Committee approves creation of Oxford Row allocation area, moves two related proposals together

The Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee voted to approve two linked proposals to remove certain parcels from the Fall Creek Citizens Consolidated Redevelopment Area and Fall Creek Citizens Consolidated Housing TIF and to create an Oxford Row Economic Development Area and Allocation Area.

Sherry Orr, principal program manager in the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD), introduced the two proposals and recommended considering them together. Chatham Park Development representatives described Oxford Row as a three‑story, neighborhood‑scale mixed-use project at 20th (presented as 20 Fifth in the presentation) and Delaware in Fall Creek Place that would deliver about 46 residential units (including two‑bedroom family units), roughly 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and 10% of units set at 50% of area median income (AMI).

A development representative said the project fills two long-vacant corners across from Goose to Market and emphasized neighborhood support and the small, mid-scale nature of the development. The presenter told councilors the proposed TIF support would constitute roughly 15% of project financing.

Councilors asked clarifying questions about the current use of the lot (parking) and the TIF share of financing; Councilor John Barth said he had discussed the project with the developer previously and planned to support it. The motion to approve the paired proposals was moved, seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The committee record shows the proposals were advanced with city staff and the Chatham Park team present to answer design and financing questions.