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.
-
Indy health provider warns Medicaid change could impact low-income patients
An Indianapolis health care provider is raising concerns about a proposed Medicaid change that could affect access to medications for low-income patients.
Riviera Club will remain open after members raise $1.54 million
WRTV learned on Tuesday that more than 1000 members of Club Riviera each paid a $1500 assessment to keep the club afloat this summer.
Curt Cignetti named honorary Pace Car driver for 110th Indianapolis 500
Race fans, start your engines and get ready for Cignetti. The Indiana University coach has been tapped to be the honorary Pace Car driver for the 110th Indianapolis 500.
Pediatricians and parents praise ruling blocking changes to vaccine schedule
Local pediatricians and parents are praising a new federal ruling that blocks recent changes made by the Trump Administration to reduce the recommended vaccine schedule for children.
