By Ann Marie Shambaugh
The Zionsville Plan Commission has scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. May 4 to discuss rezoning for a proposed mixed-use development on Sycamore Street known as 200 West. The site is currently zoned as an Urban Outdoor Business Development District (B-3), but developers are petitioning to rezone the area as a Planned Unit Development District.
The commission heard from petitioners and remonstrators at its April 18 meeting but decided not to take action to give the two sides more time to discuss their differences. Representatives from Fabrico, the petitioner, have a meeting scheduled with the Village Residents Association to discuss the project on April 26.
The development is on 4.32 acres at Sycamore and Second Streets. It includes 15 single-family homes, 75 multi-family homes and commercial space. Residents have expressed concerns that the project would create too much traffic, lead to overcrowding at Eagle Elementary and change the look of the Village area.
“The people of Zionsville and the people particularly of the Village deserve better,” said resident John Tousley, who expressed concerns about parking and safety. “Don’t’ jump at this proposal simply because it is extended to you today.”
Tim Ochs, an attorney representing Fabrico, said developers have taken steps to address common concerns. He said the proposal includes more parking spaces than required and that traffic engineers who reviewed the project concluded that that 200 West will generate less traffic than what could be developed at the site if it remains B-3 zoning. The report states that a project developed under the current zoning could lead to 3,361 trips per day while 200 West is expected to lead to 2,054 trips per day.
He also said that the project is expected to generate approximately $217,000 in road impact fees that could be used to improve nearby streets.
“(200 West) would extend the Village south and west, and we think it’s entirely appropriate for the site on which it is located,” Ochs said.
In other action, the commission:
- Voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to the Zionsville Town Council regarding a GetGo fuel station and convenience store at 7105 Whitestown Parkway. Commissioners expressed concerns about the number of gas stations already in the area and its proximity to a residential area.
- Approved a petition for primary plat approval for Courtyards of Zionsville, a residential senior living facility at 6355 S 950 E.
- Approved a primary plat to establish three lots at 1100 W. Oak St., where Zionsville Town Hall is located. The north lot will be the site of the new town hall building, and the two lots along Oak Street are expected to be used for retail after the current building is demolished.
- Approved a development plan for the Boone County Tennis Center, which will be built at 4560 S 875 E.