Noblesville Council pauses Federal Hill Park plans

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Noblesville officials had high hopes in August 2013 when they first proposed Federal Hill Park – a year-round community amenity that mixes fun, art, history and green space and serves as an economic driver. The 6.75 acre park, between Ind. 19 and Logan and Conner streets, now faces opposition from a budget-strapped common council.

“I always knew we’d be cutting the price tag in half,” Deputy Mayor Mike Hendricks said. “It cuts it back a bit but still keeps the integrity of the master plan and community input. There’s more work to be done.”

At the Oct. 28 council meeting, Hendricks announced the park’s cost had significantly decreased from its original $10.9 million price tag to $5.4 million. He said most of the reductions can be added once the park is built with fundraising efforts and potential grants.

“The master plan has been reduced,” he said. “There is more green space, useable space, which is not nearly as costly to construct.”

Despite the reductions, common council members still questioned the amount for the park – especially while facing a potential deficit-spending budget for 2015.

“We passed a red budget and want to build another park?” councilor Steve Wood said, adding that the funds that could be used to pay for the park could be better allocated to taxpayers or the schools.

“What is the impact on the Logan Street TIF (the funding source for the park)? There are a lot of questions we need to get answered before we could vote on this,” councilor Jeff Zeckel said.

Not all council members questioned the project though.

“This isn’t just a park, it’s an attraction for economic development,” councilor Roy Johnson said. “I’m not a big fan of dumbing down the park.”

The estimated economic benefit for the city would be approximately $1.3 to $1.6 million annually, with a return on investment between six and eight half years. Surrounding properties to the park are estimated to see a 12 to 15 percent property value increase with its completion. It is also expected to create more private development in the area.

The city has already paid $900,000 to acquire the land for the park, which is not included in the $5.4 million estimate. Hendricks said the total cost includes $2.5 million needed for groundwork.

The council has asked for more time to evaluate the plan and finances. It will meet for one hour prior to the Nov. 11 meeting.

What’s being removed

To cut the price of Federal Hill Park from $10.9 million to $5.4 million, city officials have decreased the size of several feature including:

● Plaza building size cut in half. While the restrooms will remain the same size, the storage and concession area are much smaller. Open space between the restrooms and concessions also was removed.

● The splash pad is smaller and will be bid as an alternate and possibly not part of the original construction.

● The wall to Nixon Street was reduced in length.

● The amphitheater will remain but there will not be professional lighting or sound. Hendricks said it will be a basic PA system and equipment will have to be brought in for events. Technology at the park has been significantly reduced.

● Artwork, which was estimated at $250,000, was significantly reduced. The history walls will only have a couple panels.


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