Mayor Hogsett announced the project at the future home of West Fork Whiskey Co.Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has launched a new program aimed at boosting neighborhood revitalization efforts. Lift Indy will identify a new neighborhood each year to receive funding through two U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants.
The first Lift Indy area, known as Monon16 in the Kennedy-King neighborhood, will receive $4.5 million over three years. Hogsett’s office says nearly $50 million in current projects are within the area, including a $20 million housing development announced last month, with 12 more projects planned.
Hogsett says the funding will support economic development opportunities, preservation and development of quality affordable housing, and availability of social services such as infrastructure, public amenities and social engagement.
“As a first-of-its-kind investment strategy for Indianapolis, Lift Indy allows us to concentrate significant funding toward addressing neighborhood challenges and sustaining healthy communities,” said Hogsett. “But Lift Indy is more than an initiative to improve one area – it is a long term strategy to elevate all of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods, for the betterment of all people in our city.”
The Monon16 project was chosen from nine applicants. A selection committee comprised of leaders from the city, nonprofits and local businesses chose the project based on criteria including having partners representing a broad group of organizations already invested in the area, implementing a “neighborhood-driven vision” and including shovel-ready, tangible projects.
“Lift Indy is an opportunity for King Park and our partners to have a transformational impact on the Monon16 area,” said Steven Meyer, executive director of the King Park Development Corp. “The City’s investment into comprehensive community development will leave a legacy of inclusiveness in the Monon16 area that continues well beyond the Lift Indy program.”
A portion of the Monon16 area is included in the IndyEast Promise Zone. You can learn more about revitalization efforts in the area by clicking here.