Council president wants more aggressive development standards

Driving the news: Council president Vop Osili said during a panel last week that he wants the city to be more aggressive in adopting development standards and rules that contribute to a more intentional, vibrant and liveable place.

What he's saying: "We need to have rules," he said. "If you want to build here, this is what you're going to have to put in. We do it now in smaller ways … but we really do need to increase that."

One example: More green space.

• Osili said the city should require developments to include more greenspace and developers that don't want to do so shouldn't build in Indy.
• Instead, he said, Indy should support developers and projects that align with leaders' vision for the city's future.

State of play: Over the last decade, Marion County has shifted its development philosophy to encourage denser housing, walkability, more tree plantings and greener, low-impact projects.

• It's not enough, Osili said.
• "We've got to move it forward," he said, "if we want to be more than a regional city."
• "It's just not enough to be the best in the region."

What's next: Osili said conversations have started but it's time to turn up the heat.