Editor,
A recent article in the IBJ and The Current noted that Steve Pittmann would no longer be the developer of “The Farm” project here in Zionsville off Michigan and Sycamore Road. Shouldn’t this raise significant concern to the residents and leadership of Zionsville? A lot of residents that attended meetings leading to the zoning for “The Farm” were moved by the promise that Steve’s brother, Chad, not only lived next to the property being proposed but also would lead the development of the property itself. We have since learned that Steve will no longer lead the development and – by way of mouth – have heard that the family residence that sits adjacent to “The Farm” is for sale.
A for sale sign is up on The Farm home here on Oak Street in Zionsville. This only furthers our community’s concern that the original perceived vested interest of a family member living next to the property the family was intending to build would be done in the highest regard – no one wants to live next to a mediocre development. By Steve Pittman announcing his departure and with the sale of the home it further lends suspect to the appearance of the Pittmans’ commitment to a high-quality product the rest of us will now have to live next to.
I would recommend that the residents and leadership of Zionsville take pause to reassess the integrity of what’s being proposed. I hope that we can re-engage with the town leadership and vet any new developer.
I propose starting a Kickstarter fund – I’d be the first to raise $50K – and moving this property to become a park or a future civic center for our community. I am sure the CEO of Marsh supermarkets – which owns two grocery stores within a two-mile radius of the proposed Kroger – would be first in line to match my funds. I commend (councilor Susana) Suarez for her inclination to be suspicious.
Virren Malhotra
Zionsville