Despite a room full of remonstrators and requests from residents to continue the discussion to December, the Noblesville Plan Commission sent a unanimous favorable recommendation to the Noblesville Common Council for the rezoning and development of Morse Village, a $250 million development on 174 acres near the intersection of E. 206th Street and Hague Road, at its meeting Nov. 18.
The project was first introduced to the common council by developer LOR Corp. Oct. 15. It would have three main areas -- North Pointe, South Pointe and West Pointe, with 250 single-family homes, 150 townhomes and condos and 250 multifamily homes.
Dozens of residents raised concerns about the development following the introduction. They are worried about traffic, parking, preservation, privacy and safety, among other issues. Many were discussed at a neighborhood meeting Nov. 6.
At the Nov. 18 meeting, Noblesville Economic Director Andrew Murray reiterated Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and his administration's support for the project, saying Morse Village would bring "significant infrastructure investment to the area and is estimated at a quarter billion dollars in new development investment."
Residents have a different perspective. One of the main concerns is preserving wildlife and wetlands, as they believe the West Pointe section of development would impact a bald eagles' nest on the property, among other wildlife.
LOR Corp. CEO Adam Hill said there would be a 330-foot protection radius around the eagles' nest where development is prohibited. American StructurePointe Environmental Services Group Leader Briana Hope, who did environmental compliance for LOR Corp., said the eagles were noted early in the development process.
"There's a 330-foot buffer that is required around the nesting area," Hope said. "A 660-foot buffer is required during the nesting season, mid-December through July. You can develop (outside of the 330-foot buffer but inside the 660-foot buffer), but you have to be outside of that during nesting season, two hours after sunrise and prior to sunset."
Jami Ross, who has lived in Noblesville since 1981, said the development was "a slap in the face" to residents.
"The West Pointe portion is proposed to occupy land that is undeveloped, replete with trees and serves as a habitat to a diverse ecosystem and important wildlife population, including bald eagles that gave birth and had three babies last year," Ross said.
Hill said the plan is to preserve 89 percent of the wetlands, but Noblesville resident Gina Maddy raised concerns about the drinking water.
"Wetlands protect the land from flooding and provide a unique habitat for a decreasing wildlife population," Maddy said. "Economic growth seems to be more of a concern rather than improving the quality of life of existing residents."
Noblesville resident Renée Deguevara said surrounding neighborhoods have taken measures to fight against approving the project. Steps they have taken include hiring attorney Paganelli Law Group; starting a petition; and contacting groups like the White River Alliance and Hoosier Environmental Council.
The project will return to the Noblesville Common Council for final consideration. A summary of the project can be found at noblesville.in.gov/egov/documents/1728668921_11299.pdf or morsevillageliving.com.
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