What happened: An ordinance that would establish the I-69 Overlay District was split in two, with only one segment approved.
What it means: Town hall was packed with people there to speak on the ordinance’s second hearing. Councilor Stuart Easley proposed asking the crowd to speak on one specific segment of the ordinance, as he planned to make a motion to split the ordinance into two pieces. The original ordinance governs what types of uses are permitted in the I-69 corridor, as well as sets architectural standards for prospective buildings. After it was split, one piece of the ordinance addressed not-for-profit institutional uses. This portion excludes those (including churches from the Overlay District. The second portion dealt directly with architectural and other construction standards. After rules were suspended, the segment that limits uses along I-69 passed 6-1, with the only dissenting vote being councilor Scott Faultless. Faultless criticized town staff for not including stakeholders in the area from the beginning, saying staff should “start from scratch” with the standards portion of the ordinance.
What’s next: Town Manager Scott Fadness said staff will start from the beginning with the second half of the ordinance still on the table. With the first portion passing, an established institutional use, such as a church, can expand on the property it owns, but cannot buy more land for that use.
What happened: Second reading was held on a rezone request for the Poer property, 9750 Cumberland Rd.
What it means: Pulte Homes of Indiana wants the property rezoned from R-2 to a planned until development called “The Haven,” which will have 81 lots. Some neighbors are not fully on board with the project, one of which is concerned about the value of her home now and after the subdivision comes in behind other, as well as privacy. One couple sent a letter to the town concerned about the area’s traffic situation.
What’s next: After much discussion between the remonstrators and David Compton, Pulte’s vice president, the ordinance will come back for third reading at the next council session.
What happened: The 2013 Tree Matching Grant was approved in the consent agenda.
What it means: Every year, the town budgets money to match for tree plantings around town with the “Plant a Tree, Grant a Tree” program.
What’s next: Decision letters were to be sent out after the meeting, and the Department of Community Development will meet with those that could receive a grant, according to a council action form.