridge. A brief full closure of Allisonville Road around 10:00 p.m. is expected as the traffic signal is removed.

  • 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m., June 6:
    Ramps between 146th Street and Allisonville Road will reopen, but the north and south legs of the roundabout will temporarily close for pavement marking work. During this time, vehicles using the northeast and southwest ramps will only be able to turn right onto Allisonville Road.

  • By 6:00 a.m., June 6:
    All movements at the intersection are expected to fully reopen.

Officials emphasize that delays are likely and alternate routes are strongly recommended during this traffic phase change. Those who must travel through the area are asked to drive with caution and patience.

The work is part of an ongoing construction project aimed at improving traffic flow and safety at one of Hamilton County’s key intersections.  This project is expected to be completed by the fall of this year.