The hearing examiner recommended approval of the expedited portion of the Jan. 9, 2025 docket and will forward multiple routine petitions to the Metropolitan Development Commission for consideration on Feb. 5, 2025. The expedited docket included several Indy Parks applications for playgrounds, sidewalks and drainage improvements, modification petitions tied to prior rezoning commitments, and companion rezoning/variance matters.

Key expedited items and staff positions
- Several Indy Parks applications (2024 APP 024 through APP 029) seeking Parks District 1 approval for playgrounds, sidewalks, benches, shelters and drainage improvements were presented by Henry Woodburn (JS Hallavon / representing Indy Parks). Planning staff reported no known opposition for these items; the hearing examiner said she would recommend approval and forward them to MDC on Feb. 5, 2025.
- Modification petitions 2024 MOD 021 (4901–4919 S. Emerson Ave. and 5155 Shear Ave.) and 2024 MOD 024 (various addresses associated with the former GM stamping plant master plan) were presented in support by petitioner representatives (Joe Calderon for MOD021; Andy Metzel and others for MOD024). Staff indicated no objections and the examiner recommended approval of the modifications.
- Companion petitions 2024 CZN 846 / CVR 846 (1267 and 1271 Southeast St.) and 2024 CZN 849 amended / CVR 849 (1629 Delos St.) were processed as expedited items; staff recommended approval as amended and the hearing examiner said she would recommend approval subject to conditions and commitments.

Why these were expedited
The expedited docket is limited to petitions for which staff recommended approval and for which staff was not aware of opposition at the time of the hearing. The hearing examiner swore in the petitioners and recommended approval of the expedited petitions; each will be heard by the Metropolitan Development Commission on Feb. 5, 2025.

Next steps
Each recommended item will appear on the MDC agenda on Feb. 5. Any person who wishes to appeal the hearing examiner’s recommendation must file with the Department of Development within five business days. The examiner noted that a late letter of concern for one Indy Parks item had been received but, because no one was present to testify in opposition, staff proceeded with the expedited recommendation.

Representative speakers and staff
Henry Woodburn (JS Hallavon / representing Indy Parks) presented multiple APP items. Andy Metzel (Taft Law Firm) presented MOD 024. Scott Perkins (BlackLine Studio) explained design aspects for companion CZN/CVR 846. Planning staff (Des / Marlini / Kathleen) provided routine comments and confirmed that staff recommended approval of these expedited items.

The Metropolitan Development Commission will consider these recommended approvals on Feb. 5, 2025.