A special meeting of the Zionsville Redevelopment Commission was held Aug. 22at Town Hall. The meeting discussed the commission’s plans for the future of Corporate Park.
Commission members stressed that marketing methods needed to be implemented to begin bringing in potential companies to build on the vacant lot. With the Lids building currently in construction, the timing seems appropriate to begin putting a plan into action.
“I think the timing is certainly right given all that’s going on and the great positives with the Lids project. I think that’s a huge win that will help add a lot of confidence to people doing the work here,” Cite Consultant Katie Clip said.
While members stressed that maximizing tax increment financing was important, there was also concern as to how the developing area could benefit or damage local business revenue with the increase in the area’s population once completed buildings are inhabited.
Another concern is the access to the area. A road and sidewalks will need to be constructed so that ample access to town will be available for future employees working in the park.
A possible connection to the Rail Trail and the Monon was also discussed so that biking to the area would be possible. This would attract companies that value keeping their organizations eco-friendly.
“I think the hook here is the appeal to people who want to be in the village or close to the village, appeal to people that want to be in a unique site in that they’re surrounded by nature, and appeal to people that want to be close to trail amenities. That’s not easy to find in a lot of [corporate]parks that are up here, and it is also [appealing]to people who have a corporate green mission,” one commission member said.
Among other things discussed were parking lot sizes, employee to building size ratios, and cost per square foot of construction.
