Action: Rezoning of Terry Lee Crossing project
What it means: The Terry Lee Crossing project at the undeveloped southeast corner of Ind. 37 and Ind. 32 will consist of a Terry Lee Hyundai dealership and commercial area with seven other lots for retail. The land has a long history of being problematic and still faces state and FEMA approval to be rezoned from Flood Hazard to Planned Business. Since presenting the project to the Noblesville Plan Commission on Aug. 19, the development has dropped the electronic portion at the top of two signs and agreed to remove the proposed off-site sign.
What’s next: The zoning change and preliminary development plan may be voted on at the Sept. 10 meeting.
Action: Special consideration for K1 Speed
What it means: California-based K1 Speed Inc.’s proposal will create an electric go-kart racing center in the 71,830 square feet vacant industrial building that formerly housed Helmer Labs at 17395 Bergen Blvd. Asst. Planning Director Andy Wert said the property would not change structurally on the outside but non-weight bearing walls would be demolished on the inside. The Noblesville Plan Commission unanimously voted unfavorably about the project the week before the common council meeting. “The (plan) commission was concerned about use in Corporate Campus that we worked diligently to create an industry park,” Council Member Greg O’Connor said. “It could detract the marketability for other businesses that might come to Noblesville… It didn’t seem to make sense.”
What’s next: The proposal may be voted on at the Sept. 10 meeting.
Action: Amending the Park Master Plan to include West Gateway Park
What it means: The city is in the process of making offers to acquire 6.4 acres between Ind. 19 and Logan and Conner streets. Proposed plans for West Gateway Park include an amphitheater, trails, public event space, shelters, a parking area constructed of pervious pavement, and more. “Plans are for some type of performance area,” Parks Director Don Seal said. “It’ll enhance the downtown experience and hopefully encourage future development of property west of White River.”
What’s next: The council unanimously approved the amendment. Planning Director Christy Langley said the West Gateway had to be formally adopted to be eligible for park impact fees.
Action: Amending ordinance on pedestrian walkways and parking spaces
What it means: Langley presented two major changes to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance. The city has minimum parking spaces requirements but nothing for the maximum parking spaces allowed. While businesses may exceed the maximum space allotment, Langley said pervious payment or pavers must be used in a preservation effort to save storm water. The other change provides pedestrians more safety in large parking lots. Langley said a walkway will separate pedestrians from vehicle traffic at the entrance of businesses. If approved, these changes will affect future development and not current businesses.
What’s next: The amendment may be voted on at the Sept. 10 meeting.
Action: Amending the Wayne Township ALS agreement
What it means: NFD Fire Chief Ken Gilliam said Wayne Township can provide basic life saving services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by paying a paramedic to stay at their station for 40 hours a week. Gilliam said the agreement will save Wayne Township $4,250.01 for the rest of 2013 and $17,000 if it continues in house service in 2014. “I think it’s a fair trade,” he said, adding Noblesville is paid $125,000 each year to provide ALS service. “We got into this to be good neighbors.”
What’s next: The amended agreement will begin Oct. 1. Noblesville will continue to provide ALS service when the paramedic is off duty and on the weekends.
