City Council OKs plans for Sidenbender Road apartment complex

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

Around 20 longtime residents of Sidenbender Road, located just off of Margaret Avenue, attended  last night's Terre Haute City Council meeting  to show oppositon to a proposed apartment complex in their neighborhood. Many said they've lived  there for 30 years or more.

The eight- acres of land in question is owned by American Water. The developer sought to have it rezoned from single family residential district to a multifamily residential district. Ultimately, the council voted 6-2 in favor of the ordinance. President Karrum Nasser, Vice President Curtis DeBaun and members Martha Crossen, Earl Elliot, Amy Auler and Neil Garrison voted in favor. Members Don Morris and George Azar were opposed. Councilman Todd Nation was not present.

Representing the group of neighborhood residents, attorney Eric Frey said he didn't believe the swamp-like land was developable. In fact,  the narrow and winding road leading to the tract of land isn't suitable or safe for the expected increase in  traffic the 100 units would bring, he said, just before the vote.
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Meanwhile, attorney Richard Shagley said dynamics on that side of the city are changing.  He explained that a project as large as the ongoing Margaret Avenue road expansion --  including the railroad overpass to be constructed at South 19th Street --  is bound to impact travel, business and living along that part of town.

"Quality, affordable housing. You can't get enough of that. There's a demand, there's a need, there are people looking for quality, affordable housing," he said, adding that he is interested to see what further growth to the area will result from the ongoing Margaret Avenue construction project.

Nasser explained that Terre Haute currently consists of 40 percent renters and 52 percent homeowners. He noted that his  vote was based on the potential for boosting the city's financial situation by adding about $50,000 to property taxes each year. 





In other business:

• A request for rezoning of property on Prairieton Road for a new jail site was withdrawn by Vigo County Commissioners.
• The council approved an ordinance to rezone property on Lafayette Avenue for a Senior Living apartment complex.
• The council approved a tax abatement for tire recycling company Pyrolex in the Fort Harrison Industrial Park.
• The council approved a resolution to change a four - way stop at the intersection of Barbour Avenue and North 13th Street to a two - way stop.

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