ConsulTeams is a local Fishers firm that describes itself as a Software as a Service team matching up business startups with needed talent quickly.  The operation is set to expand, adding 56 high-paying jobs in Fishers, with the help of up to $875,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $25,000 in training grants from the State of Indiana.  The company must deliver on job creation promises to receive all the incentives.

“We are excited that ConsulTeams has decided to build its business in Fishers,” said Mayor Scott Fadness in a company news release. “The vision of their leadership fits perfectly with the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well here. High-potential start-ups like ConsulTeams are quickly becoming the economic drivers in central Indiana, and I’m glad they selected our community.”

Haresh Gangwani, ConsulTeams CEO and Co-Founder stated that “Central Indiana has long been a launching pad for industry-leading technology enterprises and our business model, based on improving access to expertise, is a natural byproduct of working in an area so rich in both entrepreneurship and talent. We’re excited to have the opportunity to build on this great foundation.”

The privately-held firm will now be headquartered in Fishers, according to the company.

ConsulTeams is located on Trade Center Drive, south of 141st Street near State Road 37.

WTHR is reporting that a man described as a music teacher in Fishers, and a Boone County resident, has been arrested on child molestation charges.  Not much detail is contained in the initial reporting.  You can read the story from the WTHR Web site at this link.

Fishers plans to  make improvements to 116th Street between I-69 & Cumberland Road to handle an ever-increasing traffic mess during morning and evening rush hours.

The project includes one additional eastbound lane from I-69 to Cumberland Road.  Under the proposal, The traffic signal at USA Pkwy would be removed and the intersection will become a right-in and right-out alignment with a dedicated right turn lane from I-69 to USA Parkway.

Here’s how the city’s news release further describes the planned construction:

“Significant improvements will be made at the 116^th St. and Exit Five Pkwy (Oak Dr.) intersection where a new traffic signal will be installed. The improved intersection will include double left turn lanes at 116^th St. (eastbound) onto Exit Five Parkway and at Oak Dr. onto 116^th St. (westbound). In addition, Oak Dr. will be widened and extended to intersect USA Pkwy.”

The city says the artery handles 40,000 vehicles per day, with rush hours seeing by far the most traffic.

“When businesses think of Fishers, they think opportunity,” said Mayor Scott Fadness, quoted in a city news release. “Interest in the I-69 business corridor continues to increase, and it is important that we take a proactive approach to infrastructure as the area develops. This project is a smart solution to mitigate the congestion our residents experience today and improve traffic flow as more businesses are drawn to our entrepreneurial culture.”

The timeline to begin construction on the $6 million project is the summer of 2016.

This may not be the end of planned upgrades in that area of Fishers.  The city is working with INDOT to evaluate the extension of the new eastbound lane as far west as Commercial Dr.

 “The 116^th St. Bridge sees so much traffic, day-in and day-out,” said Fishers, City Director of Engineering Jeff Hill. “By extending the new 116^th St. eastbound lane as far west as Commercial Drive, we could create added capacity for those exiting I-69 from both directions. I’m encouraged by the initial discussions with INDOT.”

The Fishers City Council paved the way for a new building at the corner of North Street and Lantern Road in the downtown Nickel Plate District.   Four Day Ray Brewing will take up half the 16,000 square foot structure with the remaining footage dedicated to office space, a scarce commodity lately in downtown Fishers. The development, according to Mayor Scott Fadness, is valued at about $4.5 million.  The city is offering a ten-year property tax abatement (for both land and equipment) and a waiver of impact fees.  Under the package, the developer plans to buy an adjacent property for parking that the city will rent from the owners for a six year period at $25,000 a year.  This will add additional parking spaces for downtown activities.  Council members unanimously approved a series of agenda items approving the economic development package.  During the public hearing, Democrat City Council Candidate Greg Purvis voiced his opposition to the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts…this development would be in a TIF District.  Purvis claims TIF financing robs the area of tax dollars and is a technique over-used by Fishers.

Council members approved an agreement with the Census Bureau to conduct a partial census of city areas that have grown in population since the last count was completed in 2010. The next regular census is due to be done in 2020.  The cost of the special census to the city could be as much as $450,000, but the additional revenue from the special census is estimated at $1.4 million through 2021.  A higher population count provides a larger share of funding from the state in many areas when distributing tax money.   The 2010 census put the Fishers population count at 76,794.  City officials believe the current number of city residents is 86,000-88,000.

City Police Officer Gerry Hepp was recognized by council members for his 20 years of service to the department.

I read with great interest the front page story in the August 16th edition of the Indianapolis Star, written by Chris Sikich, on how a Republican stronghold like Carmel decided to move toward enacting a new city ordinance providing LGBT civil rights protections. Sikich explored the way a fairly conservative community decided to enact significant legal protections for sexual orientation and gender identification.  The Star reporter framed the development as the corporate part of the Republican Party at odds with the social conservatives, with the corporate faction coming out on top in this case.

This all brought my thoughts back to March 30th of this year.  State lawmakers had passed the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act (commonly known as RFRA) and Indiana was being portrayed nationally as a state not welcoming to people who are LGBT.  Keep in mind that the primary election for Indiana cities was only a few weeks away.  Hamilton County incumbent mayors in Carmel, Westfield and Noblesville all had opponents in the May 5th election.  Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness was unopposed.

It is true Mayor Fadness was in a position to take a stronger stand with no primary opponent.  However, after getting to know the mayor a bit over the past few years, I know civil rights for all, including those LGBT citizens, is a core issue with him.  We will never know for sure, but it is my view that Scott Fadness would be out front on this issue with or without a political opponent.

On the morning of March 30th, the Indiana RFRA debate was raging, not just in within our state, but all around the nation.  I contacted one of the mayor’s aides and discovered Fadness planned to release a statement that day.  He called for the city council to pass a resolution as soon as a meeting could be called and still meet the legal notice requirements.  The Fishers City Council unanimously passed the resolution on April 1st, proclaiming Fishers as a place welcoming to all.

Some will say this was just a reaction to business community pressures.  There is no doubt that was part of it.  Many of the companies the city was trying to lure to Fishers at that time were high-tech firms that want nothing to do with any form of discrimination.

After threats by several businesses and conventions that they would abandon the state if RFRA were to stand, our lawmakers passed what was described as a measure to “fix” the RFRA law and eased the pressure somewhat.

But there is a very important piece of unfinished business.  Even though the United States Supreme Court has ruled that same sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, Indiana and many other states do not include sexual orientation and gender identification in their civil rights law listing of protected classes.  So, a same sex couple could be legally married today and fired by their employer tomorrow based on their sexual orientation.  That is currently legal in Indiana.

The leaders of the Indiana General Assembly say they are studying a possible change in the state’s civil rights law to include protections for LGBT Hoosiers.  Sadly, the word I have received is that those leaders are conducting opinion polls to determine what they can get away with politically on this issue rather than studying how to change the law.

The business community in the state, which includes the largest companies doing business here, such as Lilly, Cummins Engine and Salesforce, will be lobbying state lawmakers next year to enact civil rights protections in state law based on sexual orientation or gender identification.

With Indiana Legislative leadership only promising a discussion of this issue in the 2016 session, it is up to local governments to provide LGBT civil rights protections under municipal ordinances.

In the meantime, Carmel is poised to act (as I write this piece the evening of August 16th.) Where is Fishers on this issue?

I spoke to the mayor on August 10th and he is working with City Attorney Chris Greisl to research the best way to not just enact an ordinance protecting LGBT people, he wants  a system for investigating complaints.  That is a valid concern.

I would suggest the mayor take a look at a city smaller than Fishers, with a Republican mayor and city council, that has a long-standing Human Rights Commission.  I lived in Columbus, Indiana for four years in the late 1070s to the early 1980s.  That city of 44,000 has a 9-member Human Rights Commission, and a staff consisting of a director, deputy director and a secretary.  I’m not saying Fishers and Columbus are exactly alike, they have major differences.  But it’s one Indiana community that has managed to handle this issue administratively.

I firmly believe that once Scott Fadness is satisfied a proposal is ready, he will send the ordinance to the city council.  Fishers has shown a willingness to move forward on this issue, and I am confident the city leadership will act once the details have been worked out.

As I wrote in my Current in Fishers column appearing in the April 14th edition, I was very proud of my city’s actions April 1st.  I expect to watch with pride as Fishers takes the next steps toward verifying it is a welcoming city to all.

Fishers will see more road construction during the work week beginning Monday, August 17th.  One large project is near the Target Shopping Center in the area of Commercial Drive and Lantern Road.  But also  be aware of traffic disruptions elsewhere on Lantern Road, 131st Street and Windermere.

Below is the road work listing from the City of Fishers.

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Lantern and Commercial Intersection

Beginning on August 14th, lane shifts and restrictions will be in place as construction progresses. Lantern Road will be closed between North Street and Commercial Drive on Friday, August 14th. During this time traffic on Commercial Drive will reduce to one lane each direction in the west bound lane. This will remain in effect until mid-September. On August 29, Commercial Drive will be closed to allow for placement of storm pipes. The August 29 closure will only be for the weekend.

Lantern Road

Lantern Road between 96th Street and 106th Street will have temporary lane restrictions the week of August 17th. Flaggers will be onsite to help direct traffic.

Windermere

Continuing through the week of August 17, temporary lane restrictions should be expected along Windward Pass and Stillwater Court.

131st Street

A lane shift will still be in place along 131st Street between Parkside and Cumberland Road, with possible stop and go traffic as they pave the new south lane. Flaggers will be onsite to help direct traffic. Surfacing will continue onto 131 Street, and traffic will be interrupted during that time. For updates on this project be sure to follow @DriveFishers on Twitter.

Fishers has been the center of at least three stories covered by Indianapolis area media the past few days.

The first and most disturbing is the the front-page story in the August 15th edition of the Indianapolis Star about a Fall Creek Intermediate School teacher victimized in a case of “revenge porn.”  Reporter Tim Evans published the letter sent to parents of the school from the Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation’s administration.  Evans turned the teacher’s saga into a larger story about the lack of a “revenge porn” criminal statute in Indiana, despite efforts in the General Assembly to enact such a law.  The teacher was not disciplined because she was the apparent victim in the circulation of pictures she never authorized to be released or posted to anyone.  Social media and the Internet clearly have their very ugly side.

Another Fishers-related piece, also contained in the August 15th print edition of the Star, centers on an individual once at the center of a local economic development deal.  Chris Sikich’s piece is about William A. Lindsay, 37, who is now convicted on 12 criminal counts related to securities fraud and theft in a Golden, Colorado case.  Lindsay had proposed to start a firm in Fishers called Vox Lumen which would produce high-tech lighting systems.  Fishers at first offered incentives to the firm until it came to light that Lindsay was facing charges in another state.  The incentives were never provided.

You may have read about the proposed new building along Lantern Road in the Nickel Plate District of downtown Fishers.  Indianapolis Business Journal reporter Lindsay Erdody filed a public records request and picked up some additional details on the project not contained in the city news release issued August 13th.  According to the IBJ story, Fishers is offering land for the building at no cost, will authorize a waiver of fees, and is willing to provide a 10-year real and personal property tax abatement valued at $235,984.  The city would also enter into a six-year lease, paying $25,000 a year for 20 parking spaces.  The Fishers City Council is expected to begin looking at the incentive package at the August 17th meeting.

Artist rendering of proposed Four Day Ray Brewing in Fishers

The Fishers Nickel Plate District is gaining a new development.  The City of Fishers announced that Four Day Ray Brewing will occupy 8,000 square foot in the building to be constructed along 11671 Lantern Road, North of 116th Street, near the Target Shopping Center.  The remaining space in structure (16,000 feet total) will be dedicated to office space.

In a recent issue of the Indianapolis Business Journal, an article written by reporter Lindsey Erdody detailed the lack of some types of office space in Fishers.  It would appear this development is in response to that issue.

According to the city news release, the economic development package being offered by Fishers includes a ten-year property tax abatement for real and personal property and waiver of impact and permitting fees.  Also, the city will construct and make available for public use a surface parking lot adjacent to the development.

Below is the full text of the city’s news release on the planned development:

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The City of Fishers announced today the consideration of a redevelopment project at 11671 Lantern Road submitted by Nickel Plate Development, LLC. The proposal includes a two-story, 16,000 sq. ft. mixed-use building with 8,000 sq. ft. dedicated to commercial office space. Four Day Ray Brewing, a craft brewery and restaurant, will be the first-floor tenant and occupy the remaining 8,000 sq. ft.

“We are excited to present this project to council, as it meets a critical need for office space and offers further vibrancy in our downtown,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “The 8,000 sq. ft. of office is ideal for the tech entrepreneur looking to relocate to the Nickel Plate District. We’ve experienced an increased demand for this size of office space, and expect this space to be leased quickly.”

Four Day Ray plans to be the first-floor tenant in the new urban storefront development, and has proposed a production brewery, taproom and restaurant.  Four Day Ray intends to feature a menu of elevated international street food and American favorites, all prepared with farm to fork, fresh, local ingredients.  It will serve Four Day Ray’s craft beer along with other select beers, craft cocktails and unique wines. 

“Four Day Ray looks forward to positively contributing to the City’s success,” said Brian Graham, its founder and president. “By creating an attractive setting and welcoming atmosphere for people to relax and enjoy, we strive to be a destination where patrons can spend an afternoon or get a bite to eat and a beer while exploring all the Nickel Plate District has to offer.”

The remaining 8,000 sq. ft. is located on the second floor and adds to the already low inventory of open office space in Fishers. In addition, the project includes a parcel to the west of the site to be used for parking. If approved, construction would start this fall with a projected completion date of spring 2016. 

“This project will positively contribute to the City’s future,” said Nickel Plate Development principal, Chris Welsh. “With Four Day Ray Brewing on the first floor and a creative office space on level two, this mixed-use development is the next step in the redevelopment of downtown and meets the City’s goals while adding to the vibrancy of the Nickel Plate District.”

The economic development agreement includes a ten-year property tax abatement for real and personal property and waiver of impact and permitting fees. In addition, the City will construct and make available for public use a surface parking lot adjacent to the development. The City Council and Fishers Redevelopment Commission will consider the proposal and final economic development agreement at future meetings in August.

Those using Lantern Drive near the Target Shopping Center near 116th Street and I-69 will be enduring a road closure starting Friday, August 14th.  The closure will continue to mid-September.  See the details below in a release from the City of Fishers:

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In early July the City of Fishers announced a planned infrastructure improvement project at the intersection of Lantern Road and Commercial Boulevard. The project aims to realign a troubled intersection and improve traffic flow throughout the area. Beginning on August 14, lane shifts and restrictions will be in place as construction progresses.
 
Earlier this week the new Technology Drive opened, and the former Technology Drive went offline. At the end of the week, Lantern Road will be closed between North Street and Commercial Drive. During this time traffic on Commercial Drive will reduce to one lane each direction in the west bound lane. This will remain in effect until mid-September. On August 29, Commercial Drive will be closed to allow for placement of storm pipes.

Brixx Pizza is back open in Fishers today.  Two days after a flash fire in the kitchen area, the eatery in the downtown Depot Building is once again ready to serve its customers.

Two employees were injured in the blaze.  According to a Twitter message from Brixx, they are “doing well.  Both stopped in yesterday to see how everything is going.”

The Fishers Fire Department estimated the damage to be at $200,000, but that included lost business to Brixx as well as damage to the physical structure.