Noblesville development clears first vote despite community fears for privacy, wetland wildlife
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — It was a contentious Noblesville Plan Commission meeting, but in the end, the board unanimously approved two petitions to rezone land in northern Noblesville – petitions that have been subject to much opposition and controversy.
The plan commission recommended changing the zoning of 173 acres of land initially zoned as single-family residential to multi-family residential, planned business, and light industrial.
Called Morse Village, the new development will be located on three parcels of land on 206th Street and Hague Road.
While the city is backing the project, those living near the marked-off area have expressed concerns about a lack of privacy, increased traffic, pressure on the schools, destruction of wetlands, and fears about the possible destruction of an eagle’s nest.
Jami Ross, who opposed the development, says the plan’s approval feels like a slap in the face.
“The West Pointe portion [of Morse Village] is set to occupy land that is undeveloped and replete with trees and serves as a habitat to a diverse ecosystem,” she said.
“We chose Noblesville for peace, for quiet, for nature, for family,” Ross added.
Only one person spoke in favor of the development as it is currently laid out.
The city said this is an opportunity to add a “missing middle” component to Noblesville. This means housing such as condos and townhomes as proposed in this development.
Sarah Reed, the community development director for Noblesville, says the amended plan will meet some of the “missing middle and housing analysis components” the city requested.
Neighbors say the missing middle can go elsewhere.
The city said this development is centered around Morse Reservoir and can not be put at another location in the city.
“The amenity that this development is focused around is Morse Reservoir and so this is the land that’s available around there and what the developer has under contract,” Reed said. “And so a lot of time developers get land under contract, and bring us proposals that we evaluate.”
The fight for and against the development is not over yet. The city council still needs to vote on the proposals. They will meet next on Dec. 3, and a vote is set for Dec. 17.
You can find more information about this development on the Noblesville Plan Commission website.