News

As we told you last week, an incredible tract of open space and natural habitat on Indianapolis’ northwest side is facing the threat of destruction to make way for another large-scale commercial development.

 

Some 125 acres of this tract is forest and wetland, containing more than 500 heritage (large) trees in old forest stands. Much of this habitat is classified in the City’s own Comprehensive Plan as an “ecologically sensitive area” that should be protected from development. The tract is teaming with deer, fox, hawks, owls, herons, ducks, bats and other wildlife. Despite this and overwhelming opposition from local residents, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) approved a petition to rezone the tract for a proposed commercial and residential mixed use on August 16, putting most of its nearly 200 acres of woodlands, wetlands, creeks and open space in jeopardy.

 

 

The City-County Council has an opportunity to save this forest before it’s too late. On Monday, Sept. 11, the full Council has the last word on whether this project moves forward.

 

If you live in Indianapolis, click here to find your Councilor.

 

Councilor Leroy Robinson represents this area. Contact Councilor Robinson and your Councilor if you do not live in Robinson’s district. Ask Councilor Robinson at leroy.robinson@indy.gov and your Councilor to uphold the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the wishes of local residents, oppose this development and reject rezoning on case 2023-CZN-814.

 

Contact Council President Vop Osili at vop.osili@indy.gov and Council Vice President Zach Adamson at zach.adamson@indy.gov to relay these views to them also.

 

 

A sample letter full of facts and background information related to IFA’s opposition of the rezoning can be found here. Please feel free to use this information in communicating your thoughts to the council.

 

Local residents need help to put up yard signs opposing this development across Indianapolis. To put a sign in your yard or volunteer to help, please contact IFA’s Forests for Indy Director, Lori Perdue at: lori@indianaforestalliance.org

 

Jeff Stant
Executive Director
Indiana Forest Alliance
615 North Alabama Street, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN  46204
 
317-602-3692 (o)
317-489-7112 (c)
jeff@indianaforestalliance.org

 

See the full article on the Indiana Forest Alliance Website https://indianaforestalliance.org/2023/08/24/two-forests-in-need-today/