Zoning committee advances duplex, Western Avenue mixed‑use and outdoor entertainment plans

The Zoning & Annexation Committee sent three land‑use petitions to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendations after presentations by city planning staff and project representatives.

1133 Harvey Street / 522 Blaine Avenue (Bill 52‑25) — Tim Stow of the Department of Planning briefed the committee on a special exception to permit a two‑unit dwelling (a side‑by‑side duplex) in an Urban Neighborhood 1 district. The applicant and Affordable Home Matters (representative Bennett, of Indianapolis) said the duplex will replace vacant lots and is intended to match neighborhood character. Stow said the proposal is consistent with Comprehensive Plan objective H1.1 (encouraging a mix of housing types and densities). The Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval; the committee voted to forward Bill 52‑25 with a favorable recommendation (roll call: Council member White—Aye; Council member Warner—Aye; Citizen member Stacy Odom—Aye; Committee Vice Chair Thomas Morgan—Aye; Committee Chair Dr. Davis—Aye).

6208 Western Avenue (Bill 6525) — Mark Delestritto and Sam Lima presented a petition that seeks a use variance to allow retail/service general in a U3 (Urban Neighborhood 3) zoning district and a special exception to permit a daycare center in the blue building at the northeast corner of the site. Presenters said both uses fit the city’s downtown/master‑plan objectives for mixed‑use development along Western Avenue, and noted the site’s proximity to 4 Winds Field as a customer base for retail. The BZA recommended approval; the committee voted to forward Bill 6525 with a favorable recommendation (5–0).

307–321 Hill Street and 523–529 East LaSalle Avenue (Bill 67‑25) — Tim Stow and applicant Riley Ellingson described plans for an indoor/outdoor entertainment venue on the Eastbank that would include a pavilion with indoor dining/event space, a concert lawn and band shell, playground and multiple food/beverage options. Presenters said the use is consistent with downtown zoning and the neighborhood plan and that the BZA had recommended approval. The committee voted 5–0 to forward Bill 67‑25 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation.

Why it matters: Each petition received a favorable recommendation from the Board of Zoning Appeals and was advanced by committee. If adopted by the full council, the projects would change land use and activate underused parcels — adding housing, retail, daycare and entertainment amenities in different neighborhoods.

Votes at a glance: Each bill was forwarded with a favorable recommendation by the committee (5–0 recorded roll calls in the Zoning & Annexation Committee for these items).