Indianapolis' East Side: Worth The Investment?

The East Side of Indianapolis has been the subject of much debate and discussion in recent years, with some people considering it a great place to live near downtown, while others view it as a war zone. The area has faced challenges such as factory closures, military base shutdowns, and declining quality of life. However, there are also positive aspects, such as its proximity to downtown and major highways, unique amenities, and a sense of community in certain neighbourhoods. To address these concerns, Indianapolis has committed to investing in the East Side through the Lift Indy program, with a focus on affordable housing, home repair, and public services. This investment aims to enhance the lives of residents, address poverty, and promote equitable growth.

Crime reduction

The city's Lift Indy program is also contributing to crime reduction on the east side. The program is a "comprehensive community development investment program aimed at propelling community investment in Indianapolis neighborhoods." The far east side has received a $3.5 million investment through Lift Indy, which will be used to lift people from poverty, repair and rehabilitate homes, and create affordable housing.

The goal of these investments is to create a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors, reducing the high crime rate in Indianapolis, which is one of the highest in the nation. The city's efforts are focused on reducing violent crime, including criminal homicides and non-fatal shootings, as well as property crime, which is also prevalent in the area.

In addition to the city's initiatives, there are also community organizations working to reduce crime on the east side. For example, the Indy East Promise Zone is dedicated to making the Near Eastside of Indianapolis a great place to live, work, shop, and learn. One of their five goals is to reduce serious and violent crime and create a bright and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. They plan to achieve this by collaborating with local leaders and community organizations to implement strategies that will improve the quality of life in the area.

Affordable housing

Indianapolis is facing a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable housing options for its residents. In response, the city has committed to investing in affordable housing and anti-displacement efforts, with nearly $56 million going towards housing and neighbourhood redevelopment. This includes funding for four affordable housing projects that will create 454 new units across various neighbourhoods, including the far-east side.

One such project is the Saint Lucas Lofts, a new affordable housing complex on the near east side of Indianapolis. The complex offers 48 units, 10 of which are permanent supportive housing for homeless teens, with the remaining 38 units available to families earning between 30% and 60% of the area's median income. The rent for these units starts at $400 a month, making them accessible to low-income families. The building also offers amenities such as a gym, laundry rooms on each floor, a courtyard, and balconies.

The Saint Lucas Lofts were made possible through investments by the City of Indianapolis, CVS Health, and local organisations, totalling $12 million. The project embodies the philosophy of "housing first," aiming to provide safe and stable housing for those in need, with wrap-around services to support financial independence and improved quality of life.

The need for affordable housing in Indianapolis is evident, with a high demand for these units. The Saint Lucas Lofts received around 300 inquiries and applications when the waiting list opened, highlighting the shortage of affordable options in the city. The city's efforts to address this issue are ongoing, with various initiatives and investments aimed at increasing the availability and accessibility of affordable housing for its residents.

Job creation

The East Side of Indianapolis has seen a decline in growth and development compared to other areas of the city. This is partly due to the closure of factories and the Fort Harrison military base in the 1980s and 1990s, which resulted in job losses and a decline in the quality of life in the area.

To address these issues, Indianapolis has implemented several initiatives and investments aimed at revitalizing the East Side and creating job opportunities for its residents. One such initiative is the Lift Indy program, which has designated the Far East Side as one of its Lift Indy neighbourhoods. The city has invested $3.5 million in this area to lift people out of poverty, repair and rehabilitate homes, and create affordable housing. The Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) is utilizing these funds to provide wrap-around services and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Another initiative is the Indy East Promise Zone, which aims to create economically and socially diverse communities by investing in vacant properties and redeveloping them into affordable housing options. They also have a specific goal for job creation, where they plan to develop neighbourhood businesses, industries, and commerce that will employ residents in living-wage jobs. They will support entrepreneurship, job training, and the repurposing of vacant industrial spaces.

The city's efforts to invest in the East Side of Indianapolis are focused on improving the lives of its residents by providing them with better housing options, job opportunities, and overall quality of life. These initiatives aim to create a positive impact and enhance the potential for growth and development in the area.

Improving infrastructure

However, there are signs of positive change. The city has designated the East Side as a Lift Indy neighbourhood, with a $3.5 million investment aimed at "propelling community investment". This includes funding for affordable housing, home repair, public services, and "placemaking". The Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) will use some of the money to lift people out of poverty and improve their quality of life. The Orchard Trail, a walkable route with garden beds for growing fresh produce, is also being developed to address food access gaps.

Other initiatives to improve the East Side include the Indy East Promise Zone, which aims to make the Near Eastside a great place to live, work, shop, and learn. This is a collaborative effort between private business, federal and local officials, non-profit organizations, and local residents. The Promise Zone designation brings resources and funding opportunities for small businesses, as well as support for education, job creation, and economic activity.

In addition, there are ongoing efforts to revitalise specific areas within the East Side, such as the former Oaktree Apartments site and the controversial Towne and Terrace housing complex, which has been the site of several deadly shootings.

While challenges remain, the East Side of Indianapolis is receiving much-needed investment and attention, with the potential to enhance the lives of residents and create a brighter future for the community.

Revitalisation of the Oaktree Apartments site

The Oaktree Apartments site in the Far Eastside neighbourhood of Indianapolis presents an opportunity for strategic investment to help lift the surrounding community. The 19-acre site, formerly a 300+ unit low-rise apartment complex, was acquired by the City of Indianapolis through eminent domain after falling into disrepair and becoming a hotspot for crime, drug trafficking, and prostitution. The site now has the potential to become a catalyst for community-driven change.

To guide the revitalisation process, the City of Indianapolis engaged David Rubin Projects, along with Meticulous Design + Architecture, to lead a project team comprising various specialists. This team conducted extensive engagement with current Far Eastside residents and stakeholders, including virtual public meetings, community conversations in multiple languages, and trilingual surveys. By combining this stakeholder input with market analysis, the design team developed a community-driven, implementation-minded vision for the Oaktree site.

The Revitalisation Plan for the former Oaktree site aims to create a socially impactful and financially feasible development that addresses the needs of the Far Eastside community. The plan includes strategies for affordable housing, social services, local jobs, career training, and improved connectivity. It prioritises the creation of quality, affordable housing options, addressing the lack of safe and accessible housing in the area.

The Oaktree site is well-positioned to benefit from Indianapolis' Lift Indy program, a community development investment program with a $3.5 million allocation for the Far Eastside neighbourhood. The Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) will utilise these funds to lift people out of poverty, repair and rehabilitate homes, and create more affordable housing options. The program also includes initiatives such as the Orchard Trail, a path to 38th Street with garden beds for growing fresh produce, and various owner-occupied repair and affordable mortgage programs.

The Far Eastside neighbourhood of Indianapolis has a unique identity and a passionate community. By addressing the lack of investment in the area, the Oaktree Apartments site revitalisation has the potential to transform not only the physical landscape but also the social and economic fabric of the community.

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