Marion County approves transfer of parcel 9009316 to Noble Inc. with five-year rehab and reversion conditions

Marion County commissioners voted Sept. 17 to transfer county parcel 9009316, located at 2406 North Tibbs Ave., to Noble Inc. for nonprofit redevelopment, subject to conditions and reporting requirements.

County staff presented background that the parcel was leased to Noble under a 1969 99-year lease at $1 per year and that the nonprofit—Noble of Indiana (Noble Centers, Inc.)—is seeking conveyance of the external parcel for redevelopment. The site received DP zoning at a recent hearing, and Noble representatives told the commission they have been coordinating with the fire department to reserve a corner of the property for Firehouse 30 if that project receives funding.

Staff recommended approval with conditions: the exterior of the structure must meet Department of Code Enforcement and Health and Hospital Corporation standards within three months (weather permitting); all renovation and construction must be completed within five years; the property must remain in the applicant's name until deed conditions are released; the commissioners require documentation of renovation costs; and progress reports will be due at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after conveyance or upon completion of the work. Staff cited Indiana Code 6-1.1-24-6.7 as the authority for a reversion clause that would return the property to county control if Noble fails to comply with the deed terms. County staff stated: "At this time, staff recommends transferring Parcel 9009316 to Noble Inc." (staff presentation).

Commissioner Barbara Lawrence moved to approve the resolution to transfer parcel 9009316; Commissioner Myla Eldridge seconded. The board approved the transfer by voice vote and the chair declared the motion carries. The record does not include a roll-call tally of individual votes.

Project status and funding: Noble representatives said the project includes separate components—the sports-park headquarters, the firehouse corner and housing—and that those components can proceed independently depending on funding. Noble said it submitted a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) application (prescoring looked favorable) with a decision expected in November; they said they will reapply next year if the credits are not awarded. Noble representatives thanked the commission and said they will return with progress updates as required under the deed conditions.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with conveyance paperwork reflecting the conditions and the deed reversion language cited under Indiana Code 6-1.1-24-6.7; Noble will provide progress reports at the stated intervals and return to the commission with updates.