Zionsville officials have scheduled additional in-person listening sessions regarding future development of a town entryway after an initial Oct. 1 session.
In July, Zionsville began the first stage of a proposed Zionsville Gateway Area plan by demolishing the building formerly owned by PNC Bank and locksmith shop at the northwest corner of Main and Sycamore streets. Town officials are now establishing a plan for the vacant area to present to future developers that adheres to the community’s vision for the space.
“In the past, there have been developments that have been brought to the table without public input,” DELV Design principal Eric Anderson said. “What we’re trying to do is rethink how we reengage with the community at the very forefront of this thought process so that we can understand what the community wants.”
Information was presented at the Oct. 1 session concerning the gateway. Community feedback was gathered for the space, including thoughts on what, if any, elements should be pursued, whether they be residential or retail space, parks, trails, public art, etc.
Additionally, the town has planned a second day of sessions from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Zionsville Town Hall. The sessions will be the same as the Oct. 1 session and will last approximately 45 minutes, according to town officials. Stations at the sessions will be spaced to allow social distancing. Participants must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
The session also will be presented virtually at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyckmhcxIzCkCRrIrWzhccaWe9CRe3cvrEUxSjS1UBwN1Bgw/viewform.
“The value of a plan is incredible,” Zionsville Director of Planning and Economic Development Wayne DeLong said. “The goal is to reduce to written word people’s preferences and interests. That really eliminates the guess work.”
DeLong said the process, by collecting public feedback from the outset, compresses time and concerns associated with similar projects.
“To approach this process in listening mode from Day 1 is not typical, because your standard format is to identify a program, identify a steering committee, have that steering committee, then cultivate the process from there,” DeLong said. “That’s not at all what’s happened here. You have the town leadership saying we need to talk to everybody who wants to talk and get their opinions.”
For more, visit zionsville-in.gov/gatewayarea.
