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Indianapolis Star
Subdivision plan faces key vote Neighbors have attacked the development's builder, KB Homes, citing complaints against KB in other states. Kreutz and representatives of KB have defended the company's reputation, saying the number of complaints has been minimal.
Noblesville Subdivision plan faces key vote Increased traffic is among concerns expressed by residents near proposed Twin Oaks
By Bill Ruthhart Noblesville's City Council is expected to make a decision tonight about a proposed subdivision that continues to draw protests from neighbors.
Twin Oaks, a proposed development of 334 homes, has created concern among at least 75 residents who are worried about the project's builder, its design and increased traffic. The 150-acre subdivision is planned for the southeast corner of 161st Street and Hazel Dell Road.
Since the project's introduction before the council last month, neighbors met with representatives from the Indiana Land Group, the developer. Former City Councilman Rex Dillinger, former Carmel planner Jon Dobosiewicz and developer Jose Kreutz have led the charge for the subdivision.
"This is a good plan," Kreutz said. "We have not asked for any variances or any concessions on the city's part. "We're proud of our plan."
Neighbors have attacked the development's builder, KB Homes, citing complaints against KB in other states. Kreutz and representatives of KB have defended the company's reputation, saying the number of complaints has been minimal.
Neighbors such as Karen Minniear also worry about traffic on two-lane, country roads such as 161st.
"For me, the roads are an issue from a safety standpoint," Minniear said. "That really worries me, because the roads are not wide enough in some places for two cars to pass without using the very edge of the road."
Twin Oaks' proposed location is in Coucilwoman Kathie Stretch's district. Stretch said she is surprised the project generated so much opposition because it meets Noblesville's high standards for residential development.
"The most legitimate concerns come from people who have lived on 161st Street for 20 or 30 years, and it's compelling for me to listen to their needs," said Stretch, who attended a recent meeting between the developer and residents.
"(The street) is not due to be updated for a while, and there are some real concerns."
Council member Laurie Jackson, who also attended the session with developers and residents, said the situation is a Catch-22. The city, she said, can't improve the roads until the developer and new residents help pay for it through impact fees and the donation of rights of way.
"I swear remonstrators leave these meetings thinking the development will be there tomorrow," Jackson said. "Those 900 extra cars from a development like this aren't going to be there tomorrow. "We're talking years for this to build out."
Still, Stretch said the city might be approving development too fast.
"Why do we have to put houses on every lot available? Why can't we slow down a little bit?" Stretch asked.
"We're in control, and the residents feel like they're not being heard. I got that message loud and clear."
Neighbors also would like to see the project built with a lower density to help mix with older homes that are on larger lots along 161st Street. Kreutz says his group has followed the city's density guidelines and increased the buffer area between his project and a nearby subdivision.
Minniear expects a heated discussion about the project tonight.
"It's not like I think our concerns are going to fall on deaf ears, but I think there's some members on the council that already have their minds made up," she said.
"They're supposed to be the voice of the public, and I hope they're hearing us."
Stretch hears, although she wouldn't say which way she'll vote on the project.
"I have to listen to my constituents," Stretch said. "They are the ones who will put me in office. They'll be voting in the next election."
Call Star reporter Bill Ruthhart at (317) 444-2606. |
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