The HMPNA Board met with the new Mapleton-Fall Creek Community Development Corporation (MFCDC) CEO, Elan Daniel. Mr. Daniel served as an economic and community development consultant to clients in Indiana and Ohio including the Indy Chamber, Purdue Research Partners, and The Ohio State University. An Ohio State graduate, Mr. Daniel previously worked with a university-affiliated community development corporation that attracted $30 million in investment to a Columbus, Ohio, neighborhood. Prior to that, he led the implementation of affordable housing initiatives as part of that city’s $250 million Weinland Park neighborhood revitalization effort. Its looks like Mr. Daniel is well positioned to help HMP further its visions.
Mr. Daniel is very receptive and motivated to work with HMP on neighborhood needs. One such improvement includes improved pedestrian infrastructure specifically at the neighborhood’s western entrance points along Meridian St. at 34th, 32nd, and 30th Streets. Of particular importance is improving the quality and safety of the pedestrian path along 30th between Talbott St. and Meridian St. This serves as a primary point of access to IndyGo, the RedLine, and The Children’s Museum. These are exciting opportunities for the neighborhood. Furthermore, Mr. Daniel indicated that MFCDC might be able to provide solutions to mitigate pocket park tax and insurance costs.