For a number of years, the City of Fishers has been struggling with how to keep private roads maintained, largely in commercial areas.  The city is attempting to use the “Barrett Law” to have these streets brought up to minimum standards with the businesses owning the roadway paying the cost over time and the city taking over the maintenance of the road once brought up to a minimum standard.

The Fishers Board of Works and Safety, consisting of Mayor Scott Fadness and his two appointees, called for a brief delay to the first use of the Barrett Law in Fishers for areas east and west of State Road 37 on the north end of the city.  Mayor Fadness described this as a delay, “but not a long delay.”

The mayor made clear the City of Fishers approaches the private road issues with a sense of urgency.  “The city does want to solve this problem,” Fadness said. “It doesn’t bode well for our residents or your business or your customers to have to deal with this issue.  These roads have been in neglect for a long time and it doesn’t bode well for our community.”

During a public hearing on the Barrett Law for those two commercial areas of Fishers, it was unclear who spoke for the business community.  An attorney from the Taft Law firm says she represented property owners in those areas, but several business owners in the same areas say they had nothing to do with hiring a law firm.  The Taft attorney told the board her clients are not opposed to this plan, but there is concern about the cost.

Fadness said the cost estimates cited by engineers reflect a “worst case scenario” number and could come in much less, but there is no certainty until bids are received.  Cost estimates are for $2.7 million for one project and $1.8 million for the other.

City staff plans to “sharpen our pencil,” according to the mayor, and provide the best, most realistic cost estimate for both projects.  Fadness also urged the property owners and businesses in the area to get together and attempt to reach a consensus on their views concerning fixing the roads in their respective commercial areas utilizing the Barrett Law.  He wants the businesses impacted to end the confusion about exactly who represents them.

The mayor expects to have the latest cost numbers in about two weeks.

The old Fishers City Hall has been demolished, the new City Hall & Arts Center is under construction on the site of the old structure and you can be a part of Fishers history just by signing your name!

City officials announced Monday that starting March 29, at 1pm, for about one week, you have a chance to sign a steel beam that is part of the new building.  The beam will be located just north of the construction site at 1 Municipal Drive.

Once complete, the three-story Fishers City Hall & Art Center will dedicate its first floor to the Fishers Art Center, a dynamic arts education facility and theatre in partnership with the Indianapolis Art Center. The second and third floors of the building will hold municipal offices.  It is expected to be complete in 2024.

For more on the plans for the new City Hall and Arts Center, use this link.

It was May, 1991.  Jane and I were newly married and I moved to Fishers, a town of 7,500, based on the 1990 census.

I remember asking Jane, why did you build your home in Fishers?  Her answer was simple and direct – it may be a small town now, but it will grow and you will like what you see.

As usual, my wife was right.  The town of Fishers grew and the city that followed continued that growth.  The Hamilton Southeastern Schools  provided my twin daughters with a first class education,  They are 29, college graduates and first-class adults.  They have done their parents proud and Fishers was a perfect place for them to grow-up.

I will admit that the commutes from downtown Indianapolis during my work years were not always pleasant, but in the end worth it to have my family live in a first-class community.  We have all made life-long friends here and Jane & I continue to reside in Fishers.

I began to think about all this while attending the ground-breaking ceremony for what is now being called the “Events Center.”  I presume that is a place-holder until a naming sponsor is found for the building.

It is part of an expansion of Fishers District, a retail center near Ikea and I-69 with a heavy dose of culinary choices.  Mayor Scott Fadness told me years ago the one thing local residents told him the city needed was a  “restaurant culture.”  The first Fishers District did that.  Now expect more of the same in the expanded District, adjacent to the new Events Center.

Fishers attempted something like this many years ago but, like many big plans, just could not make it to the finish line.  This time, the construction has started.  The Indy Fuel minor league hockey team cannot wait to have their 39 regular season home games in the new Events Center.  It is expected many other big bookings will come the way of the new structure.

The two local high schools will now have a local place to host graduation ceremonies.  The Mudsock basketball games, with HSE and Fishers High Schools playing each other (boys & girls) will likely be at the new Center.  Expect HSE Schools to apply with the IHSAA to at least host the Sectional tournaments for boys & girls at this new facility.

I just could not imagine all this happening when first moving to the Fishers of 1991.  It took visionary thinking and much action by public and private leaders to fashion the Fishers of today.

Now, I must confess, this growth has not come without some pain and opposition.  Many people I know long for the small town feel of the old Fishers.

I once asked Mayor Fadness how he responds to comments like that.  He was clear  – in his view, a city is either moving forward or backward – there is no choice of staying the same.  In other words, the world around us is changing whether we like it our not, and a city must adapt to that change or fall behind.

Nothing exemplified that debate more than the decision by Fishers and other local government entities to abandon the Nickel Plate Rail Line and convert it into a trail.  In the end, the trail won out.  That trail opened in a large part of Fishers and it is very popular.

The local HSE School District has been a major driver of the population explosion.  Young families have flocked to Fishers and some of the surrounding area because of the reputation HSE Schools has built over the years.  Keeping that reputation will be a challenge moving forward.

As someone that has lived in Fishers since 1991, written a local news blog for 11 years and produced local podcasts for over 7 years. I have had a perspective to share.  I do not pretend to be an expert, just someone with the life experience that brings.

For me, Fishers has been a special place to live because so many special people live here.  Don’t get me wrong, we are not perfect, just human.  But we do care about the community in which we live and all want to make it the best place for ourselves, our families and our neighbors.

That’s why Jane and I are in our third home in Fishers with no plans to live anywhere else.  Fishers continues to be a dynamic place to reside…not perfect, but a good place to live.  We should all appreciate that.

I cover lots of news stories that often highlight conflict and that is sadly the nature of news.  But every now and then, it is good to write about the place you cover as a blogger and podcaster and reflect on what is good about my local community.

So, there it is.  I like living in Fishers.  Thanks for reading this blog and listening to my podcasts.

Another week is coming and more road work is planned in and around the Fishers area.

Here is the road construction listing for the work week beginning March 27, as provided by the City of Fishers:

STATE ROAD 37 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT To learn more about the State Road 37 Improvement Project and sign up to receive text updates, visit 37Thrives.com.  STATE ROAD 37 AND 141ST STREET A pre-construction phase at SR 37 & 141st Street is currently in place. During this phase, 141st Street will be a Right-In-Right-Out (RIRO) traffic configuration.  This is not the permanent configuration. This will allow for traffic to flow more freely along SR 37 until the next phases of construction can be activated. This will eliminate backups along SR 37 that have caused dangerous stops to the free flow traffic and backups on the 146th Street interchange. Again, this is not the permanent configuration for 141st Street. The full timeline for the 141st Street interchange will be provided after project bids are accepted in the Summer of 2023. View detour routes here.
		CLEAR PATH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT To learn more about the Clear Path Improvement Project and sign up to receive text and email updates, visit clearpath465.com  I-465 & I-69 Drivers will see an increase in construction along the I-69 corridor in the coming months. This work will focus on reconfiguring the interchange at I-465 and I-69. New ramps will provide direct movements from eastbound I-465 and northbound I-465 to northbound I-69. Binford Blvd. will also be reconstructed to separate local traffic from traffic entering and exiting I-69 and I-465. Access to I-69 from Binford Blvd. will remain open. Drivers can expect to see significant activity on I-69 at the 82nd Street interchange.
PROJECTS NORTH OF 116TH STREET   CUMBERLAND ROAD There are daily lane closures currently on Cumberland Road, just south of 126th Street for sanitary and water line work. The northbound right turn lane and the southbound passing blister will be closed and is estimated to reopen by Friday, March 24.   126TH STREET On Wednesday, March 29, storm structure repairs will be taking place on the roundabout at 126th Street and Lantern Road. All lanes will remain open. Use caution driving through this area.   131ST STREET Comcast is currently doing utility work on 131st Street from Howe Road to Promise Road then north on Promise Road to 141st Street. Lane restrictions will be in place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. PROJECTS SOUTH OF 116TH STREET   106TH STREET & HOOSIER ROAD Utility relocation is currently taking place at 106th Street and Hoosier Road as part of the roundabout project. For additional project information, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.  CUMBERLAND ROAD There will be daily lane restrictions between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Cumberland Road between 106th Street and 116th Street for tree clearing as part of the Cumberland Road Reconstruction project. There may be  times when a short-term full road closure will be needed. Finding an alternate route is recommended during this time. For additional project information, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.  FALL CREEK ROAD Citizens Energy Group is mobilizing the lift station on Fall Creek Road near Geist Woods Way, resulting in the closure of Fall Creek Trail in the area until the project is complete in August. GEIST GREENWAY Construction of the boardwalk is currently taking place as part of the Geist Greenway Project. When material is brought in for fill sections, there will be an increase in construction traffic on Valley Crossing Drive. Traffic will be briefly stopped as trucks are entering and exiting the road. For general project information, please visit https://playfishers.com/299/Geist-Greenway 2023 RESURFACING PROJECT Beginning on Monday, March 27, ADA ramp and curb reconstruction will be taking place in Rolling Knoll as part of the 2023 Resurfacing Project. Homeowners will be notified via door hangers prior to any curb restoration near their home. After ADA ramp and curb reconstruction is completed, those areas will be restored with topsoil and seed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to water the seed for the seed to germinate. Prior to road resurfacing, residents will be notified via street signage for street parking restrictions. For additional project information, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.

The dreary, rainy 41 degree March day did not dampen the spirits of Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness.  He was smiling ear-to-ear as he looked over a tent full of people involved in the new Events Center that will begin construction near the Navient building, close to I-69 .  He used words like “exciting” and “momentous” to describe the new center projected to open in November of 2024.

He had members of the City Council on the stage with him.  After all, they approved the financing package for the center, including a Food & Beverage Tax.  He went down the line thanking those on his staff and other stakeholders that brought the city to the Friday ground breaking ceremony.

The Events Center, which will hold as many as 8,500 people, is expected to host the graduation ceremonies for both local high schools.  The Mudsock basketball games, where boys and girls teams from HSE and Fishers High Schools square off, will be played in a venue large enough to hold fans from both schools in this new venue.  School officials have told me there are plans to petition the IHSAA, asking to host the Sectional basketball tournament there.

But the biggest tenant for the Events Center will be the Indy Fuel minor league hockey team.  Owner Jim Hallett said 36 regular season games will be played at the center, with playoff games always a possibility.

It is also expected that there will be musical acts and other performances booked into the Events Center by ASM Global, which does this work around the world.

This is part of an expansion of the Fishers District, with Thompson Thrift as the developer.

It may have been cold, rainy and crowded in that tent where the ground breaking ceremony was held.  Despite all that, I suspect Mayor Fadness is still smiling.

There has been a long discussion about the future of Fishers Elementary School.  With the smallest land footprint among all elementary buildings in the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) and no place to grow at that location, school officials have been looking into all options.

The HSE School Board took a major step in keeping Fishers Elementary School at the same location on Lantern Road Wednesday night.  After considering 8 proposals to be the construction manager for this renovation project, Wurster Construction was awarded the contract.

The preconstruction phase of this plan will begin immediately.  The entire renovation project is expected to be complete by December of 2024.

The staff at Fishers Elementary asked school officials just one thing as options for their school were considered…please keep the staff together.  With this renovation, it appears they will get their wish.

Seven Democrats will be on the ballot in the November 7th general election for Fishers city offices, and all have issued a statement, through the Hamilton County Democratic Party, backing the HSE Schools operating referendum expected to appear on the November 7th ballot.

Wednesday night, the HSE Board voted for a resolution providing “preliminary support” for continuing the current .2275 property tax rate and placing a renewal of the referendum rate on the November ballot.  A final vote on the rate and referendum language to appear on the ballot is expected in June.

“These candidates strongly encourage Fishers citizens to vote to renew the current referendum,” according to the party statement. “Approval of the referendum renewal, which provides teacher salaries and other crucial operating expenses, will generate $26 million per year for HSE Schools.”

Incumbent Fishers City Council members Jocelyn Vare and Crystal Neumann will appear on the general election ballot.  City Council challengers on the November ballot include Howard Stevenson, Bill McLellan, Lane Skeeters and Samantha Chapman.  Janet Pritchett is running for City Clerk.  Democrats so far have no candidate for Mayor of Fishers

The Hamilton Southeastern School Board looked at school calendars for the coming 3 school years Wednesday night, with a tweak of next year eyeing a solar eclipse.

Assistant Superintendent Matt Kegley told the board our geographical area will be part of what scientists describe as a “path of totality” on April 8, 2024.  The eclipse will begin at 1:50pm, will peak at 3:09pm and end by 4:23pm on April 8 next year.

As a result, administrators are recommending extending spring break in 2024, to include Monday, April 8.

School staff also proposed two more calendars in the presentation before the board.  No action was taken.

Here are links to all three calendars for the coming school years:

2023-2024

2024-2025

2025-2026

The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board approved a resolution Wednesday night  providing “preliminary support” for placing a renewal of the operating referendum that expires December 31, 2023, on the November election ballot.  The board gave its initial indication it favors keeping the referendum property tax rate at .2275.

The final vote providing the rate and specific language to be contained on the ballot initiative will likely happen in June.  The state must approve the ballot language, giving the board extra time to re-write the ballot language if ordered by state officials.  The deadline is August 1.

The operating referendum generates roughly $26 million per year for HSE Schools.

Six of the seven board members voted yes on the resolution.  Tiffany Pascoe chose to abstain.

The Hamilton Southeastern Schools student handbook has had language about microaggressions since June of 2022, but the recently-elected board voted Wednesday 5-2 to remove that language.  Ben Orr, Tiffany Pascoe, Dawn Lang, Juanita Albright and Suzanne Thomas voted to remove the microaggression language, replacing it with new wording.  Sarah Donsbach and Sarah -Parks-Reese voted no.

Here is the student handbook language that will replace the microaggression passage:

HSE schools is committed to providing each student with learning experiences that are deep and relevant, and encourage the development of each student’s unique identity. HSE will meet each student where they are and make the dignity of each individual a priority while respecting all students and teachers’ diverse backgrounds and beliefs. HSE supports all students as they foster relationships with character, acceptance, respect, and education for all.

Here is what the student handbook said before Wednesday night’s vote:

Microaggressions can be defined as everyday, subtle, intentional or unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups. While Hamilton Southeastern High School understands those individuals communicating a microaggression might not intend to express bias, the school recognizes the responsibility to educate students on the reality of bias perceptions. Issues regarding microaggressions may be addressed through restorative conversations led by school administration and/or guidance counselors rather than punitive measures. Habitual occurrences could lead to consequences applicable to inappropriate conduct as defined in Section 28 (another section of the handbook).

The public comment period saw 27 people speak on the handbook issue.  Those supporting a removal of the microaggression language objected to the reference to “historically marginalized groups” and not all groups.  Others pointed out that the board put this item on the agenda as an action item and the final version of the replacement language was available only hours before the board meeting. It was also pointed out that this contradicts what the board said at a work session about using the process involving staff and students before presenting handbook changes to the board.

Board member Ben Orr said the microaggression language “actually works counter to its intended goal and it stifles free speech, open dialogue and offers no due process.”

Sarah Parks-Reese argued to keep the current language and read a letter from a teacher citing a long list of microaggressions she has witnessed in her school.

The board action takes effect immediately.