100 jobs will be created in east side ‘Promise Zone’

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Local and federal officials say more than $9 million in federal grants will create more than 100 jobs on the east side of Indianapolis.

The east side has been designated as the “promise zone.”

The promise zone is a 10 year program designed by the Obama administration.

The designation allows the city access to federal grants to improve the quality of life, and revitalize high poverty areas.

Indianapolis east was designed in April last year.

Officials say much has been accomplished during the designation’s first year.

“We have groups that are currently working on affordable housing options in our community,” said James Taylor, the Chief Executive officer with the John Bonner One Neighborhood Centers. “We have groups that are redeveloping this old industrial sites.We have groups that are addressing education in our community specifically around the innovation network schools. We have groups that are looking at new retail. How do we inspire others to make investments in our neighborhood.”

Indianapolis east is one of eight areas designated as a promise zone by the Obama administration last year.