INDIANA — A proposal to rezone land for another industrial park that sits between I-74 and Acton Road on the Shelby and Marion County line is prompting flooding concerns from neighbors.
"What's going in right now, I can't see how that's really in our region's long-term best interest," Lisa Wojihoski-Schaler, a Shelby County resident said.
Neighbors want answers, as to how their current flooding issues won't be magnified by even more construction.
"A number of properties within a mile radius have flooding to the point where it's gotten up to their houses," Wojihoski-Schaler said.
The proposal is to turn the agriculturally zoned land, which acts as a flood plain, into an industrial park.
Their fear is if the industrial complex is built, the water won't have anywhere else to go.
Neighbors want the construction to be stopped until testing is done on the environmental impact the proposed development will have.
"We need studies to determine what's going to be happening with the underlying aquifer that's out here," Wojihoski-Schaler said. "How it's going to affect groundwater, what steps are actually being taken to deal with the flooding?"
In a petition filed to state and federal agencies, they say the proposal affects a widespread geographic area, citing human health and environmental concerns.
"You throw in all that water that goes on 198 acres and our property will be flooded, the neighborhood will be flooded," Julie Zoeller, a Marion County Resident said.
Residents in both counties are scared it could impact the wells in the area.
"We need that flood plain to stay because there is nowhere for that water to go?" Zoeller said.
Neighbors are also concerned the roads aren't built for large commercial vehicles and add this could impact the nature living in the flood plain.
WRTV reached out to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for comment on the neighbors' concerns.
A spokesperson said they would respond as soon as they are able.
There will also be a community meeting regarding this at the Franklin Township civic league Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
A hearing with city development will be on June 9.
-
How Indy residents are getting around without a car during extreme cold
Not everyone in central Indiana has a car to get around in these freezing temperatures. On foot, on a bike or the on the bus are some of the other ways Hoosiers are getting where they need to go.
ISP sergeant calls it 'heartbreaking' as 'selfish' drivers hit trooper vehicles
Six Indiana State Police trooper vehicles in the Indianapolis district have been hit in just the last five days, all while responding to other crashes on icy roads.
Fortville takes steps to get another grocery store as town grows
Right now, there is only one dedicated grocery store on the east end of town, a distance that can become a serious barrier for residents without reliable transportation.
Local program helps residents avoid utility shutoffs during winter cold snap
United Way of Central Indiana’s Winter Assistance Fund, a program designed for people who earn too much to qualify for government energy assistance programs but still can't afford rising utility costs
