Several neighbors are concerned about a proposed $55-million apartment complex on the city’s southwest side.
Maefield Development Corp. is looking for the Noblesville City Council’s permission to construct a 611 unit apartment complex along Hazel Dell Road, just north of 146th Street.
Steven D. Hardin, the attorney representing Hazel Dell LLC, told City Council members during their June 25 meeting that the project, tentatively named Noble West Apartments, would provide a $1.1-million tax increase for the city and $2.6 million in development fees like park and street impact and sewer. Hardin described Noble West as unique “high-end” apartments aimed at young professionals and not families.
“This is not a family-oriented project. There are no three- or four-bedroom units,” Hardin said.
Hardin said that the complex would be built in three phases, each of about 200 units. He said the average rent would be between $900 and $1,850 per month.
The development originally called for 520 units when approved in 2003. In 2007, Maefield rezoned 8.39 areas and is asking the council to reverse that decision. Hardin is requesting the council increase the number of units from the 426 currently allowed (because 100 townhomes are already built) to 611. City Council member Mark Boice questions the increase and the impact it would make.
“It’s so far over our master plan. I have a hard time seeing how 611 units could fit there,” he said. “I don’t think we have the infrastructure in place for that many more units.”
Several nearby homeowners spoke out against the project at the council meeting raising concerns about increased traffic, student enrollment at Noble Crossing Elementary School, decreased property values and emergency management.
“That’s lots of residents to include in a small area,” Bill Puller said when questioning public safety. “Will there be an increase in police or fire?”
“Properties are really nice, but we’ve all seen properties that are really nice come to a halt,” said David Glenn. “If this fails, what’s plan B?
The project will be discussed and possibly voted on at the July 9 city council meeting.