Safer streets, smoother roads: Castleton Forum tackles crime, construction and community

By resident John Strauss

Overall crime is down lately, but the approach of summer means a return of street takeovers and illegal “spinning” events to Indianapolis, the IMPD North District commander Matt Thomas said.

Last month, Thomas spoke at a community forum at nearby Mary Castle Elementary School, hosted by Nick Roberts, our District 4 representative on the Indianapolis City-County Council. He said violent crime is down 29.5 percent in the district. Property crimes were down 13 percent and overall crime decreased 15 percent.

Trail Bridge Funding Approved

Roberts, meanwhile, offered updates on road repair and local improvements, including the summer opening of the Nickel Plate Trail, the 10-mile link between Noblesville, Fishers and Indianapolis.

He noted that the local trails system last month received a $35.5 million boost in funds to build pedestrian bridges over 82nd Street for the Nickel Plate Trail and over 86th Street for the Monon Trail.

“I think having those bridges could be game changers to make sure people have the ability to walk on those trails safely,” he said. “And having trails in the area benefits everybody, including nearby property owners.”

Roberts said his top priority on the council has been roads, and he mentioned these updates:

• 131,000 potholes have already been filled this year.
• A full resurfacing for 86th Street in the Castleton area will begin this summer.
• Work continues on the Sargent Road resurfacing.
• A new city policy is being developed to plow the streets when snowfalls reach 4 inches, instead of the current 6 inches. “I still recommend that HOAs keep their snow contracts because, quite frankly, our snow plowing would probably not be as rapid as those might be,” he said.

Elsewhere, Roberts said, the ribbon cutting on renovations at Sahm Park should happen this summer. The improvements, fueled with a $2.7 million Lilly Endowment grant, include the renovation of the tennis pavilion, new shelters, walkways, parking, a playground and adult fitness equipment.

In the area of public safety, Roberts noted that IMPD is recruiting hard for more personnel, helped by the council’s decision to raise pay for new officers, who now earn $74,459.

IMPD Braces for Return of ‘Spinners’

Thomas, the IMPD commander, said the improving weather means officers are preparing for the return of large block parties and car “spinning,” a reckless motorsport in which cars drive rapidly in circles and perform stunts, typically in parking lots.

“We have a task force out every weekend addressing this,” Thomas said.

The council last year passed an ordinance creating a $1,000 fine for first-time violators and $2,500 fine for a second violation. Police can also impound vehicles used in illegal street racing for a minimum of 30 days.

“I've had conversations with the major cities across the United States about what works, what doesn't work,” Thomas said. “This is what works.”

IMPD also uses a force of more than two dozen analysts to study crime patterns and help identify problem areas for extra patrols.

Strategic Plan Taking Shape

For the longer term, the police department has begun a five-year strategic planning process to identify public concerns and plan how best to use resources. Consultants from Taylor Advising, a local firm, will use data including survey responses, and Thomas urged people to click on the survey link to express their thoughts on public safety and how the department can improve.

“This survey is one of several opportunities for community members across our city to contribute their ideas and feedback to inform the development of IMPD's strategic plan,” according to the website.

“Ultimately, it is our goal to ensure that the final plans that take shape will reflect the needs of officers, professional staff, and our community to support a safe and vibrant city. Most importantly, this survey seeks to enhance and encourage community-police collaboration in shaping public safety.”

In November, IMPD will have a public release of a draft plan and then expects to launch the effort formally in January.

“This will help guide us in the allotment of resources and plan for recruitment, retention and where we want to head with this police department,” Thomas said.

“This helps us form a long-term vision in a process that many companies have also used. So, I appreciate your support and hearing your voice to make sure your opinions are included.”

John Strauss is a resident of Tanager Court and a candidate for the 2025-27 Eagle Nest Board. Click here to read more about John and the other Board election candidates.