Indianapolis Star
City Council approves 334-home Twin Oaks despite some objections
Jon Dobosiewicz, a member of the development group, agreed to increase a buffer zone next to nearby homes from 30 feet to 50 feet. He also agreed to place additional evergreens where the project is adjacent to existing homes... Still, some neighbors remained unhappy with Twin Oaks, citing concerns about KB Homes, the project's density and its effect on local roads. Greg Thomas, who lives along 161st Street, said he is disturbed by past complaints against KB.
Concerns don't stop subdivision City Council approves 334-home Twin Oaks despite some objections
By Bill Ruthhart The Noblesville's City Council approved plans for a 334-home subdivision Tuesday night despite protests from some neighbors.
The council voted 6-1 to approve the 150-acre Twin Oaks subdivision, located on the southeast corner of 161st Street and Hazel Dell Road. The developer, Indiana Land Group, made a few changes to its plan before the council approved it.
Jon Dobosiewicz, a member of the development group, agreed to increase a buffer zone next to nearby homes from 30 feet to 50 feet. He also agreed to place additional evergreens where the project is adjacent to existing homes.
The project's builder, KB Homes, agreed to place brick on the sides of homes that would abut Hazel Dell Road.
Still, some neighbors remained unhappy with Twin Oaks, citing concerns about KB Homes, the project's density and its effect on local roads.
Greg Thomas, who lives along 161st Street, said he is disturbed by past complaints against KB. Indiana Land Group and KB have defended the homebuilder's reputation.
Councilman Brian Ayer said the builder would be held to Noblesville's high standards and a number of inspections. Ayer added that developers don't have to disclose to the council who the homebuilder will be.
"KB may not even be the builder one year, two years, five years from now. Nothing is set in stone," Ayer said. "There's no guarantee the developer won't change. The only thing we control is the standards we set."
Terry Murphy, another resident along 161st Street, said the council is approving housing projects too quickly, which is having an adverse effect on roads. Murphy wanted to see Twin Oaks built with a lower density.
"We can't keep up with all the developments, and I don't know how you do," Murphy said. "I'm not anti-development. I'm asking for proper development."
Council President Alan Hinds cast the lone vote against Twin Oaks.
"We keep giving up suburban residential for higher density," Hinds said. "In less than a decade, our population has had a 33 percent increase. What's the rush?"
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