The three newest housing projects before the Noblesville Common Council are aimed a specific market – empty nesters. Each has proposed building neighborhoods with smaller one-story buildings and minimal yards and landscaping. Developers said the style suits those on fixed income or don’t have the time or ability to maintain their home or yard.
The common council approved two “empty nester” communities on Feb. 10.
The first development will be south of Guerin High School on Gray Road and northeast of the intersection of 146th Street. On its 58 acres, Holston Hills will build 127 new homes. The neighborhood would feature minimal community improvements and be marketed toward empty nesters. Developers said the homes will have a minimum of 2,100 square feet and include a basement.
The second development will be located south of Sagamore Golf Club on the east side of Union Chapel Road. Chapel Villas has plans for 56 new homes on 14.5 acres north of Greenfield Avenue.
However, a third proposed community faces a harder sell for the council.
The Courtyards of Hazel Dell received an 8-2 unfavorable recommendation from the Noblesville Plan Commission on Jan. 20. Plans are to build 29 single-story condominium houses priced between $275,000 and $400,000 on 8.8 acres on the northeast corner of Hazel Dell Parkway and 161st Street. The homes will have no side yards as patios will butt against the adjacent home.
The project has support and opposition from neighbors of the area, which is farm land.
“I’d like to see the project go in next to us,” said Ralph Waver, who shares 800 feet of the proposed development’s property line. “It’s very attractive, high quality homes.”
Noblesville resident Linda Coyne said she has concerns about the density of the development.
“We’re going from rural 1 (zoning) to the highest density, which is typically downtown and transitions to commercial property,” she said. “Where are people going to park?”
The project’s fate may be decided at the Feb. 24 council meeting but several councilors made their opinions known. Councilor Jeff Zeckel, who previously voted against the project at the plan commission, again questioned the project’s proximity to Hazel Dell Parkway.
“You still have a lot of noise,” he said. “Fifteen thousand vehicles drive on there now. I have real concern with the noise pollution there at that spot.”
Councilor Brian Ayer said he feels the density is too high for that area and has concerns the development would not fit with the other landscape there and the lack of amenities.
