|
Issue Committees
Eight Issue Committees served as the principal forums for in depth public involvement. Each committee addressed a separate aspect of civic life within the county.
The issues that were studied originated from public input received at the first set of Town Hall Meetings. The public input was further refined by the Steering Committee, resulting in the following eight Issue Committees:
 The Issue Committees set community goals and objectives as well as developed recommendations for policies and programs. The issue areas had "fuzzy boundaries" to allow the committees to explore the interrelationships among issues. Issue Committees working on overlapping topics held joint meetings to integrate work and resolve conflicts.
Issue Committees relied significantly on members with technical expertise. Participants included citizens, City-County Councilors, Metropolitan Development Commission members, City staff, and representatives from business and neighborhood organizations. Committee members also includee persons who volunteered at the first round of Town Hall meetings.
Issue Committee members met every three to four weeks over a five to six month period.
 The cultural, social and education committee studied the aspects of our society that enhance our community and make it a better place to live. The committee addressed issues concerning values, civility, community assets, and services and how they affect our lives and the physical form of our city. Francine Kelly of the Children's Museum was the chairperson of this committee and she continues to serve on the Steering Committee. Staff Planners for this committee are Gina Hayes and William Peeples.
The economic development committee studied the City's ability to sustain the economic needs of its citizens. This committee was challenged to suggest an approach to encourage intelligent economic growth while providing an adequate tax base for essential public sector activities. It also addressed appropriate levels of commercial and industrial expansion. Abbe Hohmann of the Marion County Plat Committee and Collier Turley Martin Tucker was the chairperson of this committeeand she continues to serve on the Steering Committee. Staff planners for this committee are William Peeples and Alice Gatewood.
 The environment, parks and open space committee studied the relationship between current and future development of Indianapolis and the environment. This committee envisioned how a lively community of more than one million people can grow in ways that have a positive effect on both the human population and the environment. Jeffrey Miller of Indianapolis Earth Day and Eagle Woods Homeowners Association was the chairperson of this committee and he continues to serve on the Steering Committee. Staff planners for this committee are Keith Holdsworth and Kevin Gross.
The land use standards and procedures committee studied the relationship between the Comprehensive Plan, City zoning ordinances and the Rules of Procedure. It also evaluated the methods the City uses to implement the Comprehensive Plan. While this committee did not make specific land use recommendations, it did establish the methods and standards to be used in developing future land use recommendations. The staff planners for this committee are William Peeples and Keith Holdsworth.
 The neighborhoods and housing committee studied the land use patterns of successful neighborhoods and how those patterns could positively influence new neighborhood development or redevelopment, while preserving and redeveloping commercial and residential areas. Lamont Hulse of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center and Sue Solmos of the Near Eastside Community Organization were the Chairpersons of this committee and they continue to serve on the steering committee. The staff planners for this committee are Gina Hayes and Kevin Gross.
The redevelopment committee planned for continued redevelopment activities to attract new businesses and encourage existing businesses to remain, increase employment opportunities, protect and increase the tax base and encourage overall economic growth. Bill Taft of Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND) was the Chairperson of this committee and he continues to serve on the steering committee. The staff planners for this committee are Dennis Slaughter and Gina Hayes.
 The regionalism committee invited neighboring jurisdictions to come together to discuss and seek accord on regional planning issues such as coordination and cooperation, land use along jurisdiction boundaries, and overall urban growth. Joseph Slash of IPALCO (retired) was the Chairperson of this committee and he continues to serve of the steering committee. The staff planners for this committee are Dennis Slaughter and Kevin Gross.
 The transportation and infrastructure committee served as an in depth forum for public, private and community investors to study planned and current transportation and infrastructure initiatives, explore the likely effects on future development. Doug Trolson of the Greater Allisonville Community Council was the Chairperson of this committee and he continues to serve on the steering committee. The staff planners are Alice Gatewood and Dennis Slaughter.
|
