Long-time Noblesville entrepreneur and real estate developer Rocky Shanehsaz is running for the at-large City Council seat recently vacated by Mary Sue Rowland. Rowland’s replacement will be chosen by a caucus of precinct committeemen convening October 22 at Noblesville City Hall.
Shanehsaz
“The city needs visionary people who think independently and innovatively,” says Shanehsaz. “I have developed a variety of businesses and I believe my background in developing and renovating real estate reflects my passion for this city. I look forward to bringing my unique perspective to the council.”
An Iranian immigrant, Shanehsaz moved to the United States more than 40 years ago and became a citizen as a teenager. He has lived in Noblesville since 1990. He is married to Terri Shanehsaz and has two children: Abe, a lawyer with Faegre Baker Daniels in Indianapolis, and Ava, a freshman at Noblesville High School.
He is best known for converting the historic Model Mill building into a successful events center called The Mill Top. He also relocated three historically significant homes to preserve them, paving the way for the construction of Noblesville City Hall in 2005. He has helped plant three churches in Noblesville, which allowed them to further their community-based projects. Shanehsaz was front and center as a volunteer for many of these projects.
“I would like to introduce diversity to our City Council,” said Shanehsaz. “Noblesville needs to be in the forefront of inclusion. Many international companies are eyeing our community for their headquarters, which will provide opportunities and growth. I think outside the box and have been able to provide reasonable solutions to many challenges facing our city. I belong to many community organizations, and have created several of these organizations in the last two decades.”
Shanehsaz said his priorities lie in economic development and government transparency. “Often, economic impacts are not quantitatively communicated with the public, and a lack of understanding leads to a lack of support,” he said. “The result is a delay, or in some cases, abandonment of wonderful projects. Let’s work together to plant the seeds of growth.”
Shanehsaz noted that, at $70,726, Noblesville’s median household income is nearly $20,000 lower than the county median, according to USA Data. “This is due to a lack of business opportunities,” he said. “Attracting international industries wanting to invest in Noblesville, rather than moving here to take advantage of tax breaks or free hand-outs, will provide for an increase in the standard of living.”
Shanehsaz also says he will provide more transparency to educate the public about current city projects. “This will create community acceptance and trust and provide for much needed economic development,” he said. “I will serve Noblesville with integrity and put people first!”