By Ann Marie Shambaugh
The Zionsville Town Council met March 2 to discuss the fate of backyard chickens, a proposed senior living facility, funding for new pathways and more.
What happened: The council voted, 4-1, to uphold the Zionsville Planning Commission’s recommendation to not allow a zoning change for a proposed senior living facility.
What this means: After dozens of residents expressed concern about a rezoning request that would pave the way for a senior living campus near residential neighborhoods, the ZPC last month voted against the proposal. The town council – except for councilor Candace Ulmer – agreed with their decision.
What’s next: The town council had the final say on the matter, meaning that developer CarDon will not be building its proposed facility near Oak Street and Cooper Road.
What happened: The council unanimously voted to amend the Zionsville Code of Ordinances to address animal control issues in the urban service district.
What this means: The amendment limits the number of chickens people can keep in their yards to 10, prohibits roosters and requires that all animals be contained on the owner’s property.
What’s next: Town officials don’t expect to be actively policing for violations of the ordinance, but they will have set standards to rely on if a complaint is reported.
What happened: The council approved a resolution appropriating $100,600 from the Local Roads and Streets fund for two pathway projects.
What this means: The council approved $45,000 for engineering of the future Bloor Lane pathway, which will run along the north side of Bloor Lane and connect the existing pathway along the south side of Zionsville Community High School over to the sidewalk system along the west side of Mulberry Street. It approved $55,600 for right-of-way acquisition and engineering for a future pathway along CR 700 East, which will extend the existing pathway installed by Whitestown north to Zionsville West Middle School and south to the Royal Run neighborhood.
What’s next: Town officials expect to have construction estimates for the Bloor Lane pathway sometime this summer, and because of the larger project scope it’s unclear when construction estimates will be ready for the CR 700 East pathway.
What happened: The council approved a resolution supporting state action on agricultural land re-assessment.
What this means: Many rural property owners have seen their property taxes skyrocket thanks to changes in how the county assesses agricultural land. The resolution supports legislation currently in the Statehouse that would help standardize and clarify the process of assessing rural land.
What’s next: State Rep. Donna Schaibley attended the meeting to give an update on the legislation, which she supports. She will take the resolution back to the Statehouse and continue to push for passage of the bill.
