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Zionsville council approves $4 million Ready 2.0 appropriation to advance southern downtown improvements
Summary
The council voted 7–0 on June 15 to appropriate $4 million in Ready 2.0 grant funds to advance the southern/roundabout portion of a downtown road project after staff said traffic-code changes needed for the northern portion are not ready; staff warned deviation from approved parameters could affect reimbursement.
The Town of Zionsville Town Council on June 15 approved Resolution 2026-18 to appropriate $4 million in Ready 2.0 grant funds to advance the southern portion of a downtown roadway project, including the roundabout element.
Lance Lantz, director of the Department of Public Works, told the council the Ready 2.0 program provided $4 million for downtown road improvements and that because traffic-code changes to support the northern portion of the project are not yet ready, the appropriation would allow staff to advance the southern/roundabout work. “The appropriation of this $4 million will allow the mayor and staff and consultants to advance the southern or the roundabout portion,” Lantz said.
Councilors raised questions about sequencing and reimbursement. One councilor said they had expected the Oak and First intersection work to follow the roundabout; Lantz and other staff explained that the November 2025 resolution approving the overall project included Exhibit A and that grant reimbursement is tied to the project parameters approved by council. Staff warned that work outside the approved scope could jeopardize reimbursement.
Deputy Mayor Justin Hage addressed design and public input, saying prior public sessions produced character images and that a project website shares those materials. “A website has been stood up that shares those as well,” Hage said; he added that as designs are refined staff will make efforts to include raised crosswalks and other pedestrian facilities where feasible.
Councilor Norse moved and Councilor Sampson seconded the resolution; the measure passed seven in favor, zero opposed.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 2026-18 (Ready 2.0 appropriation, $4,000,000): approved 7–0 (moved: Councilor Norse; second: Councilor Sampson). - Ordinance 2026-12 (zoning petition 2025-75-Z Paulty-Smith-Mansouri-Bradbury): continued to July 6, 2026; motion passed 7–0 (motion to continue made from the floor; second: Councilor Makeldery).
Next steps: staff will advance design and consultant work for the southern/roundabout portion, continue public engagement on aesthetics and pedestrian facilities, and attempt to align final plans with the grant’s approved parameters to ensure reimbursement eligibility. The council set no additional votes on final designs at this meeting.
