Complex approved despite objections

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The developers of Noble West Apartments will offer 611 units of one- and two-bedroom apartments aimed at young professionals.(Artist rendering)
The developers of Noble West Apartments will offer 611 units of one- and two-bedroom apartments aimed at young professionals.(Artist rendering)

While several neighbors voiced their concerns about a proposed $55-million, 611 unit apartment complex on the city’s southwest side, the project was approved 4-2 by the Noblesville City Council on July 9. Council members Mark Boice and Brian Ayer cast the opposing votes.

“I didn’t feel it was something the city needed at this time,” Ayer said, mentioning the number of other apartment complexes the council has recently approved. “It’s not a positive quality of life project today.”

The 37-acre complex will be across Edenshall Lane from the Hazel Dell Crossing retail center.
The 37-acre complex will be across Edenshall Lane from the Hazel Dell Crossing retail center.

Boice questioned how the new proposal worked with the city’s master plan with its increase and the impact it would make. The development originally called for 520 units when approved in 2003. In 2007, Maefield rezoned 8.39 areas and was asking the council to reverse that decision. The new proposal requested an increase in the number of units from the 426 currently allowed to 611.

“I think that’s a big jump. I don’t think I’ve heard anything that justifies the increases in that,” Noblesville resident Greg Dunkin told the council.

Tentatively named Noble West Apartments, the project 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. The 37-acre complex will be across Edenshall Lane from the Hazel Dell Crossing retail center. Steven D. Hardin, the attorney representing Hazel Dell LLC, described Noble West as unique “high-end” apartments aimed at young professionals and not families. He said the average rent would be between $900 and $1,850 per month.

“This is not a family-oriented project. There are no three- or four-bedroom units,” Hardin said, adding the complex will have numerous resort-like amenities such as poolside cabanas, fire pits, sand volleyball courts and putting greens.

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.

“Six hundred and eleven units is the largest complex in the city of Noblesville with the narrowest demographic you can find. I fear the demand will be lackluster,” East Haven At Noble West resident Ryan Fite said. “How proud is the city going to be when Maefield walks away like they’ve been known to do in the past?”

“We’re disappointed more members of the council didn’t see our concerns and look at the growth of the project or the need to grow beyond the master plan,” Steve Cook, a fellow East Haven subdivision resident, said. “Noblesville is still a great community and will continue to be.”

Council member Rick Taylor said the concerns of neighbors were not completely merited. A traffic study indicated the current infrastructure would accommodate the apartments and police and fire chiefs said the new complex would not impact public safety.

“Personally, I think this is a great project for Noblesville,” Taylor said.

Maefield officials said construction is expected to begin next spring and will be done in three phases, each with about 200 apartments. The next phase could begin in one and a half to two years and the entire project could be complete within three years if demand meets expectations.


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